Studio Album · No. 8
Meaning of Life Songwriting Credits by Kelly Clarkson
Produced by The Monarch, Jesse Shatkin, Mozella, Priscilla Renea, Mick Schultz, Jessica Ashley Karpov, Nick Ruth, Jussifer, Nova Wav, Fade Majah, Jason Halbert, Greg Kurstin, Michael Pollack · Engineered by Serban Ghenea, Chris Gehringer
Atlantic Records
PopSoulR&B
29%
Authorship
Holds writing credit on 4 of 14 tracks
Authorship Breakdown 4 / 14 documented
Who wrote the songs?
Scored across the 14 tracks with documented writers, by whether Kelly Clarkson carries a lyricist or composer credit.
4 trackswritten by Kelly Clarkson
10 tracksoutside writers
Kelly Clarkson's roles on this album
Share of the 14 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.
Lyricist29%
Composer29%
Producer0%
Performer100%
By the Numbers
14
Tracks
23
Lyricists
13
Producers
2017
Released
Awards & Recognition 2
Best Pop Vocal Album (2019, Nominated)
Best Pop Solo Performance (for 'Love So Soft') (2018, Nominated)
Data Insight
Meaning of Life was Kelly Clarkson's first album for Atlantic Records and pushed her toward a soul and R&B direction, with Clarkson co-writing across the record alongside a production roster that included Jason Halbert, Jesse Shatkin, Greg Kurstin and Nova Wav. The lead single 'Love So Soft' leaned into a retro-soul groove while 'Whole Lotta Woman' and 'Move You' showcased her vocal power over horn-driven arrangements. Serban Ghenea handled the mix and Chris Gehringer the mastering, giving the project a polished modern-soul sheen. The album earned Clarkson a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album.
Track Listing & Credits 14 tracks
Written by the artist
Written by outside writers
| # | Title | Lyricist(s) | Composer(s) | Producer(s) | Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
A Minute (Intro)
|
Andre DavidsonSean DavidsonJim McCormickKatie Pearlman | Andre DavidsonSean DavidsonJim McCormickKatie Pearlman | The Monarch | Kelly Clarkson (Lead Vocals) |
| 2 |
Love So Soft
#47
|
Jesse ShatkinPriscilla ReneaMaureen McDonald | Jesse ShatkinPriscilla ReneaMaureen McDonald | Jesse ShatkinMozellaPriscilla Renea | Kelly Clarkson (Lead Vocals) |
| 3 |
Heat
|
Andre DavidsonSean DavidsonJessica Ashley KarpovMichael PollackMick Schultz | Andre DavidsonSean DavidsonJessica Ashley KarpovMichael PollackMick Schultz | The MonarchMick SchultzJesse ShatkinJessica Ashley Karpov | Kelly Clarkson (Lead Vocals) |
| 4 |
Meaning of Life
|
Jesse ShatkinIlsey JuberJames Morrison Catchpoll | Jesse ShatkinIlsey JuberJames Morrison Catchpoll | Jesse Shatkin | Kelly Clarkson (Lead Vocals) |
| 5 |
Move You
|
Nick RuthAmy KuneyMolly Kate Kestner | Nick RuthAmy KuneyMolly Kate Kestner | Nick Ruth | Kelly Clarkson (Lead Vocals) |
| 6 |
Whole Lotta Woman
|
Kelly ClarksonJussi KarvinenDenisia AndrewsBrittany ConeyEvon Barnes Jr.Jesse Shatkin | Kelly ClarksonJussi KarvinenDenisia AndrewsBrittany ConeyEvon Barnes Jr.Jesse Shatkin | Jesse ShatkinJussiferNova WavFade Majah | Kelly Clarkson (Lead Vocals) |
| 7 |
Medicine
|
Mick SchultzJessica Ashley Karpov | Mick SchultzJessica Ashley Karpov | Mick SchultzJessica Ashley Karpov | Kelly Clarkson (Lead Vocals) |
| 8 |
Cruel
|
Andre DavidsonSean DavidsonJessica Ashley KarpovPat Linehan | Andre DavidsonSean DavidsonJessica Ashley KarpovPat Linehan | Jason Halbert | Kelly Clarkson (Lead Vocals) |
| 9 |
Didn't I
|
Andre DavidsonSean DavidsonAudra MaeKatie Pearlman | Andre DavidsonSean DavidsonAudra MaeKatie Pearlman | The MonarchJesse Shatkin | Kelly Clarkson (Lead Vocals) |
| 10 |
Would You Call That Love
|
Kelly ClarksonGreg Kurstin | Kelly ClarksonGreg Kurstin | Greg Kurstin | Kelly Clarkson (Lead Vocals) |
| 11 |
I Don't Think About You
|
Andre DavidsonSean DavidsonMichael PollackJessica Ashley Karpov | Andre DavidsonSean DavidsonMichael PollackJessica Ashley Karpov | The MonarchMichael Pollack | Kelly Clarkson (Lead Vocals) |
| 12 |
Slow Dance
|
Nick RuthAmy KuneyMolly Kate Kestner | Nick RuthAmy KuneyMolly Kate Kestner | Nick Ruth | Kelly Clarkson (Lead Vocals) |
| 13 |
Don't You Pretend
|
Kelly ClarksonJesse ShatkinMaureen McDonald | Kelly ClarksonJesse ShatkinMaureen McDonald | Jesse Shatkin | Kelly Clarkson (Lead Vocals) |
| 14 |
Go High
|
Kelly ClarksonJesse ShatkinMaureen McDonald | Kelly ClarksonJesse ShatkinMaureen McDonald | Jesse Shatkin | Kelly Clarkson (Lead Vocals) |
Songwriter & Credit Spotlight 29 contributors
JS
Jesse Shatkin
Writer · Producer
AD
Andre Davidson
Writer
SD
Sean Davidson
Writer
JA
Jessica Ashley Karpov
Writer · Producer
KC
Kelly Clarkson
Writer · Vocals
MM
Maureen McDonald
Writer
MS
Mick Schultz
Writer · Producer
NR
Nick Ruth
Writer · Producer
MP
Michael Pollack
Writer · Producer
AK
Amy Kuney
Writer
KP
Katie Pearlman
Writer
MK
Molly Kate Kestner
Writer
More from Kelly Clarkson
2003
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2004
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Breakaway
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2007
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My December
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2009
43%
All I Ever Wanted
RCA Records
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2011
46%
Stronger
RCA Records
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2013
36%
Wrapped in Red
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2015
23%
Piece by Piece
RCA Records
13 tracksProd. Greg Kurstin
2021
42%
When Christmas Comes Around...
Atlantic Records
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2023
86%
Chemistry
Atlantic Records
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Frequently Asked Questions Meaning of Life
Who is Meaning of Life by and when was it released?
Meaning of Life is the eighth studio album by American singer Kelly Clarkson, released on October 27, 2017. It was her debut album for Atlantic Records after leaving RCA. The record marked a deliberate shift toward soul and R&B.
What was the lead single from Meaning of Life?
'Love So Soft' was the lead single, released in September 2017. It peaked at number 47 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. The track set the soul-leaning tone for the album.
Did Kelly Clarkson write songs on Meaning of Life?
Yes, Kelly Clarkson co-wrote material on the album as she does across much of her catalog. She worked with a range of writers and producers including Jesse Shatkin, Jason Halbert and Nova Wav. The collaborations shaped the album's modern-soul songwriting.
What genre is Meaning of Life?
Meaning of Life blends pop with soul and R&B. It was a conscious move away from the rock-pop of her earlier records toward a fuller, groove-driven sound. Horn arrangements and vocal-forward production define the album.
Did Meaning of Life win or get nominated for any awards?
The album was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album at the Grammy Awards, and lead single 'Love So Soft' was nominated for Best Pop Solo Performance. Clarkson also received the Powerhouse Award at the 2017 Billboard Women in Music event during the album's promotion.
Is Meaning of Life certified?
Yes, Meaning of Life was certified Gold by the RIAA in the United States, representing 500,000 album-equivalent units. The certification came in 2021, several years after release.
What other singles came from Meaning of Life?
Beyond 'Love So Soft,' the album spawned 'I Don't Think About You' and 'Heat.' 'Heat' reached number one on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. Both extended the album's soul and dance-pop reach.