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. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. BarbL
    Oct 3, 2006
    10
    She sounds excellant and her vocal is so great! An absolutely great singer!
  4. Kristina
    Aug 10, 2006
    10
    This album is absolutely amazing. A critic has to be deaf, dumb & blind to write a negative review. Not only is this album a courageous piece of work for such a mainstream artist, but the second disc is all live instruments which is never found in the mainstream today. Christina has set the bar with this album so all the other chart-toppers had better get their game on.
  5. SpencerU
    Aug 14, 2006
    10
    The album is amazing. It's one of those albums everyone has to buy... only comes along a few times (if that) in a decade. GET YOURSELF A COPY.
  6. AdamS
    Aug 15, 2006
    10
    One of the greatest albums I have heard in quite some time.
  7. RhondaR
    Aug 15, 2006
    10
    Fantastic... and this album gets better every time you listen to it. Christina's vocals are amazing.
  8. EvanK
    Aug 15, 2006
    10
    Fantastic! Christina has never sounded better vocally. This is her best record to date and the first to truly show that she is an "artist."
  9. lionelb
    Aug 16, 2006
    10
    Fantastic......the nest pop album this year
  10. SeanD
    Aug 16, 2006
    10
    Creativity and individuality alone garner this CD a 10. Simply put, there is no other pop artist out there willing to take the kinds of chances that Christina takes on this record. As Beyonce sings of Deja Vu, we are all left with that feeling, since all of her work is starting to sound the same, and nearly indistinguishable from her work with Desinty's Child. Christina could have Creativity and individuality alone garner this CD a 10. Simply put, there is no other pop artist out there willing to take the kinds of chances that Christina takes on this record. As Beyonce sings of Deja Vu, we are all left with that feeling, since all of her work is starting to sound the same, and nearly indistinguishable from her work with Desinty's Child. Christina could have simplly made a continuation of her Stripped CD, and many would have been happy, but she continues to push her art forward, and THIS is the mark of a true artist. And even though I understand where the comments about "oversinging" come from, Xtina is a "belter". It is a style, and one consistant with some of the soul legends. She's got the pipes, and she knows how to use them. Her quieter moments are indeed affecting, but when she lets loose she is simply awe inspiring. I appreciate and love mellow artists like Sade, but I also love to hear someone who can truely belt out a song, and give me gooseflesh in the process. I wish people would stop criticiizing her and appreciate her artistic contributions.… Expand
  11. JudithL
    Aug 18, 2006
    10
    Most beautiful album ever!Just have to listen to it and you will love it
  12. TomG
    Aug 18, 2006
    10
    A remarkable album from a young singer who used to sing Teen Pop. Now Christina has moved onto a mature sound which not only allows her to show off her amazing voice, but it also has allowed her to create some of the best work of her career. Simply stunning. Download: Save Me From Myself, Slow Down Baby, Makes Me Wanna Pray and Candyman.
  13. MO'Kane
    Aug 18, 2006
    10
    Excellent
  14. JeffB
    Aug 18, 2006
    10
    what a different and great album! definetly a classic! wow amazing job christina!
  15. TJValerio
    Aug 18, 2006
    10
    Back To Basics is a wild ride. The disc I enjoyed more is disc 2. Back To Basics displays Christina's creativity and passion for her art. This no doubt is her best effort yet.
  16. TerraC
    Aug 18, 2006
    10
    Glad she's back. Loves it!
  17. GreaD
    Aug 18, 2006
    10
    THIS ALBUM KICKS ASS. Everyone go buy it!! It's her best album yet!
  18. LucyH
    Aug 18, 2006
    10
    LOVE IT!!!!! best Christina Aguilera album!
  19. ceryset
    Aug 18, 2006
    10
    This is a masterpiece. most of the people that gave it bad reviews due to the production forgot to research her own concept of the record. she didn't say PURE JAZZ, she said ELEMENTS OF JAZZ WITH A MODERN DAY TWIST meaning, old time instruments but put together in a modern style which is exactly what she did. and when it comes to her vocals, she toned down when she needed to. to evry This is a masterpiece. most of the people that gave it bad reviews due to the production forgot to research her own concept of the record. she didn't say PURE JAZZ, she said ELEMENTS OF JAZZ WITH A MODERN DAY TWIST meaning, old time instruments but put together in a modern style which is exactly what she did. and when it comes to her vocals, she toned down when she needed to. to evry song, thers a concept of those decades. every song is a masterpiece in its own way. i love it.… Expand
  20. CharlesW
    Aug 18, 2006
    10
    The best album EVER!
  21. [Anonymous]
    Aug 19, 2006
    10
    Amazing album
  22. BalazsB
    Aug 19, 2006
    10
    Awesome album. One woman One voice 22 songs and 2 discs BEST ALBUM OF 2006
  23. 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
  24. DarkoS
    Aug 23, 2006
    10
    ....christina is THE best... :D
  25. 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
  26. Ness
    Aug 25, 2006
    10
    Awesome! I can't stop listening to this cd. I loved stripped and I love B2B!!!
  27. mattD
    Aug 29, 2006
    1
    Honestly, buy something else. It's the same thing you hear off every other album that's involved in Pop music today. Just buy something else like reaplugs. It will help you get through this clutter of cat fighting and whiny vocals of another self obsessed girl who can't get guys out of her head. She should just make a passionate album, like the song "Beatiful". Her time is Honestly, buy something else. It's the same thing you hear off every other album that's involved in Pop music today. Just buy something else like reaplugs. It will help you get through this clutter of cat fighting and whiny vocals of another self obsessed girl who can't get guys out of her head. She should just make a passionate album, like the song "Beatiful". Her time is wasting away. In a few years, she'll be makin stupid moves to garner attention.… Expand
  28. JT
    Aug 30, 2006
    10
    Love love love her new CD. Wonderful music, wonderful instruments and beats. Lyrics are great. Her voice is amazing as usual. Keep doing your thing girl.
  29. JD
    Aug 3, 2006
    10
    I have an advanced copy and the CD is amazing.
  30. MichaelD
    Aug 6, 2006
    9
    I smell Grammy all over this album.
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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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