The follow-up to her sophomore album Stripped, Christina Aguilera goes Back to Basics to create an album inspired by all the things that inspired her from the beginning. The little pop star with the big voice has created a set of fraternal twins: a two disc set she describes as being inspired by the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. Although some tracks do seem to have some roots in these decades, most of the tracks seem to span others. Whether or not she has her dates mixed up, Christina Aguilera has produced an absolutely amazing album.

Christina Aguilera debuted during the pop explosion of the late 90’s, earning her comparisons to other blonde acts such as Britney Spears, Jessica Simpson, and Mandy Moore. She was set apart by her voice and has since gone on to win three Grammys and a Latin Grammy. Her sophomore effort was an eclectic mix of songs from all genres. Although a great album that had something for everyone, her new album accomplishes what her second album did but adds something it lacked: unity. Tracks flow from one to the other with ease and grace. She managed to add something for everyone but the songs fit together like pieces of a puzzle.

The first disc has been described as a more modern take on the throwback idea. Sampling is used extensively and DJ Premier produced most of the disc. Interesting beats are found in almost every track that catch your ear as something you don’t hear every day. Most of the tracks have a heavy r&b feel with the exception of the hip gospel track Make Me Wanna Pray featuring Steven Winwood. Back In The Day, one of my favorite tracks on the album, has a very funky-retro feel as Christina instructs you to “Break out the Marvin Gaye and Etta James, your Lady Day and Coltrane. Turn up your 45’s, bring back to life, the sound and vibe of yesterday.” The vocal arrangements were very well done on this track and the result is very relaxing to listen to. Ain’t No Other Man, the well-charting first single, also has a place on this disc. The horns are fresh and old at the same time and do a great job of giving you a feel for the mood of the album but tends to make people believe the entire album involves sounds from the 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s when it really has influences from much more than that.

Understand is another stand-out track on this album of stand-outs about getting someone to understand why you pushed him away and thanking him for not listening. The lyrics are well-written and the samples are blended fantastically. The song has a really great throwback vibe to it. The melody is interesting and the vocals are spectacular. Christina has been known to overdo the vocals at times and this was not the case at all on this track. Slow Down Baby is an catchy track with an intoxicating melody over the captivating sound of a saxophone. This is one of the most heavy R&B-feeling tracks. Still Dirrty is a fun reminder that she is still the same person from the last album. She insists “If I wanna wear lingerie outside of my clothes, if I wanna be erotic in my own videos, if I wanna be provocative, well that ain’t a sin. Maybe you’re not comfortable in your own skin.” The vocals are over funky instrumentation and a mellow beat.

This disc also includes Oh Mother, a thank-you song to her mother for getting them out of their violent situation when she was a child. It is a pretty song and emotional. I felt the song very deeply although I had never had any similar experiences so I believe it served its purpose. This disc also includes the much talked about interlude (but unnecessary) F.U.S.S.,telling off previous collaborator Scott Storch and finishes with Christina showing her appreciation to fans on Thank You (dedication to fans) which involves clips of Genie In A Bottle mixed with voicemails from fans. Here To Stay, which had been used in Christina’s Pepsi promotion, also is included on the disc.

Disc two is all live instrumentation and begins with an unnecessary intro by Linda Perry, leading into Welcome, a fun, epic sounding track, reminiscent of something from a Rocky Movie (pick a number, any of them). Christina’s soaring vocals welcome you to the “greatest show on earth you’ve never seen before.” Candyman is a recreation of an old swing song that could easily be mistaken for an original recording rather than a throwback if not for lyrics like “makes the panties drop” and “he’s a one stop gotchya hot makin my ugh pop.” The song is just fun. Nasty Naughty Boy. is another authentic-sounding track that evokes the whole smoky club feel although it isn’t the lyrically-tamest track on the record. Singing mostly in her lower range, the vocals complete the effect. I Got Trouble was previewed on the music video for Ain’t No Other Man and is the track Christina has spoken about recording several times. A vintage microphone and a wet cloth were used to give it a crackling sound and it effectively creates that “old-recording” sound. A raspy voice sings “I ain’t nothin’ but trouble babe, not since the day that I was born.”

The last four tracks of the album are my favorites, all standing out in every aspect. Hurt consists of excellent vocals detailing a damaged relationship as Christina apologizes for blaming someone for her shortcomings and assures that she hurt herself by hurting him or her. The piano is haunting and the vocals help capture this feel. The vocals on the track Mercy On Me sound very raw and emotional as she sings of her sins over a piano and a very classic-sounding beat. Her vocals are astounding toward the end of the song as her upper range shines as she begs for forgiveness. Save Me From Myself is a softly sung track over a guitar. It creates a feel of being in the studio hearing it live, as Christina sings to her husband, “Don’t ask me why I’m crying, cause when I start to crumble, you know how to keep me smiling.” The track The Right Man brings the album to a grand close as Christina sings of her wedding day with strong vocals over an equally strong orchestra. The disc includes a behind-the-scenes video which is a nice freebie.

The album has an excellent feel with interesting beats and instrumentation. I would consider the album a tribute to and showcase of what Christina Aguilera is inspired by rather than a throwback to the era she mentions. Sampling is well done and I found the lyrics to be easy to relate to. Christina Aguilera’s vocals were amazing. Well placed and not overdone. I recommend this album to any R&B or pop fans. Musically, it is a well done album so any fan of music that is open-minded enough to give it a listen, go for it. You won’t be disappointed.


Recommended: Yes

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