Release date: Aug. 15, 2006
22 tracks, 47:02; 31:51

Looked at as a throwback album, Christina Aguilera's latest album, "Back to Basics," takes elements of music from the 30s and 40s and adds current beats to them.

Don't expect Billie Holliday, but it's got that vibe.

Aguilera has always been the one with the pipes. Her vocal range towers over other pop stars like Mandy Moore, Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears.

She's always been praised for her vocal talent as much as she is criticized for her persona - the "Dirrty Xtina."

Well, Dirrty has been cleaned up and transported back to the 30s for the new album.

The double-disc CD starts out steeped in "retro."

From the two minute intro to "Back in the Day" to "Ain't No Other Man," Aguilera plays with retro horn sections and vocals. It works.

Aguilera compares to Holliday like Big Bad Voodoo Daddy compares to Cab Calloway. It's not trying to imitate, it's only modernizing.

A good bit of Aguilera's lyrics focus on her husband. From "Ain't No Other Man" to "Understand."

"After all the hoops I put you through, Now I see that I'm in love with you" are from the latter.

Some tracks seem superfluous though. "F.U.S.S." is aimed at producer Scott Storch (you can fill in the first two letters.) "Looks like I didn't need you, still got the album out."

"Candyman" on the second disk sounds like "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy." "Naughty Naughty Boy" is a slow and sensual throwback to the 40s.

Few artists can completely reinvent themselves and find success - see Pink. Aguilera has found that happy medium, however, and it will be interesting to see what she does next.

Don't expect funky dance numbers in the vein of previous efforts from Aguilera, but there are tracks that will get butts on the dance floor.

Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at September 7, 2006 8:47 AM