 While reviewing the album , Shirley Shipin of Rolling Stone opined that " Breakaway " was the highlight of the album where Clarkson sounded " more Avril than Ashlee " . Rhonda Lynn of Florida Entertainment Scene praised the acoustic guitar in the song which is instrumental in holding the whole structure together . Tammy La Gorce of Amazon.com thought that the song would not wear out due to its " rock @-@ friendly thumps , dips , and rolls . " In a different perspective , Joan Anderman of Boston.com remarked that " Breakaway " is not new or exciting @-@ sounding but he admitted that the " hit single accomplishes the rare feat of being thoroughly middle @-@ of @-@ the @-@ road without sacrificing grace or intelligence " . Chuck Taylor of Billboard felt that the song was a weak choice as a single compared to Clarkson 's previous hits , writing " ' Breakaway ' sounds more like an Irish folk song propped up with pop production than the anthemic material with which Clarkson has won over legions of fans . " Kathi Kamen Goldmark of Disney Family.com felt that the song was tedious , simultaneously dull and so emotionally overwrought that it almost sounds like a parody of itself . Michael Wood of The Village Voice described the song as " a swoony acoustic folk @-@ pop that Goo Goo Doll Johnny Rzeznik would trade his hair gel for " . Jill Salama of Oprah.com listed " Breakaway " as one of her nine favourite Idol singles of all time , writing " There is nothing that gets us more than a song about a girl going out on her own . Making a wish , making a change and , of course , breaking away . But seriously , this song is more than just a high school graduation anthem . " 
