(Music Blip) Christina Aguilera: "Back to Basics"

No. These aren't the basics. This is more of Christina Aguilera's trademark belting/oversinging style. Granted, "Back to Basics" is probably Christina's best, most accomplished album, but it's also a load of overblown nonsense. Christina desperately tries to capture the big band, jazz/soul stylings of, let's say, Ella Fitzgerald, but comes off as just that; someone from today trying to do a sound that is not suited for her. Therein lies the biggest problem for this album, Christina can't pull off this style of music, despite all her efforts. She's a talented vocalist, yes, but her vocals are not suited for this stuff.

Then there's other times where she backpedals, so as not to displease any of her fans, affirming that she's "Still Dirrty" and encouraging men to "Taste her sugar." Are these "The Basics?" I somehow doubt it.

Additionally, "Back to Basics" is a 2-disc release, which in itself begs for a couple songs to be cut. What's worse, however is that disc to only contains a couple songs, all of which could have fit on disc one. So why disc 2? A video feature. Honestly, why disjoint your album so grossly when its capable of being on one disc? I don't understand. Even without the enhancement of disc two, there are too many songs on here and it often feels like it's too much to handle all at once.

Like I said, this is her best album, and it seems as if she's finally come into her own, but seriously, this is bullcrap. It's far from her teen-pop roots, and a step in the right direction, but Christina should realize what her strengths are, her voice and beauty, and exploit them in a manner to which they are best suited. Unfortunately, this is not it.

Recommended for Christina Aguilera fans, or anyone with time to kill.

Key Tracks:
1. "Back In the Day"
2. "Ain't No Other Man"
3. "Candyman"

2 out of 5 Stars