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. EstebanV.
    Jul 18, 2007
    10
    Even though there are some tracks that don't sound good like FUSS. This album in general is great even though too much time is used to worship one man. The album is great but it gets old. The highlights of the album are Ain't No Other Man, Hurt, Candyman, and Mercy On Me.
  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. Guigo230694
    Nov 21, 2011
    10
    I Loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooove this album
  4. 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
  5. 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 !!!
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 0987
    Oct 25, 2022
    10
    Mercy on me is the biggest highlight and the biggest discover on this album.

    I like how the first disc is all bright, mid to upbeat and fun with highlights being Understand, Still Dirrty and her dedication to fams where she even samples her own songs. Also that diss track FUSS was funny to me. And then in the second disc, the album becomes darker and turns from mid to slow tempo (with    Mercy on me is the biggest highlight and the biggest discover on this album.

    I like how the first disc is all bright, mid to upbeat and fun with highlights being Understand, Still Dirrty and her dedication to fams where she even samples her own songs. Also that diss track FUSS was funny to me. And then in the second disc, the album becomes darker and turns from mid to slow tempo (with excemptions being Candyman and Nasty Naughty Boy). Mercy On Me is, as I already said, the biggest highlight from this album. Too bad she neved performed this song live.    … Expand
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. 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!!! ♥
  14. MandyD
    Jan 6, 2015
    10
    deusaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
  15. 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.
  16. 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 ♥
  17. joaogarciabraga
    Feb 8, 2016
    10
    Perfection. This album is really great.
  18. 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
  19. 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
  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. zakomama64
    May 14, 2018
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Warning: This review may contain spoilers

    In my opinion, this is Christina Aguilera at her best. The production value is really good, she tries very hard to be authentic with the theme, more on that in a minute, which I like and her vocals peaked with this album. Concerning the theme, almost no other singer, at the time of the albums release, could do the 20's, 30's and 40's better than her. It may be a mostly pop album, even though the genre is pop/r&b, you can still hear jazz and soul, which were popular in the aforementioned decades. For example, "Candyman" is a jazzy 40s-style swing tune and "Ain't No Other Man" has elements of 60s funk. In my opinion, the only flaw is not combining "Welcome" and "Enter The Circus" as they are incomplete individually but combined creates a masterpiece that describes show biz in the perfect way that matched the theme of the album. I don't know why the critics hated on this album too much but it's hard-pressed to find a better album than this, which you almost can't.    … Expand
  23. 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!
  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. 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.
  29. Mikecael
    Jun 16, 2018
    10
    magnificent album , so soul and jazz . Baby Jane rich of glamour . Xoxo X-tina
  30. 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
  31. 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
  32. Haandy
    Dec 16, 2020
    10
    O segundo pilar da carreira da Xtina, album q mostra toda sua inspirações em verdadeiras divas do jazz, pisou no Chuca To Chuca da Lady covid.
  33. Mozart88
    Jul 4, 2018
    10
    Unique work from this living legend! Only Christina Aguilera combined a diverse mix of gospel, R&B, hip-hop, pop, brass instruments and lot of strings in 2006.

    Includes several best songs of Christina's career so far. Sonically especially Disc 2's strings and violins moved me and the vocals are one of the best I've ever heard from any artist. Storytelling is also beautiful, and    Unique work from this living legend! Only Christina Aguilera combined a diverse mix of gospel, R&B, hip-hop, pop, brass instruments and lot of strings in 2006.

    Includes several best songs of Christina's career so far. Sonically especially Disc 2's strings and violins moved me and the vocals are one of the best I've ever heard from any artist. Storytelling is also beautiful, and Christina Aguilera deserves more credit as a songwriter. Disc 1's samples work well.

    Highlights: Makes Me Wanna Pray, Ain't No Other Man, Mercy On Me, Hurt, Candyman, Welcome, The Right Man, Save Me From Myself, Back In The Day and Intro (Back to Basics).    … Expand
  34. 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
  35. 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.
  36. deenoaizu
    Jul 5, 2018
    10
    Xtina is the best!! Best Album of the decade..sonically..vocally and lyrically beyond amazing.. LOVE FROM MALAYSIA
  37. pcaiquex
    Jul 10, 2018
    10
    Uma Christina madura e que mostrou pro mundo quem é a dona da voz. Só por conter Ain't no other man e Hurt já merece a nota máxima.
  38. JeremySpears
    Aug 12, 2020
    10
    "Back to Basics" came out 14 years ago this month. With this album, Christina reinvented herself yet again after the incredible success and artistic liberation that "Stripped" was four years prior. For this album, Christina said goodbye to Xtina and adopted a new alter ego "Baby Jane", which was inspired by classic Hollywood actresses such as Marylin Monroe. The album itself pays tribute"Back to Basics" came out 14 years ago this month. With this album, Christina reinvented herself yet again after the incredible success and artistic liberation that "Stripped" was four years prior. For this album, Christina said goodbye to Xtina and adopted a new alter ego "Baby Jane", which was inspired by classic Hollywood actresses such as Marylin Monroe. The album itself pays tribute to and is inspired by Christina's idols from the 1920's-1950's. Its first half has a more urban sound that is still inspired by that time, while the second half sounds like it's straight from that time. Its lyrics deal with her relationship to her then husband, her love for music and her idols and her difficult childhood. The album kicks off with the Intro that basically explains the concept of the album and celebrates a certain era of music and her idols such as Aretha Franklin, Etta James, James Brown or Otis Redding. Its third track "Back In the Day" is basically the same thing, just longer and more uptempo. It’s a great song. The album's second song "Makes Me Wanna Pray" is already a highlight. A fun, uplifting gospel song that gets you moving and in a good mood every time you listen to it. "Slow Down Baby" is one of the best songs in Xtina's discography. It blends R&B with Hip-Hop and soul and is a powerful, fun, danceable and sassy feminist anthem. "Still Dirrty" is pretty similar and another amazing song. It references her legendary 2002 hit "Dirrty". "Oh Mother" is one of Christina's most personal songs and is just a beautiful and sad ballad. Just like "I'm OK" from "Stripped" it talks about her abusive father but this time focuses more on her mum's story. The album's iconic second single "Hurt" is another extremely sad but beautiful ballad that talks about death I think. One of my favorite songs of hers. The other two singles "Ain't No Other Man" and "Candyman" are iconic bops and I don’t think I need to say more about them. "Here To Stay" is an upbeat empowering anthem. I love Christina's confidence in that track. The interlude "F.U.S.S." is basically a diss track about Scott Storch, who had worked with her on "Stripped". I don’t know what happened between them but I like the interlude. "Thank You" is a thank you to the Fighters, her fans, and even includes messages from some fans. Not the best song on the album but it’s a nice gesture for sure. It closes the first half of the album. The second half of the album opens with "Enter the Circus". An epic interlude and the transition to "Welcome", another epic song, is just perfect. The second half also features two of the iconic singles ("Hurt" & "Candyman"). "Nasty Naughty Boy" is an incredibly sexy song that incorporates elements of jazz and blues. It was later used in her movie "Burlesque" and I totally understand why. "I Got Trouble", while not my favorite song, captures the concept of the album perfectly. It sounds like a very old song from the 1920s and Christina's vocals are just perfect. "Save Me from Myself" is very different from the rest of the album. Xtina doesn’t belt as she usually does and sings in a very nice, soft tone. The song itself is a simple acoustic song. On the album's final song "The Right Man", Xtina expresses that she has found "the right man" for her imagined daughter as she hopes that the child would not have to experience an abusive childhood like her. Sad yet powerful and beautiful.

    "Back to Basics" is Xtina's best album in my opinion. In a time where Hip-Hop and Dance Pop were dominating the charts Christina took a risk and released music inspired by her idols but it still had a modern twist. And even though it sounded so different from anything else on the charts, it was still an extremely successful era. The album is so cohesive, has great themes and even though it has 22 tracks it never seems too long and it never gets boring. Christina is the Princess of reinvention and this album proves how perfectly and authentically she can pull off such a reinvention. "Back to Basics" is a timeless masterpiece and one of my favorite albums ever. Favorites: Hurt, Slow Down Baby, Makes Me Wanna Pray, Oh Mother & Still Dirrty    … Expand
  39. ewertonmm
    Jun 15, 2019
    10
    This is a masterpiece that only Christina Aguilera could pull off. I can listen to this all day long on repeat without skipping a single track. The only problem of this whole LP is that it ends.
  40. Michael1814
    Aug 24, 2019
    10
    Christina has always been ahead of her time and Back to Basic sounds like no album before it.
  41. Rodkrieg
    Apr 3, 2020
    10
    What the? C’mon people, it’s her best album, powerful vocals, fresh style, and what a great production, sounds very 50’s, not like female singers nowadays.
  42. TheAxl
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Omg, a great album! The good vocalist who is cristina with this genre suits her very well !, all the songs are beautiful, Hurt a beautiful ballad, and Candyman !! omG !, everyone to dance!
  43. Yfiory
    Jun 22, 2020
    10
    Um álbum completo do início ao fim. Trabalhado em cima de duas temáticas principais os anos 40/50/60 e o circo. Trás em cada letra mensagens pessoais para levar como lições na vida.
  44. Nicolasaguilera
    Sep 25, 2020
    10
    Christina Aguilera
  45. bionicdoctor
    Mar 20, 2021
    10
    any popstar could do an album like this one at 25, this record proves the talent Miss Aguilera possess and her soaring voice is everything, it should've won the aoty
  46. LunaDawson
    Oct 23, 2021
    10
    I honestly don't know in which state a human being has to be to not find atleast one song from this album great. This album is not "over-done" it's simply out of this world
  47. JimK
    Nov 5, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of the best pop albums of all time. So ahead of the time it was released. Great lyrics… Expand
  48. Panboy1995
    Nov 11, 2021
    10
    Una obra maestra, un viaje en el tiempo, la voz de Christina se adapta muy bien a este género musical. Uno de mis discos favoritos de todos los tiempos. Mis fav son slow down baby, hurt, mercy on me.
  49. RestuSandika
    May 22, 2022
    10
    Aguilera at its FINEST FINESSE. This album is like everything check: production ✅ vocals ✅ lyrics ✅ emotiveness ✅ visuals ✅ vibe ✅ . The production on disc 1 is exceptionally unbelievable. It's unbeliavable how she can build an entirely new & fresh-sounding songs on obscure beats.
  50. eabickd
    Mar 13, 2022
    10
    Este álbum es otra de las joyas de Xtina! Demostrando su versatilidad musical, pasando de su imagen rebelde en Stripped a su lado más elegante en B2B! ✨
  51. idroJ2-2
    Mar 18, 2022
    10
    An album that combines perfectly retro sounds with contemporary ones like Amy Winehouse's "Back to Black".
  52. mariamedia
    Jun 21, 2022
    10
    In my opinion this is the greatest album a female pop star ever made. Only Aguilera could produce such a fine balance between old scoold and modern pop with powerhouse vocals, emotion and narrative singing. This album and era is just genious at every aspect
  53. Zarash
    Apr 27, 2023
    10
    all the songs on the album follow the vintage theme (which is very difficult to do) the vocals are exceptional and there are some songs with very strong lyrics and about the artist's past like "oh mother", hurt is also a beautiful ballad, can not be about the artist but it continues to bring a very strong message
  54. Infalandy
    Jul 28, 2023
    10
    Amé como Xtina usó sonidos de los 40' (no recuerdo bien de qué tiempos) y mezclarlos con sonidos de esa época, tiene letras bastante buenas en cuanto a cada canción, la producción también fue bastante buena.
  55. 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
  56. 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...
  57. JonG
    Aug 21, 2006
    9
    I absolutely love this album, just like I've loved everything Christina has ever done. I am in love with her even more after hearing this album, and her inspiration. No one else, I thionk, of her generation would have the balls, the chops, or the songwriting skill, or the emotion to pull something like this off, but she did, and it's amazing
  58. MichaelD
    Aug 6, 2006
    9
    I smell Grammy all over this album.
  59. Albert
    Sep 5, 2006
    9
    It's one of the best pop/hip hop albums of the season, it's new beats when all is the same, it's glad to hear it. Ido really think this one's the best of her carrer up to now
  60. VijayP
    Sep 7, 2006
    9
    I'm surprised the album has only 68 for critics. I think its about an A-. Its pretty good, not perfect, also very long, still its worth the buy. Our favorite "Dirrty" girl proves she's here to stay and that being "different" can be a very good thing. She seems to challenge herself, that I respect about her. Some songs aren't that great, but most of it is very interesting I'm surprised the album has only 68 for critics. I think its about an A-. Its pretty good, not perfect, also very long, still its worth the buy. Our favorite "Dirrty" girl proves she's here to stay and that being "different" can be a very good thing. She seems to challenge herself, that I respect about her. Some songs aren't that great, but most of it is very interesting and cool. Download "Hurt"(One of her best songs to date, vocally, excellent, IMO of course), "Ain't No Other Man"(which is alright for me, the video makes the song better though!.), "Save Me From Myself", "Candyman"(its alright, love the throwback feel though), "Slow Down Baby", "Understand", and "I Got Trouble", to name my favorites.… Expand
  61. ÉliotL.
    Jun 8, 2007
    9
    Christina is one of the best singer ever!
  62. BryanW
    Dec 23, 2009
    9
    Her voice gives me goosebumps. Incredible vocal expertise, amazing ability to express emotions, really well-written tracks... Aren't they enough to make up a worthy album?
  63. JamesB
    Aug 24, 2006
    9
    one of the most original albums of the year...well done Aguilera!
  64. SamD
    Sep 26, 2006
    9
    Oh my mother, it's amazing what she can do vocally. I really love the jazzy feel of it, but sometimes it can go a little un-developed sounding. Also, Dave H, learn how to spell "self-centered".
  65. 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
  66. 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.
  67. 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.
  68. TEAMUSUK1705
    Nov 10, 2017
    9
    This is her best album ever ever ever, vintage taste, vintage style, vintage mood.
    .......................................................................
  69. 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
  70. 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!
  71. 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!
  72. stephanie
    Oct 13, 2006
    8
    it has very nice songs in the cd
  73. 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.
  74. LianeG
    Oct 21, 2006
    8
    There's no doubt that Ms. Aguilera is one of the most talented vocalists of her generation. Ultimately, that talent shines through, regardless of what you might think of the songs. That said, most of the songs on Back To Basics are great. However, the production of the album as a whole lacks the greatness of Stripped. However, it is still a fantastic album. "Hurt" is my favorite track.
  75. vini1904
    Jul 12, 2012
    8
    In this album she captures the essence of the 'soul' and is the definitive proof that she is the heir of the old divas of soul music. Highlights for 'Ain't No Other Man', 'Without You' and 'Slow Down Baby' the first album and 'Welcome', 'Candyman' and 'Hurt' on the second cd.
  76. diofelicciano
    Dec 17, 2014
    8
    This is the only coherent and solid album that Christina Aguilera had released yet. The musical and visual influences used in this album are spot on. Xtina's voice and this jazzy/soul pop are match made in heaven.
  77. 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
  78. 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.
  79. Lopesito27
    Jan 23, 2021
    8
    Honestly Aguilera came across a sound with lots of potential she can easily pull off with her charisma at full flow... Sadly, some compositions don't impress nearly as much as I feel like they should for such a voice and such a style. It's not until that extra 2nd part of the album that the style is perfectioned, even if it switches to going full vintage instead of building 2000s R&B fromHonestly Aguilera came across a sound with lots of potential she can easily pull off with her charisma at full flow... Sadly, some compositions don't impress nearly as much as I feel like they should for such a voice and such a style. It's not until that extra 2nd part of the album that the style is perfectioned, even if it switches to going full vintage instead of building 2000s R&B from those vintage sounds.… Expand
  80. 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
  81. Roe
    Oct 21, 2006
    7
    Okay, so the album isn't perfect. In fact, there are some songs I haven't bothered to listen to yet(Without You and ThankYou) and it IS very self involved....but, it is interesting and distinct from anything else out there at the moment. And it's fun! Like pop music's supposed to be! Especially Candyman and Mercy on Me. I'm only giving it a seven 'cos she Okay, so the album isn't perfect. In fact, there are some songs I haven't bothered to listen to yet(Without You and ThankYou) and it IS very self involved....but, it is interesting and distinct from anything else out there at the moment. And it's fun! Like pop music's supposed to be! Especially Candyman and Mercy on Me. I'm only giving it a seven 'cos she does bleat on about her husband way too much. Thats one thing it could've done without. Stripped is better in that respect 'cos it has a wider range of song themes.… Expand
  82. ChrisE
    Oct 22, 2006
    7
    Back to Basics is an admirable attempt by Christina Aguilera. But at a lengthy 23 tracks the art (at times) gets lost in the overall blandness of the material. There are some great songs here--"Save Me From Myself" is sultry R&B at its best (and one of Aguilera's best performances), "Welcome" is pure circus-inspired fun, "The Right Man" is introspection at its finest and "Candyman" Back to Basics is an admirable attempt by Christina Aguilera. But at a lengthy 23 tracks the art (at times) gets lost in the overall blandness of the material. There are some great songs here--"Save Me From Myself" is sultry R&B at its best (and one of Aguilera's best performances), "Welcome" is pure circus-inspired fun, "The Right Man" is introspection at its finest and "Candyman" is a delightful 50s-infused jingle--but for the number of good tracks on Back to Basics there seem to be even more bad ones (Disc 2 happens to be the most likable of the two). Disc 1's lead-off single (and first hit) "Ain't No Other Man" is decent material, but lacks that sound that makes an international No. 1 smash sngle a smash (which seems to be an issue with Aguilera's respectable, but not stellar career thus far); and the remaining tracks on Disc 1, though musically-inspired, also lack single material-sound. Christina's singing abilities are definitely as amazing as they've always been, but the nonstop wailing gets tiresome after repeated listens (which is why Disc 2 sounds so much better than its predecessor). Back to Basics is an admirable attempt for credibility as an artist, but it's far from being perfect. Nice try, though.… Expand
  83. beingryanjude
    Dec 29, 2014
    7
    A unique take on the sounds of yester-year, Christina Aguilera proves her versatility in any genre and sound. She's much more than a pop singer - rather more of a sensation. Don't miss the joys of 'Ain't No Other Man.'
  84. SandyT
    Nov 12, 2006
    6
    Clean, Moving, Playing, Noise.
  85. NatCo
    Oct 21, 2006
    6
    Christina should have improved on the amazing stripped album and moved onto something different and up to date. The album appears to be based too much on the image and not the music itself.
  86. AlexR
    Aug 23, 2006
    6
    This album is disappointing. Yes, the voice is amazing, as one would expect from Christina, but she oversings everything, which means that listening quickly becomes a wearying experience. She needs to develop more varied ways of interpreting songs, rather than just belting them out, as Mariah Carey has learned to do over the years. Also, there are a lot of songs here that just don't This album is disappointing. Yes, the voice is amazing, as one would expect from Christina, but she oversings everything, which means that listening quickly becomes a wearying experience. She needs to develop more varied ways of interpreting songs, rather than just belting them out, as Mariah Carey has learned to do over the years. Also, there are a lot of songs here that just don't make the grade; they are unmemorable, feature boring, uninspiring lyrics, or are just tired pastiches. The 1930s and 40s style songs on Madonna's I'm Breathless album, for example, are much more fun and spontaneous. There are, however, some highlights, particularly on the first disc, such as Makes Me Wanna Pray, a gospel-tinged track that brings out the best in Christina. With some judicious editing, a strong one-disc record could have been made here, one that feels a little less like a cynical vanity project. Christina, we know you can sing; now, take a leaf out of Mariah's book, and on the next album, please don't forget to bring along the great songs.… Expand
  87. JennB
    Sep 24, 2006
    6
    One thing I have noticed with Christina Aguilera's records is that they have a tendency to be uneven. There will be a track that is mecahnically and musically superior, such as "Cruz" on Stripped and "Save Me From Myself"....followed with too much filler. She has so much potential, but it seems like she's holding on to the sound that dominated pop in the late nineties. For her One thing I have noticed with Christina Aguilera's records is that they have a tendency to be uneven. There will be a track that is mecahnically and musically superior, such as "Cruz" on Stripped and "Save Me From Myself"....followed with too much filler. She has so much potential, but it seems like she's holding on to the sound that dominated pop in the late nineties. For her to grow, she may should try not playing it safe...go out on a limb. A lot of this record feels too safe. As a fan, I hope she continues to grow.… Expand
  88. Berry
    Nov 2, 2009
    6
    She should have had only one disc. There's a lot of good songs: Ain't no other Man, Makes me wanna pray, Hurt, Candy man, Mercy on me, Still Dirrty, Welcome,The right man, gosh I forgot the other ones! But there are a lot of pretty bad ones like F.U.S.S (too bland), Thank you (?) ( really xtina?! It's basically a bunch of her fans saying how great she is blah blah blah...It She should have had only one disc. There's a lot of good songs: Ain't no other Man, Makes me wanna pray, Hurt, Candy man, Mercy on me, Still Dirrty, Welcome,The right man, gosh I forgot the other ones! But there are a lot of pretty bad ones like F.U.S.S (too bland), Thank you (?) ( really xtina?! It's basically a bunch of her fans saying how great she is blah blah blah...It should have been HER thanking them! And the background music was Genie in a Bottle.) slow down baby (Another bland pop hip hop song) and Trouble (just boring and pointless). Her second cd was more solid though. I love Xtina and I'm really looking forward to her next album but this just wasn't very good. It pains me to say this but she always seems behind the trends musically. I'm not suggesting she needs to follow the current trends either but i'd like her to do HER OWN THING and be unique and maybe not sound like other people or drop the hip-hop driven beats and also maybe pay more attention to the originality of the songs written and the music? Don't know if I make sense but if she ever wants to be a more well-rounded artist then she should do these things. Also this album struck me as pretty pretentious in regards to the length, and some of the songs, such as both intros (even though I loved them) . I hope her next one is better!… Expand
  89. MattD.
    Aug 15, 2006
    6
    Aguilera has grown into her style at last. E! Online was being stupid as usual when they said they want another "Genie In A Bottle" - it is a good song, but its time is over! There are some cool grooves on this album. But Aguilera's vocals do not rise to the occasion. She still belts too much without mastering what she is singing. And the lyrics on the album do not rise above the Aguilera has grown into her style at last. E! Online was being stupid as usual when they said they want another "Genie In A Bottle" - it is a good song, but its time is over! There are some cool grooves on this album. But Aguilera's vocals do not rise to the occasion. She still belts too much without mastering what she is singing. And the lyrics on the album do not rise above the generic very often.… Expand
  90. Kaleido
    Sep 13, 2011
    6
    This is her worst album to date. I'm a fan, but this doesn't reflect her style, and it's also too old-sounding. Her vocals are great though, but the songs get boring.
  91. 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.
  92. 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.
  93. 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
  94. 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!
  95. 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
  96. 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
  97. 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.
  98. 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
  99. PEDROMFR
    Feb 28, 2023
    3
    BORING.
    Here's what I think. Christina was so worried with being compared to big music legends that she ended up releasing music for the critics, rather than for her pop fans. The problem is that not even the critics liked it.
  100. MyraP.
    Sep 6, 2006
    2
    The album is too overdone, and Christina never really embodies the music she's so desperately trying to emulate.
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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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