 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
 Weezer - Beverly Hills
 |
Christina Aguilera - Back To Basics
Released: 14/08/06 Label: RCA Rating:  It seems that Christina Aguilera doesn't do things by halves, and the power-voiced pop diva returns with a sackful of new songs making up a whammy of a double album. Concerns were raised when it was announced that Xtina was going down the jazz route, and most of those fears were slain with the slam-dunk of a single that was 'Ain't No Other Man'. However, can a whole double album of 22 tracks hold up to the same scrutiny? Disc One, overall, is a romp of modern, well put together jazz-tinged pop. It opens with a plea to remember great soul and jazz artists of the past, and it seems clear that Christina is determined to get up there with the greats. Aside from the lead single, the disc's highlights include the pumping piano-driven 'Makes Me Wanna' and 'Understand', a smooth and mellow ballad. The quality is high, and although there are a few throwaway tracks ('F.U.S.S.' and 'On Our Way' being prime targets), the end of the disc picks up with 'Still Dirty'. Here Christina lyrically hits back at her critics with a funky and catchy number. The only true aberration on Disc One is the utterly cringeworthy and ego-stroking closing number 'Thank You'. The recorded dedications from fans quickly becomes nauseating and is frankly sycophantic. We get in to less even territory with Disc Two, and surely even the most ardent fan would struggle with the overblown and frankly boring intro that is 'Enter The Circus'. The songs are grand and superbly produced with full orchestras in force, but that doesn't make up for the lack of tunes and ideas. 'Candy Man' is a fun do-wop number in the Forties style, but sounds forced and a little cheap. A snooze-induced seduction fest is brought upon the listener with 'Nasty Naughty Boy', and it's fair to say that the majority of Disc Two should be well avoided. On the plus side, 'Hurt' is a polished, tense ballad which really shows of those formidable lungs, and thankfully without unnecessary vocal acrobatics. For what it's worth, this is a brave attempt at a concept album. Christina doesn't need to prove the strength of versatility of her voice. Her challenge centres around choice and the age-old mantra of just because you can do, doesn't necessarily mean you should. The girl can sing her contemporaries off the planet, and while both discs have some great tunes, there's not much on offer here, and not all of a consistent quality. It is, however, refreshing to see a pop artist brave enough to stick to one genre over an album and not rely on a plethora of producers or rappers to keep the listener's interest. Worth a look, but pick and choose your own top tracks, and create your own 'Back To Basics'. Stuart McCaighy  that new Bettie Page film, perhaps?  Christina Aguilera Official Site Christina Aguilera Myspace  |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
