Release Date : Christina Aguilera
Reviewed By: Various Producers

2003 will be Christina Aguilera's year. The singer (and now songwriter) has offered a unique album that operates in music's most popular genres (R&B/Soul, Pop, Hip Hop). At the same time that she worked on the album, she courted the attention of the style-conscious press, commanded slavish attention from the tabloids, and has invaded MTV with one of the sexiest videos from a female since Madonna's heyday.

On Stripped, Christina crafts a strong collection that raises pulses, and evokes smiles. The LP opens with the first of two interludes that usher in her new persona and leads into the funk-driven, "Can't Hold Us Down." While the track shines on its own, an appearance from Lil' Kim and a change in the production do the trick. Another fascinating collaboration comes on the rocking "Fighter," where she teams with Dave Navarro.

Aguilera has often described her love of soul music and on the new album, she delivers a few worthy numbers. On "Loving Me 4 Me," she recreates a sound reminiscent of Mariah Carey 's vocal arrangements and tastefully delivers the Alicia Keys-produced, "Impossible." However, before you think she is nothing without collaborations, it is important to remember that Christina Aguilera wrote or co-wrote all but one track on the album. That track happens to be the Linda Perry penned, "Beautiful." Connecting with her audience while reaching within herself she sings, "I am beautiful in every single way, and words can't bring me down."

The album moves steady into a slow but welcome progression with tracks such as "Cruz," "Dirrty," and the sexy "Get Mine, Get Yours." While these songs are definite standout tracks, some may not be willing to wait so long to reach them on the 20-track set. Aside from the awful, "Make Over," Christina's only other mistake was putting too many tracks on an otherwise great album. Though 20 tracks might seem like too many, those who stick with the album will be in for a treat. The real highlights come in the way that Aguilera digs deeper inside of things, showing us a much more versatile side of herself that is truly breathtaking.