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Save You (Kelly Clarkson song)

"Save You" is a song by American recording artist Kelly Clarkson, from her fourth studio album, All I Ever Wanted (2009). Written by Ryan Tedder and Aimée Proal, and produced by Tedder, "Save You" is a rock ballad that about a someone's desire to save someone from a self-destructive behaviour. The song, set in the key of E major features an experimental piano bridge based on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's works.

"Save You"

2008

4:03

Ryan Tedder, Aimée Proal

Ryan Tedder

"Save You" received mixed to positive reviews by music critics, who were equivocal about its production but complimented its experimental bridge and Clarkson's performance. She has also included the song in the set list of the All I Ever Wanted Tour.

Background and recording[edit]

"Save You" was written by Ryan Tedder and Aimée Proal, with Tedder handling its production. A demo of the song was recorded by the rock band Gone 'Til November, whose lead singer is Proal, but after being dropped from Epic Records in 2008, the group disbanded even before recording took place.[2] Development of the song continued when Tedder submitted the demo to Clive Davis, who wanted Kelly Clarkson record it.[3]

Critical reception[edit]

Matt Busekroos of The Quinnipiac Chronicle praised the song as "a beautifully composed ballad with a nod to Mozart, especially near the bridge where a piano solo is prominently featured. The song is pure pop bliss."[5] Debayan Deb of The Hindu praised it as "one of the best engineered tracks as the drums and Kelly Clarkson’s soaring vocals compliment [sic] each other."[9] Larry Rodgers of The Arizona Republic noted that ""Save You" mine the same break-up territory but show added maturity in their delivery by the 26-year-old singer."[10] Leah Greenblatt of Entertainment Weekly described the song as a "soaring, impeccably constructed power ballad."[11]


Jonathan Keefe of Slant Magazine gave a mixed review, he wrote: "The bombastic orchestral arrangement and multi-tracked vocals on "Save You" are overdone, but the strength of Clarkson's dramatic vocal turn still shines through."[12] David Sessions of Patrol Magazine criticized Tedder's production on the song, remarking that he "seems to be intent on bringing his band’s vague, clichéd, synthy rock to girl-pop", which sinks "Save You." and "Already Gone."[13] Brian Linder of IGN gave a mixed review, he wrote, "It's not that the Tedder joints are bad. In fact, they're all perfectly radio-ready tunes. But with the possible exception of "Save You," this synth-heavy stuff is just not what best suits Clarkson's skillset. It makes for a soft midsection of the album that isn't as memorable as the bookends."[14]

Lead Vocals – Kelly Clarkson

Production, Programming, Arranging – Ryan Tedder

Electric Guitar, Piano, Strings – Ryan Tedder

Drums –

Eddie Fisher

Assistance – Tom Syrowski, Joe Martino, Mike Rooney

Production Manager – Sam Watters

Recording – Ryan Tedder, Craig Durrance

Songwriting – Ryan Tedder, Aimée Proal

Credits adapted from the All I Ever Wanted liner notes.[7]


Personnel