christina aguilera, back to basics review

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Value for Money	10/10
Reviewer Rating	10/10
Overall Rating	10/10

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By magicalmuggle on 6th Aug 2006

magicalmuggle's Ratings

Other Artists Listened To	Not supplied
Format	Audio CD
Value for money	10/10
Overall value	10/10
magicalmuggle's recommendation

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General Comments

With Christina Aguilera's comeback, yet again, she has reinvented herself to keep her fans on their toes and also, to reflect her musical versatility and current stage in life. With her third major effort "Back to Basics," she does not fail to impress even the toughest critics with her golden voice, amazing lyrics, and musical originality, packed with the X-factor her industry peers so desperately crave for.

How does "Xtina's" third "baby" fair? It is definitely good, surely. Grammy worthy. The album, which is a double record of 23 tracks including interludes and a behind-the-scenes video, is a concept CD infused with the sensibilities of the past--particularly the 20's, 30's, and 40's spiced with a modern touch. With a risk this big, the consequences could be ghastly but if pulled off successfully, the rewards can be mind-blowing. Amazingly, she pulls it off, offering fans with an introduction to older music without forcing it on them. The album is full of dance-heavy tracks, coupled with feel-good numbers, and tear-jerkers--Christina's forte--at the same time!

The first disc opens with an intro which basically informs that the CD will go back in time in terms of sound and vibe, which amply continues with "Makes Me Wanna Pray," an up-tempo track almost like the upbeat songs sung by talented African-American choirs in churches. You're gonna be praising by the end of the song, which paves the way to "Back in the Day," which is one of my favourites, with its addicting chorus. "Ain't No Other Man" comes next, which continues the up-tempo feel of the album and then goes to "Understand," a slower ballad with "hit single" written all over it. Its chorus, featuring a sample vocal, will leave the track stuck on your head, in a good way. "Slow Down Baby" begins, giving a harder edge to the CD which, if released as a single, will surely be a hit, and goes to "Oh Mother," a deep ballad about Shelly, Christina's mother. "F.U.S.S." starts, which is a short interlude, followed by "On Our Way," another personal favourite. It's so excellent a track that you will picture yourself sitting alone at night and feeling the song through and through. Next will be "Without You," a feel-good track that is very soothing, followed by the racy lyrics of "Still Dirrty," showing off her sexual side perfectly and going against the people who say that she has left her sexiness behind. "Here to Stay," ensues with its high-energy anthem of self-empowerment, followed by "Thank You," disc one's closer featuring clips from fans collected through phone-calls stuck together with Christina's message of gratefulness to her supporters.

Disc two, the more soulful of the twin CDs, starts with an intro again called "Enter the Circus," which is OK besides the fact that Christina's vocals are not here. "Welcome" then is played, which will leave you nostalgic with its epic sound. Too bad its a short track. "Candyman" then begins with its up-tempo beat that is so addicting, making you almost see Christina and her dancers dancing in sailor suits, and then slows down with "Nasty Naughty Boy," with its sexual and racy lyrics coupled by a live jazz band. "I Got Trouble" then is next, featuring a muffled sound reminiscent of old vinyl records, and then is followed by "Save Me From Myself," the jewel of disc two. The track is stripped down to just guitar and vocals, sans the riffs, featuring an intimate Christina singing about her husband. Beautifully done. The CD is closed with "The Right Man," which talks about her wedding day with its slow, soulful sound. It's a beautiful ender, for me, with profound lyrics stringed together with an almost church-like aura.

Overall, the CD is very diverse and balanced, not focusing too much on drama, ballads, or dance-heavy tracks, but rather, incorporates all of them consistently. It shows Christina's versatility and the reaches of her talent, which I think ranges to eternity, showing why Christina's still here after 7 years of singing. The album, too, is very likable, which is the winning power of the double record. It doesn't only make you appreciate the music but also honestly like it.

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