Back to Basics
Album Description
Japanese pressing of the highly anticipated two CD 2006 release from Pop diva Christina Aguilera features bonus Enhanced Video material. Christina Aguilera has transformed her image and musical style with every album. With the new Back to Basics album, her musical style has changed from the urban and light rock sounds of Stripped to a soulful and jazz-inspired album. Aguilera has described this album as a soul record combining elements of 1920s, ’30s and ’40s blues an… More >>
How refreshing to see someone as young as Christina paying respect and tribute to the soul/jazz/blues legends of yesteryear (even though she appears to be confused about the eras. Most of the songs has influences from the 50s, 60s, and 70s and not just the 20s, 30s, and 40s as she claimed). This confusion does not hurt the beauty of this cd. In fact, it allows Christina to offer something to everyone.
On Disc One, Christina joins forces with DJ Premier, Rich Harrison, Kwame, Mark Ronson, Charles Roane, Big Tank and Tony Reyes & Ben H. Allen for an exciting world of R&B, Soul, Hip Hop and some Blues. The songs are either uptempo or midtempo, but Christina commands every lyric and melody. From the churchy “Makes Me Wanna Pray” to the edgy “Here To Stay”, Christina holds your attention. Even when she is all about “me” like on interludes F.U.S.S and Intro (Back to Basic), Christina comes across as being true with her emotions. The only song that suffers is “Thank You” which I find rather pointless.
On Disc Two, the show is all about Christina and Linda Perry (who is becoming one of the most important female writers/producers of all time). Songs like the Andrew Sisters-inspired “Candyman”, the sexy “Nasty Naughty Boy, and the bluesy “I Got Trouble” are all throwbacks to another era of time. While songs like the pop ballad “Hurt” and the churchy “Mercy On Me” has a modern day twist. Christina really sells these songs but the biggest surprise is the sweet folky “Save Me From Myself” and the 50s pop style “The Right Man”. In both songs, you can tell Christina is singing from the heart and to her new husband.
Disc One and Disc Two are actually two seperate albums because they are both very different in styles, but the quality of both cds are high level. The growth from the last cd is clear because the one thing I also noticed is while ‘Stripped’ concentrated on sound and structure, ‘B2B’ focus on songs and structures (two totally different concepts). This is also the cd in which Christina leaves behind Britney, Jessica, Lindsey and that crew and join Alicia and Beyonce as the most talented pop female artists of their generation. Wow! She has come a long way from her “Genie” days, let’s hope she can continue to grow.
Highlights from the cd:
Back In the Day
Slow Down Baby
Without You
Still Dirrty
Candyman
Hurt
Mercy On Me
Save me From Myself
The Right Man
Rating: 5 / 5
Its usually not a good sign when an artist delivers a two-disc record. Christina Aguilera’s new record Back to Basics shows an adventurous ambition to produce two albums with different sounds but a common thematic arc. Though both discs have some excellent tracks, this could have been one amazing album instead of just two solid ones with some judicious editing. What you will find though, is great samples, huge hooks, and a fresh sound incorporating both old and new into a cohesive whole.
Disc One, produced by the impressive DJ Premier, is laden with great samples and entangling hooks. “Intro(Back to Basics)” is a funk filled preamble paying homage to “the soulsingers…jazzmakers and groundbreakers…who paved the way.” Christina wastes no time in showing her vocal range on the piano and gospel choir driven track “Makes Me Wanna Pray.” The excellent “Back in the Day” has a great retro sound and namechecks Coltrane and the “originators and innovators who…remain my inspiration every day.” The trumpets bust out on the energetic, rhythmic “Ain’t No Other Man,” while “Slow Down Baby” is a sultry brush-off of a potential suitor, “You never gonna get it from me, because I’m with someone.” “Oh Mother” is the most modern song on Disc One, lacing an elegant, emotional vocal on the abuse she and her mother suffered over a simple drum track. “Still Dirrty” is a mash of great samples with Christina’s assurance that under the Jean Harlow glam she is still a freak. “Thank You(Dedication to Fans)” is a ode to the audience that, while very sweet, is an unnecessary addition.
Disc Two has a very different sound thanks to the tonal discord of the intro track, “Enter the Circus.” The synth-heavy “Welcome” is a dark track that doesn’t quite mesh with its upbeat lyrics. “Candyman” jumps with life from its opening bars, with a fun swing sound and layered harmonies. Sounding as if they came straight off a 40-year old vinyl disc, the delightfully risque “Nasty Naughty Boy,” which takes sexual innuendo to a new level, and the soft and seductive “I Got Trouble” make for a great pairing. “Hurt” is a typical Christina ballad, and a likely huge hit, but one whose tone and sound are out of place on this record. The passionate “Mercy on Me” is a great stand alone track that sounds more 60s than jazz, and the sparse acoustic guitar of “Save Me From Myself” is a nice change of pace, but the keyboard-dominated “The Right Man” closes with a bit of a whimper rather than a bang. Linda Perry has co-written and produced some amazing tracks in her career, but that success leads her to veer wildly from sound to sound in search of a big single. Perry’s ADD method of producing delivers three great tracks, but it’s extremely ironic that DJ Premier’s disc has an overall more cohesive sound with more commercial potential than Perry’s.
This is a lot of music to absorb, and despite some tracks better suited to earlier albums or the recycle bin, this is one impressive collection of songs. Aguilera has an ability to reinvent herself from disc to disc, maintaining a freshness few artists have been able to retain. Her voice is as dominating as always, but she is smart enough to tone it down where necessary. Some track editing could have been used here, but there is more than enough to entertain, and fans will be able to mix and match their favorites into one amazing album. Recommended.
A.G. Corwin
St Louis, MO
Rating: 5 / 5
Simply put, “Back To Basics” is an INCREDIBLE album that brings Christina Aguilera’s credit as an artist to a whole new dimension. The sounds on this album feel like authentic oldschool classics, but they have a unique modern touch. The songs are so organic and authentic to the point where you forget that its oldschool-inspired and just focus on the songs themselves. Disc one is an impressive funk collection. “Makes Me Wanna Pray” has an up-beat soulful/gospel feeling, reminiscent of Aretha Franklin. Of course, one cannot overlook the song of the summer, “Ain’t No Other Man” – with the blaring horn blasts and funky beat. Another highlight of the album is “Slow Down Baby” which is another funky dance groove. On a more emotional note, “Oh Mother” pays tribute to Aguilera’s mother and acknowledges that pain of her childhood abuse. Then there’s the feisty danceable “Still Dirrty” where she claims that she may be married, but she’s still naughty. Lastly on Disc One is “Here to Stay”. The horn blasts and funky beats make this song’s message clear: Christina Aguilera is definitely “here to stay” in the music world, proving that talent is the key to longevity. On Disc 2, we find a more burlesque feel. The second disk is characterized by burlesque-show tunes and some gorgeous vocal ballads. On the upbeat and peppy “Candyman”, Christina goes all out with the burlesque theme by using some big band swing music. Next, she tones it down a bit with a slow and sensual “Nasty Naughty Boy”. Aguilera then channels through the old soul icons like Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald on “I Got Trouble”, which is not a cover, but an organic composiiton that truly sounds like an old classic soul number that Holiday, herself, would sing. Christina shifts gears again and dives into a haunting ballad, titled “Hurt”. The ballad is a gut-wrenching emotional piece that simply gives you chills. Then there’s the angelic sound on “Save Me From Myself” where Aguilera does not belt one note, making it a very intimate performance. “Back To Basics” proves to be a milestone in Christina Aguilera’s career; she’s matured a bit, as displayed in her intelligent lyrics and musically, she’s matured as well, with this collection of intelliegently composed songs. This album cannot be overlooked; simply, Christina’s greatest work so far.
Rating: 5 / 5
“It is now time for the one and only….There will never be another….Christina Aguilera” – Back to Basics (Intro)
Who knew Christina was capable of actually topping ‘Stripped’, her audacious sophomore album from 2002, or even capable of making an album of this magnitude. Nobody questioned Christina’s talents as a vocalist, but was she up to to the challenge of making this album? I’ve only listened through it once, but I can already tell this is going into my ‘classic album’ file.
If ‘Stripped’ was her dirrty, angst album, this one is pure joy and class and she pulls it all off with vigor. As you might have heard, this is Christina’s foray into old blues/jazz/hiphop/20s/30s/40s sounds she’s been so influenced by. This album is more of an homage to those who inspired her and those with keen musical ears will be able to pick out those samples that she and super producers DJ Premier and Linda Perry (among others) have thoughtfully put together in stunning and creative ways. Songs like the fast paced catchy first single “Ain’t No Other Man”, the touching mid-tempo ballad “Understand”, the ultra sassy “Slow Down Baby”, and the explosive soul rhythms of “Makes Me Wanna Pray” blends perfectly the elements of old soul/r&b with modern day sounds. Other songs bring back to mind old hip/hop vibes of the late 80s and 90s. The bump and grind of “Back in the Day” gives praise and tribute to early artists who paved the way for her. The chorus to this song is one of the catchiest I’ve ever heard. There’s a chill energy on the track “Thank You”, a thoughtful exchange of thank yous between Christina and her fans with clips lifted from actual fan voicemail. “On Our Way” and “Without You” finds Christina using her voice in her upper register is some beautiful ways especially in that of the latter. And a haunting piano loops in the background of the endearing “Oh Mother” that gives appreciation to her mother for getting her out of a domestic violence situation when she was younger. Overall, Disc 1 is a solid album even if it was released by itself. However, it’s not like Christina to completely stop there. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, check out Disc 2.
If you want to go further back into time, venture into her second disc and there you’ll find those sounds that hearken back the sounds of the 20s, 30s, and 40s. The insanely infectious “Candyman” is an ode to the Andrew Sister’s “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” only with much more tongue and cheek sexuality in the lyrics and music. “I Got Trouble” sounds the most authentic to the era and sounds like it’s coming straight out of an old, ratty radio in a dingy, dark bar. The torchy, burlesque stylings of “Nasty Naughty Boy” will send you off in hot sweats while the hush stunner “Save Me From Myself” leads us into a very intimate conversation with her as she sweetly explains to us how her husband has changed her life. No reverbs, no nothing. Just Christina’s voice at her most vulnerable. This is a vocal performance like you’ve never heard from her. Treading back to Disc 1, even the track “Still Dirrty” has a 1920s flapper-esque sensibility with it’s repeating triple horn blast. “Mercy On Me” is a vocal tour de force with Christina infused with deep down blues giving a heart wrenching confession to God for committing a wrongful sin towards a lover. This is probably my favorite song out of the two disc set. Her vocals on this song is a feast to the ears. The rock ballad “Hurt” sends an emotional chill up the spine as she pleas for forgiveness from a lost loved one. And as if the second disc wasn’t off the wall enough, Christina sends us to the circus with “Enter the Circus/Welcome” acting as a combo. “Enter the Circus” feels like something lifted straight out of a Tim Burton movie with what seems to be Linda Perry playing the MC for the opening act of a circus. It’s somewhat creepy, but it’s a very effective intro and it leads straight into “Welcome”. This is an amazing (albeit short) little song giving us a satirical view of the music business. She sings over a cavalcade of beautiful strings and the combo sounds epic in scope. I just wished it was a little longer. Christina ends the set with “The Right Man” written in response to the emotion she felt when she realized she had no father to walk her down the aisle on her wedding day. A very emotional, almost classical song with dramatic strings. This ends with a very touching line and optimistic view to her future.
There are no fillers on this album (save for FUSS, but it’s actually an interlude). The two discs could’ve been meshed into one, but her decision to divide it into two sets was more a creative reason – to separate the two completely different sounds. This album has something for everyone.
Standout Tracks :
Makes Me Wanna Pray
Back in the Day
Ain’t No Other Man
Understand
Slow Down Baby
Without You
Welcome
Candyman
Nasty Naughty Boy
Hurt
Mercy On Me
Save Me From Myself
There you have it. It’s quite possibly the best album to come out in 2006. This will surely be a major contender in the upcoming Grammy season. If you have any reservations on whether you should go out and buy this album, don’t hesitate – BUY IT! You can’t go wrong when the music is this good.
Rating: 5 / 5
This album is great. It firmly cements Christina Aguilera as the best voice around. Come grammy time Christina will be walkin away a winner. While most people think she has an entirely new sound and is all jazz, thats not true. Some of her songs are INFLUENCED by jazz and blues and its not in a huge way. Its still the same Christina we all love.
1. Into (Back to Basics) 6/10 This song has a bunch of sample and adlibs in it. Christina get a little vain in it though!
2. Makes me Wanna Pray 7/10 This song is very bluesy and has a choir in the background, Does not have a very good chorus, but a very feel good song.
3. Back In The Day 8/10 I think would have been a better song to introduce the song than makes me wanna pray. It has some neat lyrics and some adlibs in the begining.
4. Ain’t No Other Man 9/10 the First single. For me i havent listened to it once cause its very overplayed, but still a great song.
5.Understand 6/10 one of my least favorite song on the album. It just doesnt hook you in. But still a fairly good song
6.Slow Down Baby 9/10 A pretty r&b hip hop influenced song. really good.
7. Oh Mother 10/10 A good ballad with a great beat. Its about thanking her mother for taking her and her sister away from thier abusive father. A highlight of the Album.
8 F.U.S.S. 9/10 a short song that was written for Scott Storch who produced songs on Stripped. He decided to write for Paris hilton’s album instead of this BIG MISTAKE. Has a great beat and she sounds great on it.
9. On OUr Way 9/10 A great song about always being on your way to something better
10.Wihtout You 9/10 a vey good beat song. different from other songs, almost has a latin feel, almost.
11. Still Dirty 10/10 While most people think this is part 2 of Dirrty, it doesnt sound at all like it and isnt about anything Dirrty was. This is about how people arealways critisising her for being sexy. She call people “uncomftorable in your own skin”. Very jazz influenced. A gem on this album.
12. Here To Stay 10/10 Another pretty Jazzy song. It about her not goign to fade away like other singer and how she’s Here To Stay no matter what people say.
13. Thank You 8/10 A great thank you. It sample a little of Genie in a Bottle at the benging. Taking clips of the song that apply to her now. Its hard to listen to it a lot cause off all the fans in it.
14. Enter The Circus 10/10 An introduction to the second CD. Its (along with welcome) are about being in the publics eye and being a celebrity. The Circus is like Hollywood. Its inspired by a Tim Burton Film. It has no vocals by CHristina.
15. Welcome 10/10 this song allaborates on Enetr the circus. It talks about people who only like her cause shes a singer and what will happen when the linligth fades.
16. Candyman 8/10 This song was originally ment to be the second single but hurt was decided instead. A very sexual song and very jazzy.
17. Nast Naughty Boy 6/10 My least favorite song. it very sexual and doesnt have a great beat.
18. I got trouble 7/10 Probaly the jazziest song on the album. Recorded with a vintage microphone it sounds like it is really from the 40′s.
19. Hurt 11/10 The standout of the album. it will be the second single. she preformed it at the VMA’s. Its about someone close to you dying and how you have to deal with it. THe best Ballad.
20. Mercy on Me 8/10 not a standout ballad but still very good, has choir wich is a nice touch.
21. Save Me From Myself 9/10 she talks about how her husband saves her from being sad and always puts her in a happy place.
22.The right Man 9/10 She wrot this song about her wedding day and how her dad wasnt there to walk her down the aisle and how she is happy to have found the right man so her children wont have to go throught what she did.
Overall a great album, the second cd is a little betetr but this is AWESOME!
Rating: 5 / 5