Christina Aguilera
Stripped

THE REVIEW

This time, dear readers, I will not focus on Michael Jackson, but still on a fundamental artist for Pop music: Christina Aguilera.

The album in question is ‘Stripped,’ undoubtedly the most successful album of this fiery artist. Like any pop star's album worth its salt, it doesn’t have a specific genre, which makes it all the more fluid and enjoyable to listen to. When Aguilera released this album, she was still absurdly tied to her image as a sex symbol, but nevertheless capable of delivering strong and intense emotions, thanks especially to her powerful voice (4 octaves). It kicks off with an introduction where she explains that she has freed herself from the role of America’s sweetheart and will finally dress in her personal way as a true woman and career singer.

Compared to other commercial pop albums, this is definitely a cut above the rest. Aguilera herself contributed to writing the music and lyrics with the collaboration of Linda Perry. The first hit released was Dirty, with an aggressive tune and a determined voice, but it doesn't quite measure up to what follows. The masterpiece of the album, in my humble opinion, is Walk Away, a sensual and poignant ballad where the voice becomes delicate yet sexy, enhanced by breathtaking sound. Right after, we encounter a full-on rock piece featuring the guitar of Dave Navarro (former Red Hot Chili Peppers) where the singer unleashes all her repressed anger.

Infatuation is a song with Latin rhythms, a semi-masterpiece not highly appreciated by the younger audience. I would pause on the blues sounds of Impossible, a song written by Alicia Keys, who is also present at the piano. Aguilera's voice excels in all its nuances in this case. Other hits include, as already mentioned, fighter, impossible, the voice within, and the highly successful and fortunate Beautiful, written and composed by Linda Perry, a single that entered the charts worldwide and remained number 1 on the Billboard 200 for six weeks.

In conclusion, it is a highly respectable album, far superior to the average, an album I consider a half masterpiece. It has sold over 12 million copies worldwide, increasingly elevating Aguilera to the ranks of pop stars who stand out from others for a personal style, despite the money-making schemes of record companies.

This time, I hope I have written an appreciable review.