Double The Pleasure…

Christina Aguilera’s double-disc album, Back To Basics, is big and glossy, befitting a star of her magnitude. She’s described it as a “throwback to the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s-style jazz, blues and feel-good soul music but with a modern twist.” True, but so many more styles are represented (and she performs them so well), that it’s tough to imagine sincerity. She’s naughty, hurt and grateful in ballads, orchestral extravaganzas, hip-hop flavored tracks and songs worthy of a huge Broadway production.Disc One, produced by DJ Premier, pays homage to the 40’s. Like Bette Midler did in the 70’s, Aguilera offers her take on the era’s sound with a little naughtiness added. With songs like “Candyman” and “Ain’t No Other Man,” the melodies swing and the vocals are impeccable. Aguilera channels USO darlings The Andrew Sisters’ sound—thought not their lyrics—singing “He’s a one-stop shop / Makes the panties drop.” It’s also hard to imagine the Sisters singing the burlesque-influenced “You Nasty Boy,” with lyrics like “I’m gonna give you a taste / of the sugar below my waist.”

4 Non Blondes member turned pop producer Linda Perry takes over for DJ Premier on Disc Two. It’s ballad-heavy and less focused, but with the heartfelt “Hurt,” a song about regret, Aguilera sells it. The feeling of loss is palpable. “Oh Mother” is deeply personal with the lyrics, “Oh Mother, don’t look back / Cause he’ll never hurt us again.” The mutual love fest that is “Thank You (Dedication to Fans…)” uses sound bytes from fans to Aguilera like, “You inspire me to keep on living.” Sounds pretentious, but it’s sweet. In the vampy “Have Mercy On Me,” Aguilera purrs, “God bless the men that I have scorned.” It’s the kind of song only Jessica Rabbit and Aguilera can work.

Fans of the petite blond bombshell should be thrilled. Back to Basics is a great pop CD, designed for a mass audience, offering something for everyone. Each song feels grand, important, and slick. Perfect for a big star with a big voice.