Christina creates her own style
931227
Much like Janet Jackson's "Control", Pink's "Missundastood" and to a lesser degree, Britney Spears' "Britney", Christina Aguilera's latest release, "Stripped", is a declaration of independence and adulthood.
The initial release from the album, "Dirrty", is not an indication of the quality of music on the release.  "Dirrty" is merely a pop vehicle designed to grab the attention of those who have forgotten that Christina is still around.  It does assert Christina's sexuality, more pointedly in the video, but that theme is limited to this one particular song. The album doesn't suffer because of its inclusion, but it doesn't really raise the level of quality either.  That duty is left to some of the standout tracks that will probably be unable to find a home on Pop radio.
The lyrics are phenomenal on most of the tracks.  It shows a return to true writing, which hasn't been heard of from a pop artist in ages.  Read the lyrics of "Walk Away", and you find yourself wondering is Christina talking about a person, or something more sinister?  The very next track has a totally different feel.  Instead of feeling helpless on "Walk Away," "Fighter" talks about gratitude toward that which she was walking away from, making her stronger and wiser.
Primer Amor and Infatuation show off a Latin-influenced soul that surfaced on the previous album's remix of "What a Girl Wants".
The styles continue to change so often, that Christina often makes you forget that she began as a typical pop star.  Sample "Make Over" and the horn section on "Underappreciated" and she proves herself to be less formulaic, and more diverse in the choices that she has made in the music that she's making.
One of my favorites, which will never make it to the radio, is "Cruz".  Starting a capella and slowly building into a great mid-tempo ballad, it reminds me of 70's style song writing.  Uncomplicated and easy to sing along to.  The current hit, "Beautiful" is just that.  The melody is wonderful, and the words are very insightful.  It reminds me of "Unpretty", but doesn't try to mimic it at all.
Perhaps the best song on the album is "I'm Ok".  It tells a sad story of Christina's childhood, with parental fighting, and the effects that it had on Christina.  Much love for her mother, much pain stemming from her father, but she declares that she's OK.
There are a few over-the-top numbers, such as "The Voice Within", which has a Whitney Houston/Mariah Carey influence.  It's not a terrible thing.  It's actually a great song, and one that will probably hit the airwaves soon.
Overall, this is a very good release, and one that should not be ignored.
2391130
I bought this album thinking it would be somewhat like Christina's first. I was very wrong! I must say that her vocals have definately improved since she recorded and album. Although her voice now has a different effect on the songs she sings, the songs themselves are a little on the boring side. I got this cd and listened to it when it came and I thought "This cd is ok.. it could probably be better." I think it is a little boring but she did do a great job, which is why I give Christina Aguilera an average star rating on her album. I do, however, hope that she will continue to sing and create more inventive albums along the way. =)
4259126
I loved it. Christina Perri is a very talented artist and her collaboration with Jason Mraz in "Distance" was just breathtakingly beautiful. Her album is just as great with other famous hits, such as "Jar of Hearts" and "Arms".
4361695
I do not like teen pop.  I never have, I never will but, when I heard her sing Beautiful, I thought hmmmmm, sounds like she is growing up.  This whole CD is well written and different.  Different meaning that her voice takes on as many pitches as Mariah Carey.  To buy the CD, I had to get past the part that she is half naked on the cover.  I thought maybe she was confirming many peoples' view that she is [loose], but when I listened to this "outspoken" CD I realized that she is nothing like her first CD. She literally has "Stripped" herself of what Teen-idol producers want. Christina has become a woman in all aspects.  This CD will probably be in almost every womans CD collection, or at least it should be.  It's empowering to us.
1272349
Christina's CD is amazing. Everyone needs to go out and buy this right now.  I was amazed by this CD Her voice has grown and she sounds amazing. The songs are meaningful and they are just really pretty songs, They really portray her in a good way and show us who she is. For aspiring singers such as myself, this is the perfect CD to test your vocal range. There is just really one word to describe this cd and that is AMAZING!!
1929920
I wish that she continues with more orchestral ballads, Christina strong suit.  Just another fine arrangement and work of writing.  I wish that there were more on this album.
4463688
Very much enjoying her style and this CD is a fine addition reflecting this young ladies talents.
399009
Christina is on top of her game. The stage show is elaborate, the band is comprised of top musicians, and her voice is in fine form. VERY impressive concert and it shows that she just keeps on getting better and better. I like the Back to Basics theme, gives her more of an outlet to really show off her great vocal range, much more so than her last album, Stripped. Anyways, this dvd is definitely enjoyable and a must have for Christina fans.
735250
there are some artists that should keep on doing what they do best...they are solid and dependable and never really make any new statements, while still putting out great music.  christina always tries for something new.  imho, this album is similar to madonnas "erotica".  the whole thing is about bdsm...strong versus the submissive...the yin and yang of being a mighty, yet vulnerable woman.  i picked this up this morning when target opened at 8 and have listened to it a couple of times.  of course her voice sounds great, even when it is all bionic-y sounding.  its fun, and i am sure that some of these songs will be thundering out of the clubs this summer in all manner of remixes.  the slow ones, are vintage christina with a slight variation in how they sound...due in large part to sia's involvement.  the linda perry track is very recognizable and a great ballad (it was also used on the "hope for haiti" charity album).  i am glad she still collaborates with ms. perry.  i don't see why anyone wouldn't want to put out the extra money for the deluxe version.  the added songs fall right in line with the rest of the album.  it is cool to hear how some of the dance numbers give homage to that 80's sound.  its a potpourri of styles, tempos, and vocal acrobatics (or not).  the inside artwork is great.  again, expressing the different sides of christina aggressive/passive.  any comparisons to madonna or lady gaga should be looked at as paying tribute.  however,  christina was wild before lady gaga was even on the scene and were as lady gaga is totally on the avant garde end of style, christina just bounces around to who she feels comfortable being for the length of an album.

so, all in all, this is a great album to start off the summer with.
4156729
I really enjoy both of these CDs - Christina's talent for writing and singing once again shine through in this compilation of songs. My favorite songs are Back in the Day, Ain't No Other Man, Slow Down Baby, Still Dirrty, Candyman, Nasty Naughty Boy and Hurt. Christina also included a song called Thank You for her fans that have stuck by her, and the song alone says it all! Great CD's, and I recommend them highly!
434882
Only about six songs, but if you are a Christina Perri fan, it's worth it. One beautiful original, the rest are covers.
4752366
you have to love musicals and singing!  I love them so I found it awesome!  Christina can really belt it out!
560052
I'm not a fan of Christina, but actually like this collection of songs.  There's been a few complaints about releasing this "pre-fame" demo material, but I think it's a response to her legal hassles rather than a reflection of the actual material.
Will this end her career?  I doubt it very much since other performers are putting out worse material these days (such as Mariah Carey) and most of these demo songs have a nice feel to them.  Christina's voice also sounds quite good on most of the tracks with the trademark inflections and growl.  The music and lyrics are more of the problem than the vocals. The simple structure of tracks like "running out of time" or "just be free" actually works well as dance songs.
If this really is demo material, it shows why Christina got signed and went onto bigger and better things.
2697319
I thoroughly enjoyed this album. I checked out the CD at the library and kept an open mind. I was vaguely familiar with Mi Relejo when it first came out.  At the time I did not listen to Latin music very often.  The album is a mix of translated hits from English to Spanish (e.g. Genie in A Bottle, Come on Over Baby, Reflection, I Turn to You and What a Girl Wants) and new material.

Though Christina was not proficient in Spanish at the time of recording, her Latin roots shined.  The late Selena also did not know Spanish at the beginning of her career, yet she conveyed so much soul in her work. Christina's phrasing and diction are much more credible and more sensual sounding in Spanish than English.  Her bluesy growl and dramatic intonation sounds lovely here.  Most importantly, she sounds more original in Spanish.  Though Christina sounds great in English, I often get the sense that she over compensates vocally as if to prove something; and is not always true in her interpretations.  Some of her English language songs feel like something's amiss.  Though she is an all-American girl, there is no denying that her Hispanic roots form a very important aspect of her identity.

Aguilera could have embarked upon a bilingual career if she had wanted to.  Something a little off-topic, but related to Christina's body of work: even her racy image would have translated better in the Spanish speaking world.  Sensuality and sex in music does not generate controversy in the Latin music industry.  It is almost expected if you are young and attractive.  In American music, sexuality can still a hot button issue, even after Madonna; and it undermines women in our 'puritanical' society.  In retrospect, this was a squandered opportunity on her part.  She would have been right up there with Shakira, Thalia and Paulina Rubio at the time; and she would have given Britney a real run for her money.  I don't think it's too late for Christina to pursue this and release more Spanish language music.

P.S.: I give Mi Reflejo 4.5 stars.  I removed half a star because two songs were off. It wasn't Christina's fault; the production and mixing blew, and the Spanish lyrics did not work with the music.
4172467
A Great Single for Christina Fans!
1.) Chesnuts Roasting On An Open Fire (thunderpuss 2000 Holiday Remix*) - This is a classic remix which is also feat. as a bonus track which you will find on her x-mas album. It is much like a radio mix, and if your not sure what a radio mix is it is a remix which is about the same length of time as the original yet has a fast dance beat, and usually some cool effects thrown in.
2.) Genie in a Bottle (eddit arroyo's smooth mix) -
This is very cool, ultra-calm watered down version of genie in a bottle.
This Cd is a great buy and worth every penny!! $$$
4757475
I like the CD and at a good price.
I would recommend the CD for
anyone who is a Christina Aguilera
fan.
282341
"Spiritually Wet"is incredible!  What Christina does with her voice is amazing.  Her music is upbeat and energizing, sensual and soulful,  fun and funky!  She wraps this all up into such a beautiful package and  delivers it with such awesome emotion, you just know it's coming from deep  within.  Did I mention her sexy growl?.....you have to hear it to believe  it, too cool.  This CD will definitly get you moving, dancing, rocking and  singing. Without a doubt, 2000 belongs to Christina Fasano!