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Back To Basics CD (Christina Aguilera)
Monica Mania writes a review of Christina Aguilera’s Back to Basic album. Let me know if you agree with her review!
Christina Aguilera’s latest album, “Back to Basics”, is a double disc that has her experimenting with souls sounds from the 20s, 30s, and 40s alongside a modern day twist. Here’s what I think of it …
First Disc:The gospel influenced “Makes Me Wanna Pray” is uplifting, whereas old school Motown music can be heard on “Understand”. Lead singe – “Ain’t No Other Man” – is extremely catchy and original in its concept. “Without You” and “On Our Way” are heartfelt romantic joints that make you wanna fall in love. “Slow Down Baby” cleverly samples Tony Yayo’s “So Seductive”, and I strongly believe that if it was released instead of “Hurt” (which is very similar to “Beautiful” in it’s arrangement), “Back to Basics” would have sold much more than it already did!
The Scott Storch diss – “F.U.S.S.” – is a very well made interlude, and even though I’m sad to hear about their conflict, I still applaud her ability to come out with another outstanding album without his help. On “Still Dirrty”, Aguilera assures haters that she’s still naughty and provocative despite her new classy image. “Thank You (Dedication to fans)” surprised me by being an honest interpretation of how she’s grateful for those who stood by her. On the down side, she sounds stuck in the past on “Oh Mother” in which she discusses how her birth-giver was abused – a topic that was already handled in “I’m Okay” from Aguilera’s last album, “Stripped”.
Second Disc:
The set opens up with the sexual but hummable “Candyman”, whereas “Save Me from Myself” is my favorite cuz it’s very raw and stripped down. Tracks like “Nasty Naughty Boy”, “Mercy on Me” and “The Right Man” are forgettable.
Conclusion:
Aguilera proved to us once again that she’s an originator and innovator by belting out an album filled with quality material despite using sounds that may seem dated to lots of today’s listeners. The only fault with “Back to Basics” is the lengthy portion when it could have been easily trimmed into one album. If I were in charge, this would have been the final tracklist:Christina Aguilera – Back to Basics (Monica Mania Tracklist):
1. Candyman: co-written and produced by Linda Perry.
2. Makes Me Wanna Pray: co-written by Kara Dioguardi / produced by Rich Harrison.
3. Back in The Day: co-written by Kara Dioguardi / produced by DJ Premier.
4. Ain’t No Other Man: co-written by Kara Dioguardi / produced by DJ Premier.
5. Understand: co-written by Kara Dioguardi / produced by Kwame.
6. Slow Down Baby: co-written by Kara Dioguardi / produced by Mark Ronson.
7. F.U.S.S. (Interlude): co-written by Kara Dioguardi / produced by Charles Martin.
8. On Our Way: co-written by Kara Dioguardi / produced by Big Tank & Q.
9. Save Me from Myself: co-written and produced by Linda Perry.
10. Hurt: co-written by Mark Ronson / produced by Linda Perry.
11. Oh Mother: co-written by Kara Dioguardi / produced by Big Tank & Q.
12. Without You: co-written by Kara Dioguardi / produced by Mark Ronson.
13. Still Dirrty: co-written by Kara Dioguardi / produced by DJ Premier.
14. Trouble: co-written and produced by Linda Perry.
15. Thank You (Dedication to Fans): co-written by Kara Dioguardi / produced by DJ Premier.Monica’z Rating = Very Good.