cletta1201's Full Review: Back to Basics by Christina Aguilera
Just about anyone will tell you that most artists are built on image and not talent. Especially in this day in age when most artist’s are pretty to look at and lack a lot of substance, which is not to say that these people aren’t capable of making good songs because nothing could be further from the truth (but that’s another discussion for another day). If any contemporary singer is taking their image and trying to push it to the limit, it would have to be Christina Aguilera.
It’s been just under 4 years since Aguilera’s @ssless chaps and body piercings were shown to anyone who cared to look. The old “dirrty” Xtina has been replaced with a newly married Christina – the girl come woman who has a penchant for overly done red lipstick and too blonde hair. So with this current image overhaul means new material and Aguilera’s own personal homage to old Hollywood glamour all executed with a modern twist.
The problem is that even though there isn’t any material in current airplay that sounds like what Aguilera is doing, she’s still not doing anything that’s novel. Back To Basics isn’t revolutionary – all of what she’s doing has been done before. Adding album crackles and adding a Hip-Hop producer (or 3) doesn’t mean you’ve created a new sound. What Back To Basics is, is a vanity album from an artist who’s paid some dues and wants to do what she feels is right. And if anyone worth their salt were calling it that, it might feel more palatable.
The whole affair gets off to a strong start with “Makes Me Wanna Pray” which is church gospel love goodness. Produced by Rich Harrison (Beyonce, Mya, Amerie) Pray showcases some of what’s good about Aguilera; her grit and soul while holding on tight to the reigns that ruin songs like “Back In The Day”, which just feels busy (the too syndrome).
“Ain’t No Other Man” a tribute to Aguilera’s better half (Jordan Bratman – but you don’t care about that do you?) is at best okay. Being the owner of a shiny new DJ Premier beat full of percussion and record crackles does not a song make and the song sounds contrived. “Fuss” is Back To Basics’ “Stripped Intro” for 2006. Allegedly a dig at one of Stripped’s primary producers, Scott Storch, Aguilera may have grown up a lot – but she can still throw a punch.
One of the shining highlights of the chaotic Back To Basics is “Still Dirrty”. Despite having just a few too many vocal runs, it’s the glimmer of the girl who shoved an overt sexuality in your face a few years ago trying to be everything her counterparts weren’t and despite an image change, is still holding on to some of what she used to be. “Here To Stay” could also have found a home on Stripped, as could have almost all of the really good material on Back To Basics. With a hard groove and a won’t back down attitude, it’s “Fighter” (also from Stripped) with a Hip-Hop beat.
Back To Basic’s second disc is just short of a disaster. Its saving graces are few and far between. “Save From Myself” a sweet, almost lullaby is vocally understated and although its lyrics aren’t going to win songwriting awards ("When I'm about to fall/Somehow you're always waiting/With your open arms to catch me"), it comes together quite nicely. “Mercy On Me” and “The Right Man” aren’t quite as delicious, but they both have the same understated loveliness that’s not found very often throughout the album. The latter’s vocal arrangement leaves you wanting to hear more from this Christina. Just as fans (and opponents) of Mariah Carey ached to hear her stop “screaming”, you want Aguilera to stop belting and just let her voice stand on it’s own, something it’s entirely capable of doing.
The main problem for Back To Basic’s second half is that for just over ten minutes smack dab in the middle of the second disc lies a trio of songs (Candyman, I Got Trouble, Nasty Naughty Boy) that do absolutely nothing to enhance the album’s sound. Despite the throwback to the juke joints of yore, it doesn’t feel plausible. On one hand, it was quite ambitious :) for Aguilera to tackle an era of music that contemporary music listeners generally don't care to here and try to fuse it with current influences and make the whole thing enjoyable, but it doesn't work fluidly.
Where Back To Basics majorly missteps, is that it’s just too. Too much material, too much “inspiration”, just altogether too much. The talent is undoubtedly there, nobody is even attempting to question that. But talent doesn’t always need a gimmick and this album is full of those.
Product DetailsOriginal Title:Back to Basics (2 CD)Condition: NEWFormat: CDArtist: Christina AguileraLanguage: EnglishGenre: DanceMore at iNetVideo.com
One of the most accomplished performers of the last decade, Christina Aguilera has sold well over 25 million albums worldwide and cultivated a fan bas...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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