• Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Nov 13, 2012
Metascore
56

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 12
  2. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  1. Nov 12, 2012
    82
    Lotus largely benefits from all the bombast--Aguilera hasn't sounded so fun and energized in years.
  2. Nov 14, 2012
    80
    It's hard to blame her for playing it safe, particularly because she wound up with such a strong pop album, one that reconfirms her gifts as a singer and savviness as a pop star.
  3. Nov 27, 2012
    70
    This might not be the golden, triumphant comeback Aguilera had hoped for, but it's pretty close and, let's face it, it's better than most Top 40 music right now.
  4. Nov 13, 2012
    60
    There are missteps, including needless Auto-tune and a few of what sound like Rihanna or Katy Perry leftovers. And there are several tracks that sound mindlessly repetitive as sedentary listening experiences but will likely improve with the addition of a dancefloor.
  5. Its best moments are its electro-pop numbers.
  6. Nov 12, 2012
    60
    The album's midpoint rave banger, Let There Be Love, is about as formulaic as club pop gets. But it resonates effectively, like much else here; every throb and ooh in the right place.
  7. Nov 9, 2012
    60
    By virtue of the fact that Lotus is Aguilera's shortest album since her debut, it boasts less filler, but also fewer obvious standouts.
  8. Nov 20, 2012
    50
    This vitriol-tsunami of a record misses a chance to connect Aguilera's music with her warm, empathetic TV presence.
  9. Nov 13, 2012
    50
    Aguilera has always been an unstoppable force when she pours her heart and soul into her music-and not as adept at dumbing down her voice or lyrics for the sake of lightweight tunes or prevailing trends. Unfortunately, by focusing on the latter route, Lotus becomes disappointingly faceless.
  10. 42
    Occasionally she can still power through a chorus like a Russian weight lifter (see: ''Sing for Me''). Too bad most of these tracks digitally smother her voice, draining all the emotion until she just sounds bitter.
  11. Q Magazine
    Dec 11, 2012
    40
    Nothing really stands out like the best thing here, Make The World Move, featuring fellow Voice Judge, Cee-Lo Green. [Jan 2013, p.101]
  12. Nov 12, 2012
    40
    The anonymity of much of Lotus is its biggest crime, more than its musical unadventurousness or its emphasis on bland self-help lyrics or its reluctance to lean on Ms. Aguilera's voice.
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 463 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 68 out of 463
  1. Nov 13, 2012
    10
    Lotus is honesty, courage and quality, best pop album of 2012. Aguilera proves that she's the voice of generation and the princess ofLotus is honesty, courage and quality, best pop album of 2012. Aguilera proves that she's the voice of generation and the princess of reinvention. Also one of the greatest artists in music history Full Review »
  2. Nov 13, 2012
    0
    One of the worst albums I've ever bought. This is not music - it's pure trash. What happened to the old Christina we loved? She got herOne of the worst albums I've ever bought. This is not music - it's pure trash. What happened to the old Christina we loved? She got her chance and she failed miserably. Full Review »
  3. Nov 13, 2012
    10
    Christina elegantly transforms into a sensual lotus princess on the cover of her 5th studio album which arguably is her best album thus far!Christina elegantly transforms into a sensual lotus princess on the cover of her 5th studio album which arguably is her best album thus far! From the seductive intro which takes you into her rebirth, into the heartfelt 'Cease Fire', she conducts the show using her strongest and most well-known asset; that voice! Any music lover would love this eclectic album which features Aguilera's first dabble into country, which many deemed the best song on the album, which is rumoured to be a future single. Another standout track is a pop song with a rock-infused chorus called 'Circles' which is a refreshing switch of the old format, and contains lyrics such as, 'spin around in circles on my middle middle finger' which is a message to all nay-sayers who have been trashing her image since her last album (looking at you perez hilton). What to expect when listening? Vocals, vocals, emotion, and VOCALS! A+ Full Review »