It's not surprising when artists evolve. Sometimes. Artists like Madonna and Cher have patented the art of evolution to help maintain your career. These women have been in the business a combined 59 years (21 and 38 respectively) and know their way around. Whenever we see their next look/phase (in Madge's case, nationality), it's like seeing the sun shine or the birds chirp. It's going to happen regardless of the worst dressed lists anc constant barrage of insults both have to endure.

The trend has continuied ever since both have become the resident matrons of the female pop music scene and has become a normal part of any artists career.

Regardless of that fact, I was incredibly shocked to see the first video off of this album, "Dirrty" (two r's added for reasons unknown). Gyrating hips, girl on girl grinding, mini skirts shorter than some of my belts, and enough skin to send her good girl image into oblivion. I really wasn't offended by it or didn't see a real problem her doing it (I mean, we've all see "dirrtier" videos than that, honestly) but I was flabbergasted at the extremes she took it. I mean, I was (and still am to a degree) an huge Christina fan and I didn't even know she had it in her. If you compare the last video from her debut ("Come On Over") to this video, you will definitely see what I'm talking about.

The song itself was straight up hip hop, featuring some pretty good production from Rockwilder (who also worked with her on "Lady Marmalade") and a guest spot from "Funk Dr. Spock" Redman. It was a strong MTV hit and garnered unreal public attention (both good and bad, including a horribly unfunny SNL parody) but sputtered at radio and only reached #48. By comparison, all other Christina singles before "Dirrty" except for her Ricky Martin collabo reached #1. Was this the end of Christina?

Before this album was released, I was hearing a lot of great reviews over it. Everyone was praising her honesty, her maturity, and her personal evolution from virginal and robotic Christina Aguilera to more..."free"...XTina, her new nickname. I listened to a bunch of clips and downloaded the rest of the album so I was anxiously awaiting my copy that I finally got on Christmas.

Tracklisting:
Intro
Can't Hold Us Down f/Lil Kim (**** 1/2)
Walk Away (*****)
Fighter (*****)
Interlude
Infatuation (****)
Interlude
Loving Me 4 Me (*****)
Impossible (**** 1/2)
Underappreciated (**** 1/2)
Beautiful (*****)
Make Over (** 1/2)
Cruz (*****)
Soar (*****)
Get Mine, Get Yours (**** 1/2)
Dirrty (**** 1/2)
Interlude
The Voice Within (****)
I'm Ok (*****)
Keep On Singin' My Song (*****)

And it hurts my soul cause I can't let go all these walls are cavin' in
I can't stop my sufferin'
The stark and emotionally vulnerable piano ballad "Walk Away" is the first track that'll have you really entranced by Christina's voice. A slow burning and raw song about an abusive relationship (I should have known that I was used for amusement/ Couldn't see through the smoke, it was all an illusion/ Now I've been lickin' my wounds, but the venom seeps deeper/ We both can seduce but darlin' you hold me prisoner), "Walk Away" is one of the most real ballads Christina could have recorded. Drawing on some of her past relationships for inspiration, her vocals have this aching quality to them that is completely unexpectant. She exudes a kind of wounded puppy aura that is both heartbreaking and refreshing to hear from her. When the song reaches its climax at around the 3:30 mark, it'll just rip your heart out and stomp on it because the feeling is just there. This is one of the first songs she's done that has been done with some real emotion. She sounds incredible and at the top of her game on this song. No, she's not doing all the complicated riffs that dominated her first album but she sounds human on this song. Her vocals intertwine with the music to create an intense and crescendoing atmosphere. The music itself is simply gorgeous, a kind of jazzy soft r&b melody that starts out soft and demure and by the end of the 5:47 becomes a mostly in your face, tears-in-your-eyes kind of song. The lyrics are amazing. From the lyrical opening (I was naive, your love was like candy) to the end of the last chorus, you get a painful recollection of obviously true events. The most surprising thing is the fact these lyrics came from a 22 year old which i nearly unheard of. The closest thing I can think of is Michelle Branch writing her debut when she was in her early teens. Overall, a song that showcases the genius of Christina.

I am beautiful no matter what they say
Those words couldn't be more perfect for the ever changing pop chameleon or couldn't have come at a better time. In the midst of constant jokes about her image (XXXTina, Slutina, etc.) out comes this 3:58 powerhouse universal anthem for anyone who needs a pick me up. The opening is a very warm albeit guarded Aguilera whispering "don't look at me" over her own crooning and elegant albeit down to earth orchestral-esque music. Written and produced by Linda Perry (Pink), "Beautiful" is Christina's career song, something she will continue to be known for for years to come. It is certainly the most positive song on the album and is also her purest vocal performance. Her vocals on this song rival "Walk Away" in terms of depth, passion and overall quality but have more of a sheen to them that was a reason for its monster success. With its easy to sing-a-long to hook and uplifting aura, "Beautiful" embodies the spirit of the old jazz greats (Ella, Billie, Lena) with touches of modernization. The most superb part of the song has to be her ad libs at around the 2:40 mark. Although they may not appeal to everyone, these wild and unbridled calls of self acceptance ring clearly and have you thinking 'you go girl'. Perry offers up some of her better material for Christina and gives it a personal touch with said ad libs/ Christina exudes a strong sense of self throughout the song but is clearly not the most confident chica around which makes you want to listen to it more. Overall, a fantastic song that'll bring a smile to your face.

Makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
Aguilera's current single, "Fighter" shows off yet another side of the divine Miss A. Coming off of the beautiful "Beautiful" success, she went the exact opposite with the snarling, pit bull-esque arena rock anthem. Featuring Mr. Carmen Electra (Dave Navarro) on guitar, "Fighter" is one of those songs that'll get your energy flowing and an intense look on your face if you've been through a similar situation (as I have). Ok, you have your head a-bangin' and horns in the air. Now what about the rest of the song? The lyrics, as I said, hit rather close to home because of a very bad relationship with a family member (I heard you're going round playin' the victim now/ But don't even begin feeling I'm the one to blame). Long story, don't want to bore you. The fact that "Fighter" and "Walk Away" are consecutive is a huge bonus for us people who get into the music. Both pack an emotional wallop and delve deep into her psyche as some of the rawest material from a pop girl. The song seems to be a place for Christina to vent and boy does she. It's like a kid in a candy store. Her vocals are shockingly strong over the forceful and kick butt guitar playing. She really lets loose toward the end of the song but honestly she never really lets up for the duration of the song. Baring her teeth and showing the person she wrote this about that she's ok (a'la Alanis "You Oughta Know"), Christina succeeds at showcasing another side to herself and gives me a very empowering song. And that's why she wrote it.

I'm leaving today
Livin' it, leaving it to change
One of the shorter songs, "Cruz" is probably the most unique song on the record. Why, it's darn near country. With "stripped" (ha! am I the king or what?) acoustic verses and an almost a capella hook only two lines long, this song has that desert-y, chick flick kind of flavor to it that is kind of bizarre as to how appropriate it would be. The lyrics aren't all that complex (they're a kind of journal entry of her journey to someplace) but are the last thing I notice as I listen to such amazing vocals and strong instrumentation. Christina's vocals are very full and like the wind, going in one direction then immediately changing. She has a very innocent tone to her vocals, especially during the opening minute or two. By the time the song ends she goes out like a champ, transforming the lyrics from a song to a song. Kudos on the fact she can mold her vocals so well to go from r&b to country to rock and still have an ounce of artistic credibility. The music of "Cruz" really hsd 2 forms; form one is the soft, very shy sounding piano ballads while form two is a reflective and introspective power ballad. Both work well and both would have made good separate songs but as a combo platter, they work amazing.

Feelin' confined like I'm being force fed
My vision's blurry and I'm lost in regrets
Now, the rest of the album is hunky doory but this song is just not my cup of tea. One of the four songs produced by Perry, "Make Over" has some redeeming qualities to it. I like the fact that it is that different from anything else on the record. I like the general lyrics to the song. It's obviously about her previous image and how she just got fed up with it. The place it comes from it real and I honestly respect that. Problem one is the beat. A retro Agrentinian rock concoction slapped together by mad scientist Perry, "Make Over" never picks a real direction to go in. The verses are very slick and pop-heavy. They hae the retro part cracking to a "t". They have a warm and almost inviting quality to them that nearly made me give "Make Over" a good rating. But what kocked the song out of contention? The gawd awful hook. Two lines of music seem like an eternity when this tornado of a hook hits. Its a terrible place for the verses to lead up to; its nothing like the verses and just doesn't flow well. It has some of the worst screeching (a'la Courtney Love) that is just not flattering on Christina's voice. You can barely tell what she's saying let alone get any groove going. I think it is just a way for her to be able to say bullsh!t and be able to sound at least halfway decent. It would go over so well in a song like "Cruz". "Make Over" is completely forgettable and a waste of space. Oh well, no one's perfect.

I would compare this album to Kelly Clarkson's debut in terms of genre hopping and the ability to do such. This album will knock you on your butt and have you shaking it within the next two songs. Christina makes a remarkable statement not only about her artistic ability (which, after this, is limitless) but also about her personality. She shows some real emotion and shows she's not a robot pop queen. She is only just beginning, people.

4.62 stars

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Hanging With Friends