Thefreedictionary.com defines "Bionic" as "Having extraordinary strength, powers, or capabilities; superhuman." Choosing this as the title to her most recent album, Christina Aguilera misleads her fans. Although her vocal capabilities are the epitome of the qualities listed above, the majority of tracks on her latest album bring to mind slightly different describing words.While many of the tracks missed the mark, there were a few that did hit dead on, propping Aguilera back up on to her pimped-out pop diva throne.The opening track, and namesake for the album, is a decidedly powerful "blast-off". It does, as the lyrics say, "hit 'cha like a rocket". In a good way. The sound effects seem almost randomly picked, but come together nicely. The audience won't mind the fact that the robot Christina is "taking over their mind-frames" in the slightest. Similar to the first, track two is also a hit. It's almost as if Christina is aware of, and attempting to prepare her listeners for, the multiple 'misses' that follow. Most of these songs flirt very heavily with mediocrity. Amidst these assembly line songs there are a few more hidden gems, but the listener has to be willing to suffer through the bulk of the album to get to them. Songs to keep your ears peeled (through the fog) for: "You Lost Me" and "I am".
The beauty in Aguilera's voice is just that, her voice. Her range is insane, and her vocal acrobatics could amaze even the most cynical critic. This album's use of special effects and robotic disguises is a misguided attempt to sell records. The sooner she realizes that simple fact, the better. Aguilera needs to get back to actually singing, and leave the voice modulation to Kanye. This album seems almost a desperate attempt to Xerox Lady Gaga and simultaneously tack X-Tina back on to the Top 40 map. Although her efforts in reinvention were endearing, she really should stick to what she does best.
Ultimately, the futuristic cogs were trying entirely too hard to "crank out the hits" on this one.
This was interesting to read. I like the humor you used in the article. There were moments where you used the period very well, and I thought that it gave the article a real voice. You not only state that it's not an album that will not blow you away, but I like the way that you find support for both the negatives and the positives with suggestions of listening for hidden gems with "Songs to keep your ears peeled (through the fog) for: "You Lost Me" and "I am".
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I think this was really good for a review that had a lot to say both good and bad.
Very good review. Informative and seemingly unbiased. Loved the line "flirt very heavily with mediocrity"
ReplyDeleteThis was an entertaining review to read. I agree with Anothony that you used punctuation well. It was also interesting how you started out with the positive aspects of the album, and then transitioned into what you didn't like about it.
ReplyDeleteThis was a very enjoyable read, especially the witty intro. The review sometimes felt like it lacked a solid structure, sometimes making me skim a few sentences instead of thoroughly reading them. Other than that, I thought the review was passionate, well-researched, and a pleasure to read.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I liked x-tina's last album with the 50s style, I thought it really catered to her voice and range and actually her own personal style. This album does seem super fake and like you can see right through to the bald guy in a suit who made her do it.
ReplyDeleteGood way to start off your review by defining the word bionic. It was enjoyable that you then went on to use that definition to describe how you believe the album fell short. But instead of just tearing this album apart, you still had nice things to say about it and listed the songs that you thought were exceptional on the album.
ReplyDeleteNice play with words. Great colorful discriptions. Overall I foudn this review sassy and blunt to put it kindly. GREAT JOB!
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