MUSIC: "If No One Will Listen"

It's taken me a little while but I finally figured out why I love the song "If No One Will Listen" from Kelly Clarkson's fourth studio album, All I Ever Wanted, so much. Two related reasons, actually. The first is that I've actually heard the song before Clarkson recorded and the second is that it was written by the incredibly talented and virtually unknown singer-songwriter Keri Noble, who's 2004 Fearless album is the location of the original recording of the tune.

"If you find your fists are raw and red from beating yourself down
If your legs have given out under the weight
If you find you've been settling for a world of gray
So you wouldn't have to face down your own hate"

The delicate piano-driven song about finding confidence is a masterpiece in Noble's hands, as she composed it inspired by personal struggles. Clarkson does it justice as well, with her slightly trembling and vulnerable lightly-accompanied voice. It's exciting that Noble's song has been recorded by such well-known artist; despite the fact that this will not be one of Clarkson's singles, it is still a high-profile stage for Noble's work. If you don't already have this track, download it from either (or both) of these fine lady's CD's and look for more of Noble's work in the future!

Sergio del Limónar