I enjoyed Back To Basics. Both the album and the accompaning world tour. But I think Stripped was just a tiny bit better.

BTW, the Christina Aguilera 2 CD collection, Back to Basics, is highly enjoyable. I've been listening to it at work this past week, and it's certainly my popular music highlight of this year, so far. (Yes, I know, the year is young, but last year felt a little weak in this regard.) The music has a bit of a jazz feel to it, and this feels natural...unforced...one gets a sense of evolution in Aguilera's musical style as a result.

A great cd and worth the money. She is so diversified and an amazing singer / artist. The music thumps and the mix of songs are well put together. If you invested in your car sound, then this is a great cd to thump down the road too. The CD is Moving and she is just gorgeous, one of the best looking women on the planet who backs it up with pure talent!

I was not surprised at all, except some lyrical songs. Powerful voice, that's for sure.

She does what she wants and sings what she wants. She doesn't try to be anything but herself:

"I don't stop to please someone elses needs I'm gonna live my life for me...." - Aguilera (Here to Stay)

There's no denying her voice everyone knows she's gifted. Does she oversing at times maybe but we all know she can sing Beautiful or in her earlier days I turn to you with purity and grace. I don't understand people; people say she tries to be like Mariah and when she broke out of the bubble gum songs everyone said she's yelling? People will never be happy, but the bottom line is she can sing.

Is the album good YES. I like Stripped better I found it inspiring with a touch of soul but none the less with songs like Iv'e Got Trouble and Makes Me Wanna Pray she will always be here to stay.

Christina definately shows her maturity and range with this album. She definately needs good material. Her 1st album was too limiting in range, this one, however, shows her potential.

It's not really soul music at all to be honest. It's pop music with an R&B twist here and there, as well as a handful of clever hip-hop samples from time to time and some ballads. The are also some songs about rough times. But that's no surprise - We've come to expect just a little depth from this 26 year old fireball. But whatever Christina is doing, she's usually speaking her mind and never holding back, which I, as others, highly admire.

She delves sort of deep and gives you her all. I appreciate that she is contemporary pop's best voice and probably will remain for a while. All the luck to her really.

The lyrics to this CD are pretty good, especially for pop music but she still has room for a little growth. She can also do without so many songs about her lovely hubby, Jordan. We got the point before this experience was over.

It has its moments where it really shines, but honestly, nobody but hardcore fans should have to pay the 17 bucks amazon and other stores are selling it for. Just because it's a double disc doesn't mean you're getting extra stuff, besides a lousy video or so. I have seen amazon in the past, selling it for 11.99 which I thought was fitting, but now it has skyrocketed back to its over-bloated price. >_>

It's a shame that her and Scott Storch went through it because he helped her write some great songs on her last outing. He also produced a great amount of the songs there.

What are my favs here?

Disc 1

Ain't No Other Man
Understand
Slow Down Baby
F.U.S.S. (Interlude)
Here To Stay

Disc 2

Welcome
I Got Trouble
Save Me From Myself

Like I've mentioned before, she's got the vocals, she's got the incredible, almost Mariah Carey-like range (which I find amazing, and she can do it better, with the better voice and all) and she's got the skills to write a decent song to pass the time.

I have written a review about this CD before but am much prouder of this one. I hope you can find this for 15 bucks or less, because that would be money well spent.

Recommended if:

You like the sounds of modern R&B
You have yet to own one of her CDs
You like producers who sample
You want a nice, voice of pop that isn't going anywhere any time soon
You love your boyfriend/hubby a lot, and want something to relate to
You want a fresh artist who speaks her mind (look for Nelly Furtado's Whoa, Nelly! and Folklore albums too; these girls have many similarities!)

I believe this to be her weakest entry. Back To Basics << Christina Aguilera < Stripped

Cover Art: A
Inside Art: ?
Songwriting: B-
Vocals: A-
Vocal Emotion: B
Vocal Acrobatics: A
Production: A
Length: C+

3.8 stars.

Overall: C+

"Back To Basics" is another great album from Christina Aguilera. It looks like she had some inspiration from songs from the 20's 30's and 40's cause it has an old-fashioned feel to it. My favorite songs are "Candyman" and "Ain't No Other Man." If you liked the singles on the radio then you'll love "Back To Basics" another hit from Christina Aguilera. She never ceases to amaze me. She puts Britney to shame! A+

This album isn't about basics but about plagiarized vocal style. It is imitative of the voice trills -- using even the same ghetto-ized vowels --of the shouting style of the strangulated one-note breathalizing of Aretha Franklin. It brings nothing new to the table, and so, as a lighter shade-of-PALE imitation of Aretha, it don't get my R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Aguilera, sadly, is still a truly BIG voice that hasn't found her true pitch.

I like all the songs except the ones done by DJ Premiere on disc one. CD no. 2 is fantastic all the way through. Of course with the help of Linda Perry. Her tour was definitely one of the best shows I've seen. I can't wait for some new material.

Most of the songs are awesome! There are a few that are a little too old style big band for my taste but the CD set on a whole makes for great listening. Nobody can match her voice! If you like Christina's work in general then you should like this CD set.

I applaud Christina for her efforts on this CD. Her voice, and her style has matured marvelously on this double-CD set. Her voice has become very powerful, and her control and styling is amazing. It is a welcome change from friend Brittany's breathy performances that lack a great deal of quality.

Listen to The Right Man. I don't know how you could not get choked up. The song is a beautiful mix of pain and optimism. Love this song, love this album.

My main problem with "back to basics" is the blatant ego of the singer that infests this album. Christina is not even close to the greatest singer, even in this current day and age. It's fairly obvious that she loves her own voice and wants to express the alleged greatness of it-- not just by riding the scales like Space Mountain but by one of the most narcissistic songs I've ever heard in my life. One of the said tracks, Here to Stay, portrays this beautifully. Also notable is the "Thank you" track, which serves more as a dedication to herself than the fans and their unreal testimonials.

What makes this joke of an album even more laughable is that of all the ditched efforts of making it actually good musically were invested in the appearance of the album cover art, tracklistings, credits, and whatnot. The music is utter garbage. The first disc is a compilation of boring songs that serve no purpose but to show off the singer's supposedly majestic, powerful voice. Something that can't be drilled into our heads enough; in fact it passes on to the second disc. The second disc samples the type of music that it's advertised to be inspired from, but fails to create a memorable listening experience. Why? Because it's nothing NEW.

And another thing: just because one was inspired by talented, soulful, legendary singers of the past does not make anyone a legendary soul singer in their own right. By listening to this album, you are hearing the voice of a girl who never had to break a sweat trying to break into this industry. Now that Ms. Mickey Mouse Club alumna has a man to rest her little head on, it surprises me that she's still hinting about her childhood past. It's easy to assume that she literally has nothing to say about herself, besides her boring relationship with her partner, yet her overt narcissism desperately tries to manipulate listeners into pouring out their sympathy to her. You're hearing the voice of a conceited little brat who thinks she's original and innovative when throughout the span of her career she has done nothing that hasn't been done by somebody else.

Yes, Christina may have a better voice than some of her contemporaries, but that's the result of the fact that people are aiming REALLY low these days. Try out the less marketable but exceptionally talented, TRUE r&b singers who are doing wonderful things in music. Such as Keyshia Cole and Teedra Moses. A great jazz singer and saxaphone player that may be of interest is the lovely Mindi Abair. Go check her out as well.

Why does Christina Aguilera's voice always sound exactly the same? Does she have any range?

Seriously, I can't stand her music, and I hate her voice -- it's like a bad Celine Dion one-note solo that never stops. And for that matter, I can't stand Dion's harpy voice either.

It surprised me that this only gets 4/5... that is pretty low for an online ranking.

This is an ambitious double album largely written and produced by Christina. In scope and size, it reminds me of the Beatles' "White Album" or even the Beastie Boys' "Ill Communication." But it's probably easier to listen to than either.

A few parts of the album are silly, but more parts are amazing. The 23 tracks break down into 4 or 5 up-tempo numbers for the radio, some ballads, a few tracks with a big-band type feel, and many that don't fit into a category. That all sounds very disjointed but the end result is not.

All of this is infused with tremendous energy and effort by Christina and her big supporting cast. The end result is a pleasant surprise. This validates anyone who (like me) saw glimmers of this in her earlier music.

I was always a fan of Christina Aguilera's but I was hesitant about this CD simply because it was a throwback album. Boy was I wrong! She does it again with her soulful voice and the amazing voice control. She was purely fantastic!!! 5 stars all the way!!!

I like both of Christina's previous released (especially Stripped) but this one is a little TOO different for my taste. I gave it 3 stars because i like probably about 8 songs off the entire album and most of them are from the first disc. In my opinion the 2nd disc is junk. The first one has some modern-ish songs on it but the second one is completely "1930"..except maybe "Still Dirrty" which i do like that song. I think she has a really good voice and I normally like her music but I can't handle all the cheesy lyrics, extreme jazz stuff. Her video for "Candyman" is ridiculous. She makes herself look like a complete idiot in that video and the song is equally lame. She tries making it sexual but it just makes her sound like a wh*re. Anyway, hope she takes it forward about 70 years on her next album and quits trying to act like she was alive then...

I have always like Christina. Her cd's get better and better. She is always reinventing herself and I like that. You don't get the same thing all the time. This cd was good. You can't compare it to the other ones because it is totally different. I can't wait to hear what she will have in the future.

I'll be the first to implore you with how fantastic I believe this girl can sing. I mean, her control and range is un-friggin-believable... but I fear she has fallen into the trap that many talented singers do... overuse of certain vocal skills. In Ms. Aguilera's case, she's screaming. There's only so much yelling I can take from a thought-to-be pretty voice. I miss her pop music, where she sang "pretty." Sadly, this album is terribly obnoxious and I fear she thinks she's too big for her britches. I'm a lover of the "basics" and the daughter of a musical legend. She's not impressing anybody.

Who enjoyed Christina better when she was the (how to put this in a printable manner?) the more risque X-Tina? These songs are a menage of Big Band jazz, pseudo-R&B, and just not fun to listen to. I know, for so many people this album is some grand homage to Aretha, Diana Ross, Sammy Davis Jr. and that's fine if that's what you wish to listen to. But for me, when I want to hear Christina, I want the "Genie in the Bottle" "Dirrty" girl who rocks the hell out of any modern lyrics. I adored her when she first came out as an antithesis to all of the little pseudo-virgin pop tarts who had come out at the same time but who had no substance to their music (or personalities) and who served as nothing more than Lolita-esque fantasty bate for the 40 something fathers out there. Ms. Aguilera has mind blowing pipes, great soul, a harsh background which lends credibility to her songs of pain and sorrow. This album shows off her very impressive vocal range. However, I simply feel that the material feels too retro (go ahead, blast me for this) and doesn't allow her to produce some great songs for the modern era.

Christina Aquilera has really developed as an artist over the years, her songwriting and voice. She has surpased Mariah Carey in her development. I love her vocals and most of the songs. I only wish that she would put out a CD that didn't have the nasty songs on it. Being a Christian I had to toss the CD because of the lyrics of 3 of the songs on it. Technically speaking it is much more advanced than her previous work.

I am not a big fan of the pop princess sounds, such as Britney, Jessica or even Avril, and thus I do not particularly care for most of Christina's work. I will however say that Christina unlike the others has a very remarkable voice and I really enjoyed this album.

Honestly, I have only listened to 2/3 of the double album set, but I have enjoyed every minute of what I have heard. Christina is a little dynamo and she brings it full force. It is ashamed that so many of the tracks on this album will be lost in the over play of Candyman and Ain't No Other Man on the radio. If you like pop music, this is a great addition to the 2006/2007 year's collection.

Great CD. Love most of the songs. Some are OK, and real different.

I never thought I'd like any of these bubble-gum-pop stars, but I found myself really enjoying the songs on this CD. And I was pleasantly surprised by Aguilera's voice -- much better than the rest of the mouseketeer pack.

This album is fantastic. She is truley and talented musician and really sets herself apart form all of the rest. Keep on doing what your doing!

I've always been a fan of Christina Aguilera...She never "over does" her music. I think she decide to change her look and sound due to the ridiculous criticism she recived for the "Stripped/2002" album. I though that album was musically geinus. So that brings me to "Back to Basics/2006". I love this album, though it would have done her better to release it as a single album and the drop of two songs. I can listen to Disc 1 all day long, with songs like: Ain't No Other Man, Oh Mother, F.U.S.S. (which by the way means F**k You Scott Storch), On Our Way ect... She has definatley progressed as an artist and can't wait until her next album!

Favorite songs:

1. On Our Way
2. Without You
3. Still Dirrty
4. Oh Mother
5. F.U.S.S.
6. Ain't No Other Man

The two CDs are great, entertaining, and dance-worthy. The sound and style on each of the CDs is different from the other, and these will be two of my favorite music purchases for a long time.

You can tell how much Christina Aguilera has grown in regards to her style when it comes to this new release. The old school, jazz/soul type music Christina used for inspiration in Back to Basics is sexy, sultry, and very catchy, but it still is very modern in flavor. ...In my opinion, there are only two or three songs that really capture the 40's, 50's, and 60's flair. I really love this CD, though - fans of hers shouldn't be disappointed, though some newer ones may have trouble adjusting to her new, maturer sound.

I am usually a classic rock listener, but was attracted to the sexy jazzy sound of disc two. I discovered that there is a song on this entire album to suit ANY mood I am in. Her voice is so seductive and her style is a class act. This album was worth every penny!

What a great CD! Love every song, it is better than I thought it would be!

these two cd's are unbelievably amazing! i thought stripped was pretty good, but after coming back with this cd i was blown away. i think christina does an awesome job doing the whole 50's thing and she can definitely pull it off. this cd is pretty much made for any one that likes music from the 50's with a little bit of pop and hip hop added. some of the slow songs on this cd give me chills, and no other artist out there can compete with her voice. her voice is so powerful. i think this cd is so cute, and by this cd you can tell that she is very much in love with her husband, she talks about him in alot of the songs. overall this cd is fabulous and i recommend it to everyone!!

In my opinion, Christina Aguilera never had a bad album (a bad PROPER album, anyway; I never heard Mi Riflejo or My Kind of Christmas, so I can't comment on them). But each album seemed to be a tad better than the last. She took a very long break after her second album Stripped (probably to get married and concentrate on the first stages of THAT), but she still managed to make a modest comeback with Back to Basics.

This album is a double-disc because, I guess, Christina wanted to make up for lost time between album releases (or maybe she realized that separating the work is sometimes best; after all, Stripped clocked in at 78 minutes). But each disc seems like it takes its own form, as disc one is primarily produced by DJ Premier, while Linda Perry handles disc two. This accounts for why there is a more hip-hop-flavored feel to the first disc, upon which produces such highlights as "Ain't No Other Man" and "Without You".

Disc 2, which appears to follow a circus theme, would probably have to be the stronger of the discs though. Not that Disc 1 is bad, but I just have more favorites on the second disc. One song that immediately jumps out is "I Got Trouble" (the song that was used at the beginning and end of the "Ain't No Other Man" video), and for some reason I was surprised to learn that that song isn't a cover. And Christina also shows her sensual side on her latest single "Candyman", which is immediately followed by the even more detailed "Nasty Naughty Boy".

This two-disc set isn't without its flaws, however. I don't know if I'd say there are any truly "bad" songs, but there ARE a few weak selections. For example, "Back In the Day" features too much sampling and not enough singing. "Still Dirrty" doesn't go anywhere, and while it's unfortunate the way Christina's father treated her and her mother, I'm not sure it's necessary to mention that on every album (see "Oh Mother"). Finally, the necessary dedication to fans, "Thank You", is mostly an unstructured collection of fan-made voicemail messages; in addition, a song like that would fit better at the end of the final disc, not the first disc.

But there are enough good songs to overshadow the questionable ones; and anyway, 4 errors out of a 23-song album is definitely no cause for alarm. Back to Basics just shows that Christina is still continuing her exceptional skills, so pick it up if you haven't already.

Anthony Rupert

This is a great CD. Christina Aguilera has really matured as an artist and this CD really showcases her amazing vocal range.