Bionic...

It has been about four years since Christina Aguilera's last studio album, "Back To Basics." Fans have been yearning for a full release from the Pop singer and with "Bionic," she delivers an album that features writing and production from Linda Perry, M.I.A., Tricky Stewart, Polow da Don, Sia, Ester Dean and Focus. "Bionic" is led by the thumping uptempo, "Not Myself Tonight" and the album's second single, "Woo Hoo" features rapper Nicki Minaj. Both singles hardly highlight the album though; more than anything make you question the reasoning behind releasing those songs as the lead singles. It is fair to say that the album has a few songs that are overtly-sexual and a bit cheeky and those songs find her 'not being herself' but what is "Woo Hoo" saying?? The album's opener, "Prima Donna," or the Tricky Stewart-produced, album highlight "Glam" would have made stronger lead singles. Even her collaboration with Peaches, "My Girls," sounds like good first single material, with it's strong feminist message. The album also focuses a lot less on Christina's vocals and more on melodies and lyrics. Christina effortlessly flows through songs like "Sex Like Breakfast" "I Am," and "All I Need." She croons and shows off that softer side of her voice, silencing those that often criticize her for over-singing. Christina does get appropriately trigger happy on the album's two big ballads, "Lift Me Up" and "You Lost Me." Easily two of the more substantial tracks on the album, both records are fantastically written and are solid single contenders. The title of album dark horse will have to go to the album closer, "Vanity." The up-tempo number stays true to it's title, with it's in your face, cocky lyrics. There are a couple cuts that fall flat, unfortunately. The M.I.A.-produced "Elastic Love," turns out to be a huge disappointment. The record sounds more like a something set to be on the UK artist's upcoming album, "/\/\/\Y/\," just with Christina's vocals featured. "I Hate Boys" is another song that does no justice to the 18-track set. It comes off as extremely cheesy and it's a record more suited to a 14-year-old teenager than a 29-year-old mother. But with that said, "Bionic" is a solid album and full of great tunes. The album will be in stores JUNE 8TH so make sure you BUY YOUR COPY!!

~Love,Dummie~