Back To Basics
by Christina Aguilera
  • Record Label: RCA
  • Release Date: Aug 15, 2006
User Score
8.8

Universal acclaim- based on 651 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 584 out of 651
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 651
  3. Negative: 52 out of 651

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  1. Guigo230694
    Nov 21, 2011
    10
    I Loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooove this album
  2. amir_manraj
    Jun 13, 2011
    10
    Whoa. This is pop perfection! "Hurt" is an unforgettable ballad, "Candyman" is a jazzy '40s-style swing tune, and "Ain't No Other Man" channels '60s funk. There are many more great, classy songs as well. Christina has had one of the best voices of any Hollywood diva since she started singing. She deserves praise for bringing old-fashioned vocal pop in the style of '20s, '30s, and '40sWhoa. This is pop perfection! "Hurt" is an unforgettable ballad, "Candyman" is a jazzy '40s-style swing tune, and "Ain't No Other Man" channels '60s funk. There are many more great, classy songs as well. Christina has had one of the best voices of any Hollywood diva since she started singing. She deserves praise for bringing old-fashioned vocal pop in the style of '20s, '30s, and '40s songs to mainstream pop music.… Expand
  3. MarcoAC
    Mar 22, 2012
    10
    Without doubt the best Christina Aguilera, and also one of the riskiest album of the 21st century. What artist in the full year 2006 would have the courage to release an album of Blues and Soul? No one. But Christina did, got the deserved success, and as always, the quality put into it and feeling the tracks. Highlight tracks Hurt Oh Mother, Is not No Other Man, Slow Down Baby, Candyman,Without doubt the best Christina Aguilera, and also one of the riskiest album of the 21st century. What artist in the full year 2006 would have the courage to release an album of Blues and Soul? No one. But Christina did, got the deserved success, and as always, the quality put into it and feeling the tracks. Highlight tracks Hurt Oh Mother, Is not No Other Man, Slow Down Baby, Candyman, Save Me From Myself and Mercy On Me.… Expand
  4. orbit
    Aug 9, 2012
    10
    Christina Aguilera's best album so far. One of the best album of 2006. Ain't No Other Man, Hurt, Candyman, Welcome and Mercy on Me are just amazing !!!
  5. ClaudooSSia
    Jul 17, 2013
    10
    Christina takes us "Back In The Day" in her oldschool R&B oriented, fully grown up, amazing, breathtaking, best album in her career. First disc mainly contains of joyfull, full of life songs like "Makes Me Wanna Prey", "Ain't No Other Man", "Back In The Day", "Slow Down Baby" and "Still Dirrty" and light but not shallow ballads like "Oh Mother" and "Without You" with every one of themChristina takes us "Back In The Day" in her oldschool R&B oriented, fully grown up, amazing, breathtaking, best album in her career. First disc mainly contains of joyfull, full of life songs like "Makes Me Wanna Prey", "Ain't No Other Man", "Back In The Day", "Slow Down Baby" and "Still Dirrty" and light but not shallow ballads like "Oh Mother" and "Without You" with every one of them sampling one of Xtina's favouite songs. Second disc partially foreshadows what will happen in 2010 on "Burlesque" soundtrack. Even if "Enter The Circus" is a mess the rest of the CD is flawless. It conatins both sexy songs like "Candyman", "Nasty Naughty Boy" and "I Got Trouble" vulnerable, beauiful ballads like "Welcome", "Save Me From Myself", "The Right Man" and finally Christina's best song ever done "Hurt.

    10 out of 10    … Expand
  6. jassiel
    Aug 24, 2013
    10
    This remains to be one of the best pop albums of the 2000's, she just gives her soul and powerful voice to this journey from the music of the 20's and 30's with a modern touch. While the first CD has a set of club songs the second one has the collaboration of Linda Perry and one of the most powerful and rawest songs ever "Hurt", I highly recommend you to buy this CD, for the fans she won'tThis remains to be one of the best pop albums of the 2000's, she just gives her soul and powerful voice to this journey from the music of the 20's and 30's with a modern touch. While the first CD has a set of club songs the second one has the collaboration of Linda Perry and one of the most powerful and rawest songs ever "Hurt", I highly recommend you to buy this CD, for the fans she won't disappoint you, there's a song written for you called Thank you, the artwork is pretty nice. I wish I had this album on vinyl,… Expand
  7. KingdomHeart
    Dec 4, 2013
    10
    This is the album that Beyoncé always wanted to do, sophisticated, well crafted and extremely tasteful, Back to Basics itself as a masterpiece of Christina Aguilera.
  8. thaleslucas
    Sep 26, 2014
    10
    "Back to Basics" is the best album that Christina Aguilera did, that's all!

    I would like to say how this one is amazing, but I cannot explain how I felt when I bought it. All the songs sound biggest and powerful with her beautiful voice. And the lyrics are so awesome! Lots of love for it!!! ♥
  9. xtinabubbles
    Oct 17, 2015
    10
    Este álbum es fantástico, ella siempre se innova y amo eso, es una gran artista, y este es un gran álbum, es GENIAL! Lo amo, es de mis favoritos, su voz es la mejor que hay, CHRISTINA QUEEN ♥
  10. joaogarciabraga
    Feb 8, 2016
    10
    Perfection. This album is really great.
  11. Italo
    May 8, 2011
    9
    Her best album yet, Back to Bascis souds pretty good, ver voice is amazing, she is an excelent performer, give us another album with the same or better quality that Back to Basics Xtina. :D
  12. jaav1002
    Aug 18, 2012
    10
    Amazing Album, greatest songs and a really wonderful voice, she's a very wonderful artist. Definitely her best album so far. I don't understand the bad critics.
  13. AlexPizziolo
    Nov 9, 2012
    10
    Beautifully written and produced. The masterpiece of one of the best singers of all time. Christina pours her heart in the lyrics and her geniality in the evoking of the basic sound.
  14. Recordmania
    Oct 4, 2013
    10
    Now, that's is what they call music. It's an amazing pop album flavored with 40's, 50's, 60's Jazz and Blues materials. The lyrics are amazing same th the beats and the vocal performance. A true masterpiece.
  15. viniciusmiguel
    Dec 10, 2013
    8
    great album, incredible voice and amazing ballads. xtina knows how to make a really good music, she can be everything: pop singer, hip hop singer, jazz singer, soul singer...... this album can show us that she doesn't care about what's playing on the radio
  16. MandyD
    Jan 6, 2015
    10
    deusaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
  17. Edrei
    Jul 21, 2015
    10
    I can't believe how amazing this album is! The sounds and lyrics are heaven, and her voice is pure perfection! I'm so obsessed with it! 100% highly recommended.
  18. LispectorLTX
    May 4, 2018
    8
    It's strange that it took 7 years to Christina Aguilera find herself on music. "Stripped" and "Christina Aguilera" are both good and classic albums, but "Back To Basics" shows that she is mature enough to be herself without being that sweet girl or even that sexy woman. When you start listening to this LP, you can presume how this album will be with this incredible and iconic introduction.
  19. LipeFireworks
    Feb 13, 2017
    10
    Um dos melhores albuns de todos os tempos, biblia, Mercy On me, Hurt, Candyman, Slow Down Baby Ain No Other Man, sao uma das minhas faixas preferidas, melhor album da Xtina, ele é 1000x melhor que o lixo do bionic
  20. AldairTorres
    Oct 12, 2016
    10
    Es Un Admirable disco, Una declaración artística, Con Gran poder y destreza vocal de La cantante, su canción más memorable es Candyman pues es diferente a lo lanzado por otros artistas pop de su época, Este disco es realmente bueno
  21. lordemusic
    Dec 1, 2016
    10
    This is one of the best pop albums I've ever heard from such a young vocalist. She's really a great songwriter and DJ Premier has brought out the best in her. 15 years from now we will have yet another legend among us. Collapse
  22. vxmagame
    May 12, 2017
    10
    Amo este álbum, este es el verdadero sonido y estilo de Christina Aguilera. Se luce su voz me encanta la tematica de los años 30s, 40s y 50s ¡Una leyenda!
  23. DramaticFighter
    Jun 23, 2017
    9
    It's incredible how Christina can switch styles and still bring something relevant and unique and this album was so suitable for her voice and media person.
  24. ManuelContreras
    Apr 7, 2018
    10
    Una obra maestra por parte de la cantante Aguilera, ademas de que porfin se hizo justicia al tener un promedio de criticas en verde
  25. NicolasNewg
    Aug 14, 2017
    10
    This is favorite album ever, She did it very well, The voice is amazing and she shows everybody how is make magic with a song, Makes me wanna pray is a masterpiece and the other songs are amazing
  26. LegendR
    Aug 31, 2017
    10
    Her best album to date and my favorite album ever. It's just a masterpiece. It totally deserved its Grammy nomination (it should've won tough). "Back In The Day" is one of my favorite songs on the album.
  27. JeanPinho
    Nov 10, 2017
    10
    She knows how to make real music, and shows that she has talent for all music styles, queen of She knows how to make real music, and shows that she has talent for all music styles, queen of reinvention. No doubt she was born to soul music, jazz and blues. Xoxo
  28. TEAMUSUK1705
    Nov 10, 2017
    9
    This is her best album ever ever ever, vintage taste, vintage style, vintage mood.
    .......................................................................
  29. CJjunior13
    Jun 14, 2018
    10
    Apesar de ser um álbum duplo ambos os CDs são coesos e com uma ótima sonoridade retrô ! Um dos melhores trabalhos da Aguilera se não o melhor.
  30. Mikecael
    Jun 16, 2018
    10
    magnificent album , so soul and jazz . Baby Jane rich of glamour . Xoxo X-tina
  31. Adrianorsini
    Jun 16, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. new album is amazing, a work of art
    Christina Aguilera has the gift to reinvent herself in music whenever she takes the initiative of her albums, she continues being the greatest inspiration of generations for music, for her talent, love of music and of course her voice that is the best in the industry musical, simply deserves Grammy of the album of the year. the song "maria", "pipe" and "fall in line" are the great highlights of the album and that no matter what musical style she sings, she simply does with love, so it is wonderful. success.    … Expand
  32. pauldiam
    Jun 19, 2018
    10
    Christina Aguilera is a one in a million artist, through her debut album she crafted a very old-school bubblegum pop mood which i didn't perticularly find interesting enough for me to become a fan, however Stripped was an entirely different album and altogether was a far more deeper and rythemetic album which reflected blues and RnB as her influence which eternally expressed Xtina'sChristina Aguilera is a one in a million artist, through her debut album she crafted a very old-school bubblegum pop mood which i didn't perticularly find interesting enough for me to become a fan, however Stripped was an entirely different album and altogether was a far more deeper and rythemetic album which reflected blues and RnB as her influence which eternally expressed Xtina's creativity with lyrics and balanced some incredibly deep and moving songs.
    Chritina made the right move to pull a new dynamic out of the bag with this stunning album...to go back to her musical roots and establish her fetish for 20's and 30's style music and the result is very exceptional indeed .    … Expand
  33. RAFA903
    Jun 26, 2018
    10
    um doa melhores álbuns da Christina Aguilera como sempre ela inovando em todos os sentidos ,um belíssimo trabalho ,parabéns Aguilera
  34. evildevil17
    Jul 3, 2018
    10
    An ambitious throwback to old Hollywood glam, Back to Basics won the hearts of music lovers around the world, and not without a reason. The album is funky, yet soulful; catchy as hell but not commercialized. On "Save Me from Myself" and "Mercy on Me" Aguilera proves - quite effortlessly, actually - that she's the best singer of her generation.
  35. PabloRivie
    May 14, 2020
    9
    1.- INTRO.- Aun no me da el aire que expresa el arte o el título del album. Me suena mas a una transición entre Stripped y este album
    2.- MAKES ME WANNA PRAY.- Me encanta el sonido bastante soul y el aire a coro de iglesia que usa Christina en sus canciones desde Stripped. GRAN VOZ como siempre. Gran pieza de principio a fin. Debería ser single. TOP
    3.- BACK IN THE DAY.- El principio    1.- INTRO.- Aun no me da el aire que expresa el arte o el título del album. Me suena mas a una transición entre Stripped y este album
    2.- MAKES ME WANNA PRAY.- Me encanta el sonido bastante soul y el aire a coro de iglesia que usa Christina en sus canciones desde Stripped. GRAN VOZ como siempre. Gran pieza de principio a fin. Debería ser single. TOP
    3.- BACK IN THE DAY.- El principio suena batante intersante, al llegar al coro se vuelve un poco mas decepcionante sin embargo nunca puedes aburrirte del todo con la voz de Christina. Yo habría puesto a esta cancion como introducción del disco. No es mala pero no la escucharía de nuevo
    4.- AIN'T NO OTHER MAN.- Excelente primer single, una propuesta muy creativa para introducir la temática del disco al mercado. La mezcla perfecta de Jazz y Pop para el 2006. TOP
    5.- UNDERSTAND.- Una mezcla entre balada y Soul, muy bien ejecutada, no es muy profunda ni recordable pero logra cautivar. Tal ves la ejecución del bridge intermedio me sabe un poco raro pero en general una buena canción.
    6.- SLOW DOWN BABY.- Muy buen aporte al album, mezcla de pop y soul muy bien ejecutada. Tiene potencial para single. TOP
    7.- OH MOTHER.- De las canciones mas personales de Christina. Sónicamente sale un poco del sonido soul/ jazz sin embargo no desentona. La letra me gusta mucho sin embargo la melodía pienso que pudo haber sido mejor trabajada. No es de mi favoritas.
    8.- F.U.S.S..- Excelente melodía, letra, lo más RnB del album, un sonido bastante a lo Stripped sin embargo no muy recordable
    9.- ON OUR WAY.- Excelente producción musical, sigue la linea RnB del anterior track. No es una mala canción pero tampoco es de mis favoritas.
    10.- WITHOUT YOU.- Continua la linea RnB. No es mala pero definitivamente no es de mis favoritas. NEXT
    11.- STILL DIRRTY.- Retorna al sonido Soul antiguo. Para mi esta es la mezcla perfecta entre Stripped y B2B, volviendo a tocar el tema de la sexualidad pero con un sonido mas soul. Podría haber sido un interesante single. No es para nada mala pero no la pondría en mi Playlist
    12.- HERE TO STAY.- La pista suena bastante oldie. Buena mezcla entre pop y Soul/Jazz. Como canción no es mala pero escuchándola fuera del disco no sobresaldría.
    13.- THANK YOU.- Al principio suena un poco a un Genie In A Bottle parte 2. Como dedicatoria a los fans me parece bastante creativa en cuanto a producción. Como canción me deja bastante que desear. Definitivamente algo que los fans apreciarían mucho más que una persona regular. Talves podriía haber sido un poco mas corta.
    14.- ENTER THE CIRCUS.- Excelentemente ejecutada como introducción pero me da aire a una Sub- temática dentro de otra temática. Podría haber sido un album por separado o una parte dos pero separada y no así un doble disco. TOP
    15.- WELCOME.- Me gusta mucho. Deja un poco el sonido Jazz y nos trae un track muy Pop Soul. Excelente transición con la introducción
    16.- CANDYMAN.- ME ENCANTA. Vuelve al Jazz de la manera más divertida posible. Fresco, divertido, mezcla perfecta de un 40s y un 2006. OBRA MAESTRA. Mi favorita del album hasta ahora. TOP
    17.- NASTY NAUGHTY BOY.- Excelente sonido de cabaret. Muy Showgirl. Le da un giro al album pero sin salirse para nada de la linea musical. De nuevo me suena a la mezcla perfecta de Stripped y B2B. De mis favoritas del album. TOP
    18.- I GOT TROUBLE.- Lo más soul puro del album. El toque perfecto que necesitaba. No la pondría en mi PL pero dentro del álbum suena genial
    19.- HURT.- De las mejores baladas que tiene Aguilera. Gran voz, producción, letra. Excelente 2do single. Definitivamente de mis favoritas del álbum. TOP
    20.- MERCY ON ME.- Para mí las mejores fórmulas que tiene Christina es la mezcla de Soul con coros de iglesia y Pop. Esta no es la excepción. De nuevo suena un poco a mezcla entre Stripped y B2B pero no es para nada malo. De hecho es de mis favoritas del disco. TOP
    21.- SAVE ME FROM MYSELF.- Una balada acústica perfecta. Todo lo que necesitaba esta 2da parte para ser PERFECTA.ME ENCANTA. TOP
    22.- THE RIGHT MAN.- Suena bastante similar a Hurt pero eso no es para nada negativo. Sale un poco del sonido jazz/soul pero vale totalmente la pena. EXCELENTE BALADA. TOP

    EN GENERAL: Si bien hay un sonido bastante comun entre ambos lados del disco el segundo en mi opinión introduce como una pequeña sub temática que podría haber sido mejor utilizada siendo lanzada por separado o como una parte 2 de B2B. En general el sonido es bastante cohesivo, trae bastante sustancia de Stripped pero lo mimetiza perfectamente a este nuevo sonido. En general me encanta el sonido y el concepto del album. Algunas canciones pudieron ser deshechadas pero como esta tampoco me molestan. EXCELENTE TRABAJO. De hecho me molesta un poco que no sacara mas singles.    … Expand
  36. philosophorse
    Aug 4, 2014
    9
    It's so good because of three main things:
    Christina's immaculate voice and how she screams powerfully even in mellow parts of songs.
    The production, of course.
    The homages, and the skit-like World War II lyrics and intros. It's a comedic work of art.
    It's a bummer because:
    It's divided to two discs when one could had made do.
  37. xtinalol
    Aug 26, 2016
    10
    This is one of the best pop albums I've ever heard from such a young vocalist. She's really a great songwriter and DJ Premier has brought out the best in her. 15 years from now we will have yet another legend among us. Collapse
  38. DaveH
    Sep 12, 2006
    3
    It's NOT a little crass and self-centred, it's EXTREMELY crass and self-centred, just like the boring bimbo who released it.
  39. charlottef
    Oct 1, 2006
    0
    shes so boring and just because you have a powerful voice doesn't mean it's any good
  40. MandyD
    Aug 14, 2006
    0
    Isn't even worthy of being released. She's so fake.
  41. moolalotsa
    Aug 15, 2006
    0
    Hideous music from the most delusional and empty-headed pop star ... EVER. Someone deflate her bloated head and charge her for making such awful music. Truly the worst pop star of all time.
  42. gilm
    Aug 20, 2006
    4
    "Ain't no other man". Billy Hollyday!? Jazzy!!?? Michael Jackson all over, that's what it has... Double unoriginal: in genre an in interpretation!
  43. LanieL
    Aug 14, 2006
    3
    Only like a few songs, but even among those I can only listen to half the song. I really cannot take her screaming. A lot of this album is very boring to me. I love Understand, Save me from myself, Without You. Don't like F.U.S.S. Wtf is Enter the Circus? Back in the Day is BORING! Thank you is annoyingly egotistical. Lyrics are decent except for the hypocrisy of Here to Stay and Only like a few songs, but even among those I can only listen to half the song. I really cannot take her screaming. A lot of this album is very boring to me. I love Understand, Save me from myself, Without You. Don't like F.U.S.S. Wtf is Enter the Circus? Back in the Day is BORING! Thank you is annoyingly egotistical. Lyrics are decent except for the hypocrisy of Here to Stay and FUSS (assuming its about Mr. Storch) In Here to Stay she says she doesn't pay attention to the negative kind, yet she has FUSS on the album. Good job not paying attention!… Expand
  44. mikes.
    Aug 16, 2006
    4
    AMG overrated this album and this album is in my opinion worse than stripped. The main reason is that this album is simply not pop. The production is awful, old sounding, and the genre she's singing seems to be something one would hear on broadway during the 50's. That is why other critics praise this album just because it sounds different. But this type of different is bad, and AMG overrated this album and this album is in my opinion worse than stripped. The main reason is that this album is simply not pop. The production is awful, old sounding, and the genre she's singing seems to be something one would hear on broadway during the 50's. That is why other critics praise this album just because it sounds different. But this type of different is bad, and just plain whack. The only reason this type of album will have success is because its coming from a main stream artist. If an indie artist released this crap it would absolutely go unrecognized and be critically served a cold dish as well.… Expand
  45. ChrisW
    Aug 23, 2006
    5
    She really missed on this one. If you're going to make a CD that has influences of early Blues and Jazz, why not go the full route? Just by saying the names of former Music Legends does not put you in that catagory. Far from it in fact. She got an amazing voice, but poor songwriting and weak productions fail these CD's.
  46. MattS
    Aug 29, 2006
    4
    Honestly, the ablum sucked to me. Becuase i mean seriously, she shifter from waering a whorey dress in that "Dirty" video and now, "Im trying to be serious"? Please, leave that to rock bands. Too much Pop music has flooded Teens , and that gives groups like 'Backstreet boys' 'Panic at the disco' and 'Beyonce' to make teeny music that will be xpected to be a Honestly, the ablum sucked to me. Becuase i mean seriously, she shifter from waering a whorey dress in that "Dirty" video and now, "Im trying to be serious"? Please, leave that to rock bands. Too much Pop music has flooded Teens , and that gives groups like 'Backstreet boys' 'Panic at the disco' and 'Beyonce' to make teeny music that will be xpected to be a big hit even though it's pontless, but they think they're GODS, so it's that what blinds people from PASSIONATE music. Believe me, I at first like Christina's music with that song "Beatiful' because she sounds more serious and more powerful with melodi songs, but now, what? "Ain't No Other Man'? Come on people, we hear that tune off MTV everyday! We neeed something new today! Music is rotting day by day! The same rap beat in everysong, the same dance beat in every song! Please get real and make sometihng unique. It's honestly annoying.… Expand
  47. MyraP.
    Sep 6, 2006
    2
    The album is too overdone, and Christina never really embodies the music she's so desperately trying to emulate.
  48. DaveW
    Aug 15, 2006
    2
    I'm sorry, but overall this CD is a mess. It's like Christina is trying to hard. The production, her vocals, everything. Too over the top. "Makes Me Wanna Pray" is like faux gospel and it comes off really fake. "Ain't No Other Man" suffers from her oversinging the song. Most of disc one is a piece of garbage. The only good songs come from disc 2, and there aren't many. I'm sorry, but overall this CD is a mess. It's like Christina is trying to hard. The production, her vocals, everything. Too over the top. "Makes Me Wanna Pray" is like faux gospel and it comes off really fake. "Ain't No Other Man" suffers from her oversinging the song. Most of disc one is a piece of garbage. The only good songs come from disc 2, and there aren't many. In fact, the only spectacular song is "Save Me From Myself," a song that entices chills without Aguilera screaming like a madwoman. It's easily her best song to date. Too bad most of the record is nothing like that song. Less is more, Christina. You may say you went back to basics, but really you went as over the top as possible on this one. Better luck next time.… Expand
  49. BrianK
    Aug 16, 2006
    2
    A misfire on so many levels. It would probably take several pages to fully flesh out everything that is wrong with the album. To start off with, Christina comparing herself to the great singers of our time (Ella, Etta, Nina, among others) is preposterous. Yes, she is a phenomenal singer, easily the strongest one on the radio right now, but peeling away the shine of her vocal acrobatics A misfire on so many levels. It would probably take several pages to fully flesh out everything that is wrong with the album. To start off with, Christina comparing herself to the great singers of our time (Ella, Etta, Nina, among others) is preposterous. Yes, she is a phenomenal singer, easily the strongest one on the radio right now, but peeling away the shine of her vocal acrobatics reveals a staggering immaturity and lack of emotion in her voice 95% of the time. She lacks the timelessness and artistic generosity that is required of greatness -- it is and always will be about Xtina. And this is a huge thing on the whole record; her pride is beaten into your skull over and over again. Where to start on other things that are wrong... too broad a vision leads to lack of focus; too much belting and riffs deaden their effect; attempts at jazz come off as loungy and second-rate. But the real killer, the biggest unforgivable sin, is the track "Thank You." It is, in my opinion, the absolute worst kind of music that can be made -- music that not only makes the rest of the album worse, but also makes you feel bad for both the artist and the artist's fans. A handful of tunes that work (the most notable being "Candyman") redeem the album from a 0 or a 1.… Expand
  50. VictorG
    Dec 22, 2007
    0
    GREAT ALBUM!
  51. owenrw89
    Dec 10, 2016
    5
    Making it a two disc album was pointless. The tracks that try too hard to sound old should have been cut. A short one disc record would have made this the perfect retro-pop album. Back to Basics didn't really prove how versatile Christina was, it proved that she was running out of ideas. Her voice, as always, saved the album. The production was rather crisp too. The issue here is thatMaking it a two disc album was pointless. The tracks that try too hard to sound old should have been cut. A short one disc record would have made this the perfect retro-pop album. Back to Basics didn't really prove how versatile Christina was, it proved that she was running out of ideas. Her voice, as always, saved the album. The production was rather crisp too. The issue here is that unlike the era it evokes, it's very forgettable.… Expand
  52. RK13
    Jul 11, 2017
    6
    It's nice to see Aguilera finally finding who she is as a musician. She has evolved from a innocent blonde, to a saucy minx and now a mature woman. The only problem is that she enjoys screaming on this album to show of her powerhouse vocals. Nevertheless, this album is full of classics... Candyman, Ain't No Other Man.
  53. ntukziem
    Aug 21, 2006
    10
    xtina bridges the gap with her best work yet... awesome album!!!
  54. JamesT
    Aug 23, 2006
    10
    Phenomenal.... one word says it all... excellent work girl!
  55. R.M.Bronson
    Aug 6, 2006
    10
    Stellar. Excellent. A must buy. Definitely a frontrunner for Album of the Year.
  56. dgfgdgffdg
    Aug 6, 2006
    10
    sexy
  57. FrankN
    Aug 7, 2006
    10
    The best female voice out there!
  58. MohammedS
    Aug 7, 2006
    10
    Brilliant, brilliant album. She has more authentic hiphop beats than the NY rappers. She put them all to shame, and I can't believe I just said that.
  59. KennyH
    Sep 18, 2006
    10
    It's an AMAZING album!.. it's very different, compared to stripped. but I think this cd is more 'happy':).. it's superb! Personally I like the second cd little bit more:)
  60. StephenN
    Sep 2, 2006
    10
    I think this is Christina's Best Album So Far.I particularly like Disc 2 Better than Disc 1.and her vocal talent comes out strong on this Album so close to what she really loves.
  61. MarkW
    Sep 3, 2006
    10
    It shows through the music that she really put time into making this album. This album isn't for everybody, but for those people out there that are looking for QUALITY pop music, this is the CD for you.
  62. Tiar
    Sep 6, 2006
    9
    Aguilera shows her vocal prowess once again in an original, funky mix of heart wrenching ballads, sassy 40's bar room swingers, and soulful tributes to the legends of the first half of the twentieth century. The chameleon-like Aguilera has shed her skin from a bubblegum teen pop princess to a dirrty chaps wearing rebel to a subtely sensual traditional soul/pop/r'n'b queen. Aguilera shows her vocal prowess once again in an original, funky mix of heart wrenching ballads, sassy 40's bar room swingers, and soulful tributes to the legends of the first half of the twentieth century. The chameleon-like Aguilera has shed her skin from a bubblegum teen pop princess to a dirrty chaps wearing rebel to a subtely sensual traditional soul/pop/r'n'b queen. And for that, I applaud her.… Expand
  63. aczxc
    Feb 22, 2007
    10
    tdy
  64. katiec
    Mar 3, 2007
    10
    don't understand the bad reviews, the album is brilliant! i love candyman and hurt they are the best songs.
  65. BálintK
    May 8, 2007
    10
    This album is very good
  66. FredricE.
    Jun 7, 2007
    10
    Best release of 2006.. Christina has grown so much into a more mature artist. shes just perfect.
  67. DevonS
    Feb 3, 2010
    10
    Excellent album. She sounds like a woman in control of her career and you can't get any better than "Mercy on Me," "Hurt," "On Our Way," and "Ain't No Other Man." She is amazing and has the best voice of this generation.
  68. AnaB.
    Oct 1, 2006
    10
    Christina Aguilera is by far one of if not the greatest singer of our generation. I love the new sound she provided on Back to Basics. Sometimes a couple of songs sounded too similar to others, but overall I loved it.
  69. ChrisM
    Oct 12, 2006
    9
    I'm agree that without a few songs this would be a master piece... Disc 2 is outrageous... Some of the Disc 1 is not working for me, but comparing this album with the emo trash or the stupid pop out there, she demands a lot of respect hands down... And I can smell the grammys here too...
  70. pattys
    Nov 20, 2006
    10
    love it!!
  71. miyoj
    Dec 7, 2006
    10
    albun of the year!!!!!
  72. manuelm
    Aug 12, 2006
    10
    A well produced album. It doesn't even seem like a double album. DJ Premier and Linda Perry did a good job.
  73. AH
    Aug 17, 2006
    10
    An instant classic from an artist that continues to improve with age, this girl adds an 'x factor' to every track that lifts them to another level. Christina is the greatest talent of her generation, and though others such as Kelly Clarkson are worthy successors, she remains THE best pop vocalist of our time.
  74. TunM
    Aug 17, 2006
    10
    She is the best female singer in the world right now & this album is such a classic...simply amazing...Still dirrty,Hurt,The Right Man,Mercy on Me,Save me from myself,Here to stay,Without you"& so..so many great songs in 2 cds...she'll win Album of the year with this "back to Basics" in Grammy time ....
  75. CorinneH
    Aug 17, 2006
    1
    This album is cluttered, clunky and self-obsessed. If you want to listen to several hours of Christina singing about herself and how wonderful she and her husband are to the tune of old jazz, then this album is for you.
  76. JoeC
    Aug 18, 2006
    10
    Great album Every song is wonderfull!!
  77. richardj
    Aug 18, 2006
    7
    This album is a mixed bag, it's not bad, but not great, at first listesn i was going to take the CD back to the shop but I prefer the second disc as it' has more solid songs! But three of my criticisms of this album, which take the pints of 10 is: Christina needs to learn to control her wonderful voice, probably one of the best and unique in pop music, why? she could have used This album is a mixed bag, it's not bad, but not great, at first listesn i was going to take the CD back to the shop but I prefer the second disc as it' has more solid songs! But three of my criticisms of this album, which take the pints of 10 is: Christina needs to learn to control her wonderful voice, probably one of the best and unique in pop music, why? she could have used her range but not the belting out voice(too musical/showy sounding) all the time, if you sing jazz it's phrasing, emotion and control but also subtlies, like the greats use ella, sarah vaughn, billie holiday! Two their is a lot of crappy tracks (thank you is sickly! to name one!) which if edited the album properly could have been cut to a 15 track album disc! The third is the artist Lina does this music mixing jazz/r & b and I think christina maybe needed to hear her album to make hers solid, maybe even ue travis house as porducer!… Expand
  78. ChristinaN
    Aug 18, 2006
    10
    In my opinion, Christina has made a master piece. Of 22 songs (including interludes) I only find myself skipping 3. One of them being an interlude. This means 19 great songs.
  79. IanS
    Aug 20, 2006
    10
    No current pop artist can touch Christina, vocally. She proves that this record. No current pop artist can reach Christina, artistically. She proves that this record. No current pop artist makes pop records of this calibur. Christina has.
  80. GillesB
    Aug 22, 2006
    8
    I'm not really a fan of christina, but this record is pure bliss... loads of catchy tunes, rather original compared to what she's done before... i'm buying!
  81. JeffreyQ
    Aug 20, 2006
    10
    definitely a great comeback album, back to basics is packed with cool dance music (ain't no other man, slow down baby and candyman), soft ballads (without you and save me from myself), and powerful vocal acrobatics (understand, mercy on me, and makes me wanna pray). it is an eclectic mix of everything that can be classified pop and it contains the best interlude ever: enter the definitely a great comeback album, back to basics is packed with cool dance music (ain't no other man, slow down baby and candyman), soft ballads (without you and save me from myself), and powerful vocal acrobatics (understand, mercy on me, and makes me wanna pray). it is an eclectic mix of everything that can be classified pop and it contains the best interlude ever: enter the circus + welcome.… Expand
  82. ElizabethR
    Aug 24, 2006
    10
    I love Back to basics.
  83. Jed
    Aug 26, 2006
    10
    This is by far the best album I've heard this year. Christina has really grown as an artist. I can't stop listening to the songs. Keep up the good work girl!!!
  84. OdaiA
    Aug 6, 2006
    10
    Album of the year, hands down.
  85. Rob
    Aug 6, 2006
    10
    What a major step forward from Stripped..though this is classified as Pop, the album really spans all genres WITH a purpose. Christina is really pushing herself and its great to see...nice album.
  86. christinar
    Aug 6, 2006
    10
    pure perfection. its a grammy contender. best album of the year so far and aguilera's best effort.
  87. tenzingd
    Aug 9, 2006
    10
    christina´s versatile voice is a strength she uses to idolise the great singers of blues and jazz of the past. I have already listened the album, back to basic. She is getter better and better. she blows you out.
  88. AntonioB
    Sep 15, 2006
    10
    The best album from this singer. Very unique and interesting. The sounds, the voice, the lyrics, it's all perfect and different.
  89. despor
    Sep 17, 2006
    10
    I love this cd, i love the fact that it is different to what other people are releasing, she deserves all the sucess with this. Amazing.
  90. MarquisW
    Sep 21, 2006
    8
    Definately not better then Stripped, but that was far to hard to top. I enjoyed the album for what it was!
  91. amandad
    Sep 2, 2006
    10
    Chrisitina has delivered as usual...great tunes and excellent vocals. She does what any artist does by borrowing from her predecessors. I like the fact that they inspired her music, and it is very obvious throughout the album, BUT it is still very much her own. There are a lot of playful songs, but she doesn't forget to include meaningful songs like "Sorry." The double disc album is Chrisitina has delivered as usual...great tunes and excellent vocals. She does what any artist does by borrowing from her predecessors. I like the fact that they inspired her music, and it is very obvious throughout the album, BUT it is still very much her own. There are a lot of playful songs, but she doesn't forget to include meaningful songs like "Sorry." The double disc album is amazing and actually a great deal when you consider the fact that you are getting about two albums worth of music in one.… Expand
  92. desireeb
    Sep 20, 2006
    10
    Christina Aguilera did a fantastic job on this album, she wanted something different to change the way people see her... her voice is so powerful and the style of music is classic.
  93. mAzc
    Sep 5, 2006
    10
    I think this album is fab! Craggy has got such an interestin n unique voice! Best album of the year!
  94. BigDog
    Feb 1, 2007
    10
    I don't understand the low ratings for this album. It is absolutely brilliant. This has my vote for album of the year hands down. Christina-Rules!
  95. EdwardH
    May 8, 2007
    10
    Another dope ass album from Aguilera. She just keepz excelin' in brilliance every time. I love Candyman and ain't no other man best. But I like all tha songs 2. They ain't no bad songs at in this album. Their all trill. you go Girl!
  96. SandyT
    Nov 12, 2006
    6
    Clean, Moving, Playing, Noise.
  97. DanielC
    Oct 12, 2006
    10
    this is by far one of the greatest most creative album she has done. she is one of the artist in 20 or 30 years from now recieving a lifetime acheivement award. ill say it's better than stripped becuz of creativity luv u xtina, aka babyjane
  98. stephanie
    Oct 13, 2006
    8
    it has very nice songs in the cd
  99. Lyssha
    Oct 16, 2006
    8
    Not perfect, and definitly not as good as stripped, but it is a good album. Most of the songs are likeable, some are amazing, and some have to grow on you a bit. Overall, a good album and a good achievement for Ms. Aguilera.
  100. BeefJerky
    Oct 19, 2006
    0
    i like how people think "she found herself" when she doesn't make her own music or her own image. Get a clue people. This is bad music for people with no taste. They found a pretty girl with a pretty face and told her to sing this song and wear these clothes. American Idol without the voting and just as phony.
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Most Discussed Album of 2006
8
#8 Most Shared Album of 2006

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. The Guardian
    40
    Beyond the retro instrumentation, however, it's unclear what Aguilera has really learned from her idols.
    Read full review
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    Aguilera doesn't have the gravitas of her heroes, and her forays into bluesy torch singing and '40s-style swing are stiff and mannered. But she needn't genuflect before the past -- she can make her own glorious kind of 21st-century noise.
    Read full review
  3. musicOMH.com
    40
    This rather bloated record should be regarded as a disappointment - an interesting one, but a disappointment none the less.
    Read full review
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