★ ★ ★ ★ out of 5
Christina Aguilera is one of the greatest vocalist on this generation. Facts are facts. However, similar to a few of her pop counterparts, the powerhouse diva has struggled in recent years to try and reclaim her chart throne rightfully bestowed upon her in the late 90s.
Following a resurrection of sorts in 2006 with the release of jazz/retro, number-one album Back to Basics, Aguilera experienced the lows of a music career as 2010s Bionic failed to make any cultural impact or even resonate with her fan base. The project, led by Lady Gaga knockoff "Not Myself Tonight", was a few years ahead of its time. So, when the artist announced a return to pop with Lotus in 2012, all appeared to be righted. However, critics blasted the amateurish songwriting, singles "Your Body" and "Just A Fool" with Blake Shelton, though great, could not replicate the success of early hits and promotion ended just as it was truly beginning.
Nearly six years later, the "Beautiful" hitmaker remains defiant, unwilling to concede to naysayers and still choosing to pave her own creative path. Serving as a loud and proud battle cry, Aguilera's eight studio album Liberation is her most inspired record in over a decade. While lead single "Accelerate" may have disappointed fans upon arrival, its assertiveness now gives context to the project as a whole. "Fall In Line" with Demi Lovato is a political, female empowerment anthem, while "Like I Do" is confident and sexy, mirroring Aguilera's own persona.
The 15-track album may not set the charts ablaze, as Aguilera's star is a bit dimmer than when she broke records with her debut (back-to-back number one singles "Genie in a Bottle" and "What A Girl Wants"), however the quality of music is certainly deserving of top spot recognition.
Following a stirring and hypnotic orchestra introduction, composed by Academy Award-nominated Nicholas Britell (Moonlight), and a strange yet effective The Sound of Music sample, the album opens strongly with the reflective and slightly somber "Maria". Incorporating the vocals of the late Michael Jackson, Aguilera is forced to look into the mirror and come to terms that the woman peering back is not one she is fully proud of. The search for her soul and identity begins with the gospel-leaning, vocally powerful effort.
The search for herself becomes the overarching theme, touched on throughout the rest of the album.
While "Sick Of Sittin'" is far from the highlight of the album, lyrical content of breaking out of a stagnant trance in order to unleash pent up energy is encouraging. The welcomed reggae influence is also a intriguing component. "Don't try to tell me I'm crazy, it's good pay, but it's slavery, I can't live with these chains on me, I have to get free," she sings of her relationship with the current music industry.
Resilience remains the main force behind “Fall In Line”. Following a bold, Aguilera-led introduction with sparse production and instrumentals, the rousing chorus comes blasting through the speakers, encouraging all to love themselves for exactly who they are. Featured guest Demi Lovato commands the second verse in stunning fashion, sharing her wisdom of embracing the very skin we walk in. Both implore listeners to be outspoken, to fight, that they owe nothing to anyone trying to silence them, while acknowledging potential backlash for an overly feminist tone.
"Right Moves" sonically steers the album down a different, more upbeat path. However, the message remains the same. Over a relaxed yet groovy dancehall beat, Aguilera coos about embracing her new found sexual liberation. Chills are moving down her spine, her body warming up, she straightforwardly asks a temporary lover to "pound me out", all before Keida takes the reins with a shining guest verse.
GoldLink then joins Aguilera on "Like I Do", where the 37-year-old vocalist serenades and seduces the 25-year-old American rapper. As GoldLink introduces the synth-heavy addition with references to Aguilera's chart hits and perfect hips, the diva boasts about her own attributes and talents while proclaiming to only need her guest artist for one thing: to quench her carnal desires. The collaboration is hot and heavy, slightly narcissistic, and works on all levels.
Another ballad, "Twice", not only showcases more of Aguilera's pristine vocal abilities, but shines a light on an inner struggle as the artist continues toward self-rediscovery. With a mix of conviction and despair, Aguilera sings of balancing love with loss. She may have found her soulmate, allowed pettiness, fights and insecurity get in the way, however, makes a promise that she wouldn't make the same mistakes again if given another opportunity.
Polarizing lead single "Accelerate" feat. Ty Dolla $ign and 2 Chainz stands stronger in context with the album and the rest of its contents with Aguilera boasting about an extravagant lifestyle and living in the now, far from worried about what’s to come tomorrow . Produced by Kanye West. the track comes complete with a restrained, sensual vocal performance. Reminiscent of the Stripped era, the track actually uses edgy production and the lack of a hook to its advantage. The song succeeds thanks to its defiant nature. It's crafted as a direct connection to her soul.
"Pipe" finds Aguilera purring, hot and bothered once again as she rushes to her man so he can immediately get to work and fulfill her needs. Her slow and seductive vocal delivery creates effective juxtaposition to lyrical content of being impatient for satisfaction. Add in featured guest XNDA who contributes a stellar rap verse that leaves very little to the imagination and listeners are served one of the better bedroom jams of the year.
Leaked in demo form prior to the album's release, "Masochist" finds Aguilera feeling she's only good enough for a second-rate relationship. The artist tragically sings of still desiring a man who finds joy in her pain and tears. "I get all my pleasure in your bedroom, in your arms, you get all your pleasure from my torture, from my harm," she sings of realization on the second verse. Yet still, the artist admits to not being able to walk away from the dysfunction anytime soon.
The new album closes out with its brightest moment. "Unless It's With You", with songwriting credits going to the likes of Erik Hassle, Teddy Geiger and "LunchMoney" Lewis, highlights and magnifies Aguilera's fear of commitment, reservations about ever thinking happiness can last forever. However, thanks to the her current flame, she's envisioning a white wedding dress and picket fences in her future. Finding your soulmate, after years of self-doubt, is a powerful message to end an album of liberation.
Liberation started off rocky. Faulty promotion will unfortunately keep the album from reaching the wide audience it deserves to. However, with Christina Aguilera back at the top of her vocal and artistic game, her eighth studio album easily becomes her most cohesive, rousing and daring project since her Stripped era. As with that project, Aguilera again takes risks, throws pop confection out the window, and has chosen to do it all her way. That creative freedom pours out of every track, creates a comfortable space where the artist finds it okay to be vulnerable, edgy, explicit and aggressive. Six years of soul searching has led to Aguilera rediscovering the inner diva her fans have grown to love. She may be toying with unexpected hip-hop flavors this time around, thankfully all the new inspirations heightens the talent, it doesn't extinguish it.
Tracks to Hear: "Maria", "Fall In Line", "Pipe", "Masochist" and "Unless It's With You"
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