See that over to the right there? That’s the cover art to Kelly Clarkson‘s new single, “My Life Would Suck Without You,” which heads to radio on January 19. Just seeing it makes me all sorts of happy.

If you caught the recent meet-up between record exec Clive Davis and comedian Bill Maher on Sundance Channel’s Iconoclasts, then you’ve already heard a bit of “My Life Would Suck.” Songwriter Dr. Luke stopped by to play a demo for Davis, and the “man with the golden ears” said he’d already pegged the unfinished tune for Clarkson’s new album.

The veil on Masquerade All I Ever Wanted is set to be lifted on March 17, and RCA label head Tom Corson recently told the Wall Street Journal that Clarkson “is in a period where she wants to take on the pop world again.” Following the darker tones of 2007’s My December, the new single’s cover art certainly suggests a move toward lighter musical confections, and a leaked list of possible album tracks seems to confirm it.

Not only do Dr. Luke and Max Martin, the writing-production duo responsible for the brilliant “Since U Been Gone,” reunite for “My Life Would Suck Without You,” but new American Idol judge Kara Dioguardi, who co-wrote five songs on Clarkson’s Breakaway (including “Walk Away”) is back with one, and Ryan Tedder is new with two. Chart expectations must be riding high for Masquerade All I Ever Wanted, with current pop princess Katy Perry invited to the ball, landing two co-writes. (In a definite departure from 2007’s My December, the singer herself currently has none. Too busy touring with Reba, perhaps?)

If you can’t hold out until January 19 to hear “My Life Would Suck Without You” (or really, any day now, as it’s bound to leak before then), here’s one way to pass the hours in between: Concoct your own melody to match the lyrics and see how close you come to the real thing.

As one who thought My December was unfairly dismissed, I’m rooting for Clarkson, whatever direction she chooses to take. That said, the unabashed pop fan in me is really hoping that “My Life” doesn’t, in fact, suck.

Masquerade All I Ever Wanted is available for pre-order at Amazon.