The 10 Best Kelly Clarkson Songs of the Decade

Kelly Clarkson first hit the music scene in early 2002 when she appeared on the first season of American Idol. Not only did she appear on American Idol, she won the first season with over 58% of the vote. Since then, she's released several award-winning albums and has never looked back. Here's a list of her best songs of the past decade. From hard rocking songs to slow ballads, you can't go wrong with Kelly Clarkson on our playlist.

10. Miss Independent

From the 2003 Thankful album, this song has a great beat and a great message about being empowered and falling in love. The chorus is strong - "What is the feelin' taking over? Thinkin' no one could open my door, Surprise, it's time to feel what's real. What happened to Miss Independent? No more need to be defensive. Goodbye, old you when love is true."

9. A Moment Like This

This is the song that made Kelly Clarkson famous. At the end of each American Idol season, the producers put together an original song for each finalist to sing. For the first season, the song was a "Moment Like This." This cheesy ballad may not be everyone's cup of tea but it was a great song for Kelly Clarkson and made her the winner of American Idol Season 1.

8. I Do Not Hook Up

This catchy, hip song is one that will get stuck in your head. From the 2009 All I Ever Wanted album, this newer Kelly Clarkson song is a winner. She sings to the fact that she won't let herself be used. This song should be an anthem for girls everywhere.

7. Never Again

From the 2007 Platinum album, My December, this song is 3 minutes and 37 seconds of pure fun. This song is what every women scorned would like to say to her ex-boyfriend. A sampling of the lyrics: "Does it hurt to know I'll never be there; but it sucks, to see my face everywhere. It was you who chose to end it like you did. I was the last to know. You knew exactly what you would do and don't say you simply lost your may. She may believe you but I never will. Never again." It doesn't hurt that she's famous so if she's really singing this to an ex-boyfriend, I bet it does hurt to see her face everywhere, given how famous Kelly Clarkson now is.

6. Walk Away

This is another solid hit from Kelly Clarkson, featured on Breakaway, which sold over 5 million copies and won the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album in 2006. This is a great song to add to your workout playlist; a song about female independence with a great chorus - "I'm looking for attention, not another question. Should you stay or should you go? Well, if you don't have the answer why you still standin' here?" Another great girl anthem that declares if he doesn't get it, then just walk away.

5. Behind These Hazel Eyes

This is another hit from the Breakaway album. This one gets under your skin and won't let go. This song speaks to being broken hearted but keeping strong. The lyrics declare "Just seeing you, it kills me now. Now I don't cry on the outside anymore." A lot of women can relate to this song's message and learn from its lesson by never letting them see you cry.

4. Because of You

This one is a bit slower than a lot of her most popular songs but delivers just as strongly. Because of You is another hit from the Breakaway album and definitely showcases Kelly Clarkson's strong vocals. This slow ballad is about learning to trust and avoiding mistakes, but ultimately challenges the listener to not live in fear. At 3 minutes, 39 seconds, this song can be a tear jerker.

3. Breakaway

The title track from the Breakaway album, this song is one of Kelly Clarkson's best known songs. As is common with many of her songs, the lyrics of this track speak to female independence, building confidence and exploring new areas. These lyrics describe the heart of the song best: "I'll spread my wings, and I'll learn how to fly. I'll do what it takes till I touch the sky. And I'll make a wish, take a chance, make a change, and breakaway.

2. Since U Been Gone
Add this one to your workout playlist now! This rocking song earned her the Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 2006 Grammy Awards. Sticking true to her roots, this song is also about female empowerment and being true to one's self. For a different version of the song, check out her duet with Reba McEntire. The end of the song really ramps up and you get a real taste of Kelly Clarkson's rock ability. She is a great performer and this song is perfect for her vocal talent.

1. My Life Would Suck Without You

True dysfunction at its best describes this song to a tee. The lyrics of this song tell a story of a broken up couple who aren't good together but can't be apart. Many fans can relate to this story and can appreciate the humor behind it. These lyrics say it best "Being with you is so dysfunctional I really shouldn't miss you but I can't let you go." This is a great song to dance to, work out to, or just rock out to in the car.