From the albums The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement and Breakaway (2004).
Written by Avril Lavigne, Bridget Benenate and Matthew Gerrard.
Produced by John Shanks.
Peaked at #6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 // #22 on the UK Official Chart (where it was released 2 years later).
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The song, written by Matthew Gerrard, Bridget Benenate and Avril Lavigne, was originally intended for Lavigne's debut studio album, Let Go (2002). After being deemed unsuitable for the album, it was passed to Clarkson to be recorded as a soundtrack for the film 'The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement'. Clarkson, who was finishing her second studio album at that time, recorded "Breakaway" to tide her fans over until the first single from her new album was released. However, the song's success prompted its inclusion on Clarkson's second album where she decided to name the album after the song.
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"Breakaway" was positively received by music critics, who complimented the song's universal message and its simple lyrics where people could relate to. It incorporates acoustic guitars and airy drums which are interspersed with Clarkson's controlled voice. The lyrics narrate Clarkson's journey as a girl growing up in a small town who follows her dream for self-improvement. "Breakaway" was a commercial success outside of the United States, where it peaked within the top 20 of multiple European countries, and in the top 10 in Australia, Belgium, Hungary and the Netherlands. In the US, the song peaked at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became her third top ten song in the chart.