2004 Kelly Clarkson Hit With an Unexpected Rock Edge Became a Breakup Anthem Classic
A Billboard ranking of the greatest breakup songs of all time, released in February 2026, includes a defining hit from Kelly Clarkson. The track, "Since U Been Gone," continues to stand out decades after its release and earned a prominent spot on Billboard's "100 Best Breakup Songs of All Time."
Clarkson released the track in November 2004 as part of her second studio album, Breakaway. "Since U Been Gone" dominated music charts and is easily one of her biggest singles of all time.
The track is in the No. 4 spot on Billboard's list, joining Dolly Parton's, "I Will Always Love You," Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive," "I Want You Back" by the Jackson 5, and Prince's "Purple Rain" to round out the top five.
Interestingly, "Since U Been Gone" carries a "bad vibe" for Clarkson, who spoke about some drama involving the song. In his memoir, Clive Davis claimed that he "had to force Clarkson to record" the song-a claim she addressed a few years ago.
"Let's give some backstory," Clarkson said on a June 2023 episode of Watch What Happens Live. "I was lied to, and they told me there are these producers who want to work with you and there's this song. It had dummy lyrics. They didn't have lyrics in. They said they wanted me to work with it. I was told to write to the song."
"They flew me to Sweden," Clarkson continued. "I get there and these two people [producers Max Martin and Dr. Luke] were not told I was writing to it and already had it written. I looked like a fool. The label had told me something completely different. That's a red flag. Why lie to me like that? I don't like the lying. Thats why I have a bad vibe with that song. It's interesting facts that people like to leave out."
"Since U Been Gone" may have a "bad vibe" for Clarkson, but it's a breakup anthem that has stood the test of time.
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This story was originally published April 26, 2026 at 8:14 AM.