Christina Aguilera
Back To Basics

THE REVIEW

I read the first review of this vintage album by Christina Aguilera, and it seemed right to give another opinion on this record which I would define as "roller-coaster".

I say roller-coaster because X-tina (or rather, Baby Jane - her latest nickname chosen specifically for the occasion) alternates undoubtedly very valid and convincing songs (Ain't No Other Man, Back In The Day, Still Dirrty, Candyman, Hurt, I Got Trouble...) with other superfluous ones that give the impression of being just fillers.

First of all, the much praised tribute to the music of the '30s and '40s is present exclusively in the second disc (the one defined as "old school"). But as for the first disc, we find ourselves in front of songs that hint at R&B, a track that recalls the violence suffered by her father ("Oh Mother") which, despite being pleasant to listen to, seems like a song just trying to elicit sympathy for the singer. And the album finally closes with one of Christina's worst tracks, "Thank You", disarmingly pointless. In contrast, the album's level rises in the second disc, where we find a grand introduction that directly connects to the second track, but the first song of the CD. "Welcome" (a very spacious piece, great range, great interpretation) ends with a little treat: a gypsy violin picking up the theme of "Enter The Circus" overlaid with a whistle. And now Christina means business.

You immediately dive into a boogie-woogie, "Candyman", absolutely riveting and sparkling. And after this moment of pure joy, we move to a '30s club atmosphere. A flirtatious Christina, who leaves you longing, but perhaps gets too close to a performance worthy of Jessica Rabbit. But if "Nasty Naughty Boy" doesn't completely convince, "I Got Trouble" will clear any doubts. Filtered voice, impeccable execution. A track that's truly not bad. Then we move on to "Hurt", the most beautiful ballad ever written by Christina. Touching and well interpreted. "Mercy On Me" is a gospel well delivered. Then it's the turn of "Save Me From Myself", a delicate song, composed solely of the Voice and a guitar. It certainly won't become a single, but it shows the versatility of the character. Finally, there's "The Right Man", a piece performed by orchestra and voice, masterful and perfectly fitting to close the album.

In conclusion, if the first CD doesn't convince apart from some tracks (among them we find Back In The Day, Ain't No Other Man, Makes Me Wanna Pray, Still Dirty), the second will literally drive you crazy. Two notes: too many "ooh, uuuhh, ooooooh..." and few cheerful songs on the second album. That said, I consider this album to be a great purchase.

With a little time, one will get used to the singer's new style.