"Dark Side" is a song by American singer Kelly Clarkson, written by busbee and Alexander Geringas, and produced by Greg Kurstin.

"Dark Side" is a mid-tempo synth-pop ballad that incorporates a vigorous music box melody with up-tempo beats in choruses, with its lyrics containing the theme of acceptance, recovery, and inner-beauty.

"Dark Side" has received generally positive reviews from music critics who considered the song as a good successor to "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)", Clarkson's previous single.

In an interview with Popjustice, Clarkson revealed that she had always desired to collaborate with Kurstin since finishing recording tracks for her sophomore album Breakaway in 2004.

Jeff Aldrich, RCA Records' A&R executive, managed to get Kurstin to produce tracks for Clarkson's fifth studio album in 2010.

[3] The final version of the song then surfaced online a week prior to the album's release, although it was quickly removed by RCA Records and the IFPI.

"[5] During the Canadian leg of her Stronger Tour, Clarkson confirmed to MTV News Canada that "Dark Side" will be released as the third single from the album.

"[11] Joey Guerra of Houston Chronicle noted that "Dark Side recalls Clarkson's under-appreciated My December disc, a swirl of lullaby strains and goth-pop grooves.

With a xylophone tinkling out a lullaby-like intro, Clarkson takes a creative adventure into extraterrestrial territory that is an oddly soothing and intriguing fit for her voice.

He later described the song as "a crafty pop hook with Owl City influence that does not let up on skeletal drums, charts new territory for the Idol without venturing too far from the working formula.

"[16] Jason Lipshutz of Billboard remarked, "On this thoughtful mid-tempo track, Clarkson dials back her vocal power on the verses and pleads with a guy to embrace her flaws.

Following its digital sales during the initial release of Stronger, "Dark Side" entered the Gaon Chart in South Korea at number 48.

Scenes of Clarkson performing in a downtown area were filmed underneath the 1st Street Bridge alongside the Los Angeles River.

[36][37] Byron Flitsch of MTV Buzzworthy remarked, "We'd be lying if we didn't admit that the video left us feeling a bit melancholy, but we're pretty sure that's its job.

"[35] Elena Gorgan of Softpedia noted, "'Dark Side' is simple and somewhat understated, which allows it to include so many 'stories,'(sic) each touching in its own right, each perfect to exemplify the beautiful text of the track.

"[37] Amy Sciarretto of Popcrush wrote, "Clarkson mixes performance footage with socially conscious commentary and critique.

As the singer showcases people facing drug addiction, alcoholism, unemployment, weight issues and marital problems in 'Dark Side,' Clarkson sings of how better days are to come.

[50] The song was performed by Darren Criss (Blaine Anderson) on Glee's fourth season episode "Dynamic Duets", which aired on November 22, 2012.