Since her genie in a bottle days, I've been an avid Christina Aguilera fan. I've watched Christina grow and mature as an artist. She got us feeling all hot and bothered, filthy, literally Dirrty back in 2002 with the first single from her sophomore release, Stripped. I must admit; I was slightly skeptical of her overzealous sexual direction. I'm not prudish. But the transition into more "adult" content like, "I'm a sex kitten in heat" is so superfluous. Still, she took bold chances both lyrically and musically with her new sexed up persona. I think it paid off. 'Dirrty' the first single didn't chart well. But, 'Beautiful, Fighter, and Can't Hold us Down', were all chart toppers. Each video and single, showcased Aguilera's vocal talent and versatility. She embraced a marketable feminist philosophy lambasting sexism and homophobia in her songs.
Christina solidified her musical and artistic credibility. Stripped sold millions. And a few years later in 2006, she emerged with Back to Basics, paying homage to the smooth jazz, r&b, and pop influences of the past 50+ years. Today, to anyone paying attention, Christina has evolved stylistically. Currently, on her fourth studio release of new material (I'm not including her spanish lp or the greatest hits cd) 'Bionic' she's delving into the realm of electronic pop. Electronica is the new zeitgeist in pop music. And if I'm being honest, Lady Gaga has helped to maintain and usher in the dance/electronica vibe. She's a great bricoleur. She's capitalized on the obtuse hunger for fashion, style, hyperbole in pop music. Let's face, what's a pop star if he or she can't play in the realm of fantasy? Gaga has done well. She's crafted songs that are catchy, to the point of nasseum, and videos that are artistic and visionary. But, and here is a very big BUT, she hasn't produced anything really original. Buzz and hype maybe, but the public's current obsession with Gaga is amusing. I like her; I am a fan. But, I don't give her credit for any of the aesthetic styles she appropriates. She is not original. And if you think she is. Look up original in the dictionary. Trust me; you will not find a picture of Lady Gaga next to it. Lady Gaga is what she is and she doesn't seem to take herself too seriously. Maybe that is what makes her so appealing. I think it is easy and a typically simplified observation to claim Christina Aguilera has jumped on the Lady Gaga train. Christina has tried to push the envelope before and she's doing it again with 'Bionic'. The current issue of Rolling Stone describes Christina as getting into Lady Gaga Drag. The writer didn't do his research. Augilera and Gaga are as similar as apples and oranges. Beyond the blonde hair and similar vocal inflections, the two women are drastically, distinctively different. Both women are dominant forces in pop music. Each has a unique voice and are wildly entertaining. Can we (as a consuming public) not just appreciate them both for what they bring to pop music? I know; it's a lot more amusing to pit women against each other. Why not just bring out the mud and kiddy pool? Enjoy the following videos; they are two of my favorites.
