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The genie unleashes on Denver
By Billy Schear
wschear@mscd.edu

Photo courtesy of christinaaguilera.com At least she grew out of her Dee Snider phase.

A self-described genie in a bottle, Christina Aguilera has granted three of America’s secret wishes: bringing back the 1940s in the form of high fashion, lending an attractive face to the fight against AIDS and contributing to the end of voter apathy with strategically placed billboards.

Black hair or blond hair, Christina or Xtina, sweetly demure or vivaciously sexy, for every mood there is a way for Aguilera to satiate her fans’ appetites, not only as a platinum artist but as a philanthropist and spokeswoman for many noble causes. Honing her craft as an exclusive member of the New Mickey Mouse Club, Aguilera has not only grown up, she’s grown out of the public’s perception of “star” to become the world’s sweetheart.

Back to Basics, Aguilera’s third full-length release is the honey of all throwback albums. Utilizing many of yesteryear’s trademark sounds – rhythm and blues, swing, jazz and soul – the album carves its own niche in the otherwise drably formulaic pop genre. Aguilera’s invincible vocal range is prominent throughout, offering an array of Tupperware-shattering shrieks and sultry low-pitched trills.

Too few survive the rigors of the bubble-gum pop circuit. So much is demanded from the young and naïve, and yet so much stands to be gained. When one has proven herself to be a mainstay in media culture, it’s seldom due to looks alone, but to genuine talent and sheer will.

It’s the petty jealousies, though, that can cause the most damage, and it is no secret that Aguilera has had her share of jealous rivals.

From having the tires on the family car slashed to Mariah Carey slagging her off in the media, the backlash for having a beautiful voice has been tremendous. Not one to let the childish behavior of others bring her down, Aguilera’s Back to Basics is a furiously catchy album that will win over even the most cynical of critics. It has been certified as gold in more than nine countries including Hungary, Poland and the Czech Republic, providing concrete evidence that even in the Slavic nations, Christina fever is more than an epidemic: It’s a plague.

The public demands a spectacle, and her upcoming performance will be nothing but. In concert Aguilera has guaranteed that she will definitely “mix it up.” She has boasted that on this tour she will not only do songs from her most recent release but will perform a few classics as well. Fans will agree that there are far too few words in the English language to describe just how fully awesome that will be.