EDITED TO INCLUDE COMPARISON
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It is not often that I will do an opinion that has anything to do with music. To be quite honest this could be the one and only time. So it is with trembling fingertips (making typing difficult) that I begin. I am sitting here staring at the CD cover of 21 year old Christina Aguilera on the CD of the same name - Christina Aguilera. For a start I hate that! It causes confusion, especially when you get to my age. Can you imagine the scene?

Teenager in family: Hey Wayne, have you heard Christina Aguilera's new CD?

Wayne: I'm not sure what's it called?

Teenager in family: Christina Aguilera!

Wayne : I know, her name what's it called? (teenager gives weird look to aged family member and gives up!)

Ok, so it isn't that bad but I like a title. I like to be able to say it was called such and such and show that I can retain some information. Not that any of my family would believe that! I think they all have me pegged for an early candidate of senile dementia. Que Cera, Cera!

~~Biography~~
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Christina Aguilera was born in Staten Island, New York on December 18, 1980. Her first taste of real fame came at the tender age of 8 when she appeared in "Star Search" a nationally syndicated show in America. Believe it or not she was only the runner up! I wonder who actually won it? She also became a member of the "New Mickey Mouse Club", like a fellow singer Britney Spears.

Christina's big break happened in early 1998 when she heard that Disney were looking for someone who could sing a high E above middle C for an animated film they were making called "Mulan". She went home and recorded a one tape demo which was sent over to Disney. They liked what they heard and within a day Christina was recording the song "Reflection".

Reflection might be the song that launched her career but I really don't like it. Before I knew anything about the song I had stated that it sounded like a Disney song. When I found out it was, it explained a lot. Even as a kid I hated the way Disney interrupted a perfectly good animated film with songs! To show how little I know about music the single went on to obtain a Golden Globe Nomination for Best Original Song in a Motion Picture.

You could say that Christina actually arrived on the music scene in 1999 with the release of this her debut album. Genie in a Bottle made #1 and stayed there for 5 weeks and this helped to ensure that her debut album Christina Aguilera also went to #1. 'What A Girl Wants' also went to #1 in early 2000 actually becoming the first #1 of the millenium. The third #1 from the album went to "Come on Over Baby". She continued doing well and in February won a Grammy for Best New Artist.
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~~Comparison~~

I have been informed by one of our trusted members, who shall not be named other than that her first name is Anna and last McNally, that it is normal procedure to compare the artists with others so that people who have never heard the singer might better know what type of music the artist does. So without further ado I shall endeavour to fill her need! This is for you Anna and thanks for your input.

Christine Aguilera is nothing like;

· Limp Bizkit
· Linkin Park
· Queen
· Robbie Williams
· Judy Garland
· Sophie Ellis Bexter
· or even Kylie Minougue

So for me to compare Christina to anyone is difficult. If I had to decide a style of singing it would be the energy and sound of Britney Spears and perhaps add a touch of Barbara Striesand. The main problem with comparison is that she isn't like them. She isn't like anyone else. She has her own distinctive voice. Had she been like any other artist singing I would imagine her career would have faltered, unless she donned the clothing of the other artist and did look-alike gigs.

So how do I appease those of you who like comparisons? This isn't easy! Once again I would have to compare her to Britney. She was bought along in the same way as Britney and they both appeared as I say in the Mickey Mouse Show. There styles are similar and the songs are of the same gender. Christina funny enough actually seems to have more depth being able to reach notes Britney can't.

The only other thing I notice is that Christina uses harmonies a lot more. It seems as though there might be a slight influence of soul or jazz. It is hidden within this modern sound but there is a hint.

So there you go. It might not be much of a comparison. I know that there are people who haven't heard any of the three #1's from this CD or any of the others I have mentioned, as I know some places in Outer Mongolia are still without radios. There are those who have never heard of Christina Aguilera, to those I hope this comparison has helped? Why I bothered I don't know as I didn't even like the CD! ;O)

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~~The Album~~
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I know the album did well. I know it won awards as did Christina but I honestly feel there are good and bad songs on the album. It is almost as if I want to say to her that it was a very good first effort but I am sure she could have done better had she put her mind to it. Perhaps it wasn't so much her fault, but those who were guiding her.

Below I have listed all of the songs on the CD. I have given the Title - the running time - my own rating in $ signs. The more $$ the more I liked it. The highest is $$$$$. - Finally I have my thoughts on the song. Below that I have listed a bit of information on who produced, arranged and mixed for those who like that information.
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1. ~ Genie In a Bottle (3:36 minutes) - $$$$ - Nice song and music. Good single.
Produced, recorded and arranged by David Frank and Steve Kipper
Mixed by David Way

2. ~ What a Girl Wants (3:52 minutes) - $$$$$ - This is the my second choice and a worthy hit single.
Produced and arranged by Guy Roach
Mixed by David Way

3. ~ I Turn to You (4:33 minutes) -$$$+ - Its nice, mainly for it showing the range of her voice.
Produced and arranged by Guy Roach
Mixed by Mick Guzauski

4. ~ So Emotional (4:00 minutes) - $$$ - This song just didn't make it for me.
Produced by Ron Harris
Mixed by Rob Chiarelli

5. ~ Come on Over (All I Want is You) (3:09 minutes) - $$$$$ - I liked this one best. Lively!
Produced by Aaron Zigman, Paul Rein and John Aberg
Mixed by Peter Mokran

6. ~ Reflection (3:33 minutes) - $ - Sounds like it should be on a Disney animated film and it is.
Produced and arranged by Mathew Wilder
Mixed by Peter Mokran

7. ~ Love For All Seasons (3:59 minutes) - $$ - The title doesn't make me love this song.
Produced by Evan Rogers and Carl Sturken
Mixed by Peter Mokran

8. ~ Somebody's Somebody (5:03 minutes) - $$$ - Not bad, just 2 minutes too long!
Produced and arranged by Khris Kellow
Mixed by David "Hard-Drive" Pensado

9. ~ When You Put Your Hands On Me (3:35 minutes) - $$$ - I like the words and the idea. :O)
Produced and recorded by Robin Thicke and Pro J
Mixed by Robin Thicke, Pro J and David "Hard-Drive" Pensado

10. ~ Blessed (3:05 minutes) - $ - I just don't like this too sentimental for me.
Produced by Travon Potts
Mixed by Peter Mokran

11. ~ Love Will Find a Way (3:56 minutes) - $ - I like this as much as the last one.
Produced by Evan Rogers and Carl Sturken
Mixed by Peter Mokran

12. ~ Obvious (4:00 minutes) - $$ - Undertones of Barbara Streisand.
Produced by Robert Hoffman
Mixed by Tommy Vicari

To date Christina has released three albums. These are:
· Christina Aguilera, ... Christina Aguilera ...£11.99 ($14.99)
· Nobody Wants to Be Lonely ... Ricky Martin, Christina Aguilera ...$12.99
· Mi Reflejo ... Christina Aguilera ...£12.99 ($13.99)

~~ CONCLUSSION~~
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With an average of only 2.83 $'s, I suppose it means the album just doesn't make it for me. I liked some of the songs and I have no doubt she will make further songs that I do like. I just do not think this CD was value for money. I kind of think they just rushed some of the songs to ensure they had the album out around the same time as the Disney film. I have no doubt that there are fans of hers that adore everyword of every song. It is just I dont! You do get all of the words included but you could save your money and just read then below. Perhaps I should have waited for a greatest hit album! I hate how we always have to pay more than the Americans as well. To be honest there is no reason for it and they make a big enough profit already. So again I would say its not value for money wait and buy the next TRAVIS!

. Christina Aguilera's Official Fan Club
P.O. Box 1425
McAfee, NJ 07428 USA

· Her official site is at:- http://www.christina-a.com/ . This site is full of useful information including her gig dates, a question board, emails and fan club. Check it out!

At one stage I did have the lyrics here but most people hated having them all. I can't say I blame them. TallTone did mention copyright, which could be an area I do not want get into so they have been removed! If any of you do want the lyrics please ask me. Do not forget to enclose £2 and a stamp addressed envelope. **LOL**