Bionic- ***
In 1998 Christina Aguilera sang about being a 'genie in a bottle', and telling boys 'what a girl wants'. Then in 2002, she stripped and felt a little 'dirrty', while shouting 'can't hold us down'. Next, in 2006 she donned burlesque outfits and got 'back to basics'. Now, the former teen pop queen, on June 8th 2010, will release her 4th studio album, 'Bionic'. It is an electropop, club banging, futuristic mesh of sounds. She describes the album as "fresh" and "sexy". I think as a whole, 'empty' and 'indulgent' are more accurate. Now, I do like the album. It's not a complete mess. In fact, there are some pretty spectacular moments on it. But, those moments are too few. Christina's voice shines on three slow tracks. 'Lift Me Up', 'You Lost Me', and I' am' capture the richness and strength of Christina's voice. She is a remarkably talented singer. A few years ago, Justin Timberlake described her as the voice of a generation. And in Rolling Stone magazine's list of t0p 100 singers, she sits at number 58. Her powerhouse performances of songs such as James Brown's 'It's a Man's World' and Herbie Hancock's 'A Song for You' should leave little doubt about her vocal prowess. Other noteworthy moments, include 'Bionics' elctro-infused arrangements, which come together seamlessly on tracks like, 'Bionic', 'Elastic Love', and 'Glam'. Unfortunately, the stand out, forward marching, eclectic sounds are awash in a sea of hyper sexual, overwrought, and cliche beats that feel a bit pushy, outdated. Aguilera is capable of so much more. The material on this album feels better suited for Britney Spears or Katy Perry. Aguilera can play the sex kitten or vamp, as she does in the 'Not Myself Tonight' video. However, she's so much better when she's coy, while offering hints of bravado and swagger. At it's best 'Bionic' is an adequate album from an above average artist. It's like a straight 'A' student, suddenly bringing home 'Bs' and 'Cs' to fit in with the lesser achievers. I do recommend buying the album. Especially, if you want to "go a little crazy" in your pre-clubbing rituals, then 'Vanity' and 'Prima Donna' are both anthems lauding conceit and arrogance and will surely inspire some pseudo-confidence and esteem. Overall, the album would have been much more cohesive as an 8 set or track disc. In fact, here's my list. And maybe, 'My Girls' as a final 9th or bonus track, but only because Peaches rocks a few versus.
1. Bionic- Great Opening song
2. Woohoo- Fun, naughty, and wild
3.Glam- Reminiscent of 'Vogue' some good remixes will emerge
4. I am- Just a beautiful song, empowering.
5. You Lost Me- relationship melodrama- we can all relate.
6. Desnudate- Makes me want a Latin lover, like yesterday
7. Elastic Love- Arguably the best song on the album.
8. Lift Me Up- Inspirational!
