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Christina Aguilera, Back to Basics

by Michael Parillo

Yes, this two-disc set could have — okay, should have — been a single CD. But you have to admire Xtina for crafting a funky throwback album that gives props to old-school divas like Aretha Franklin and Billie Holiday while blowing air kisses to new hubby Jordan Bratman. Back to Basics is divided in half conceptually, and, amazingly enough, both parts work well, despite containing filler, like fans' somewhat creepy voice-mail messages to their favorite singer. Disc one is full of hard-grooving, programmed tracks like the percolating "Ain't No Other Man," which allow Christina to unleash her startlingly powerful voice. Disc two has more of a bluesy, breathy, "C'mon, daddy" cabaret vibe. Jordan, cue the striptease trombones...
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