Stripped

In interviews, Christina has been emphasizing that this is the "real" her, that she has been much more involved in writing the songs and expressing who she really is on this album. Stripped is an appropriate title. Not so much for the sound as for the lyrical content. She sings about grrrl power, liking yourself, relationships, anger, double standards, and the sorts of crap a woman has to put up with in a man's world. In other words: real issues that obviously really affect her.

With support from Lil Kim, Dave Navarro, Redman (what album ISN'T Redman on?), Alicia Keys and Linda Perry (cowriter on several tracks), Christina delivers a solid pop/dance album. Unlike other people who've recently partnered with Linda Perry, Aguilera manages to not sound like she's ripping off Pink. It's clear on this album that she has abandoned the teen market (thankfully) and there is plenty of courting of the latin market (which she has always strongly embraced). The effortless beauty of her voice pervades the album, and it is quite clear that if she is smart and doesn't flip out like Mariah or Whitney she has a long career as the premier songbird of pop. The primary difference between Christina and Britney is that Christina has the voice to sustain long term interest, while Britney has to rely on creating controversy to maintain interest. I would argue that with some more experience (which comes with age) and a little more business savvy, Aguilera will inherit the crown from Madonna of Queen of Pop.

Hot Spots: Loving Me 4 Me, Dirrty, Beautiful, Underappreciated.