The problem with talent shows like American Idol -- which Clarkson famously won last year -- is that talent is only one small part of being an artist. You also need plenty of originality, creativity, commitment, vision and independence.

None of which those shows measure, encourage, or even appreciate, judging by the bits we've seen.

No, what they're after is exactly what Clarkson delivers on her eminently forgettable debut album Thankful: Assembly-line pop fluff and bland power ballads aimed at the lowest common denominator and designed to offend no one.

Can Clarkson sing? Sure -- though she needs to stop oversinging everything like she's trying to impress Simon.

More to the point, she needs to find her own artistic voice if she wants to make a second album.

Then she -- and we -- might really have something to be thankful for. (More on Kelly Clarkson)

Track Listing
1. The Trouble With Love Is
2. Miss Independent
3. Low
4. Some Kind Of Miracle
5. What's Up Lonely
6. Just Missed The Train
7. Beautiful Disaster
8. You Thought Wrong
9. Thankful
10. Anytime
11. A Moment Like This
12. Before Your Love