Stripped - Christina Aguilera

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Groundbreaking
Lyrics	Sublime
Quality and consistency of tracks	Flawless
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Outstanding
Value for Money	Excellent

Advantages:	too long to list !
Disadvantages:	reaching the end of this album

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Why I love this CD, it's a gem that's full of songs that show off the different sides to women, it shows all the facets of the jewels of Christina's talents. She shows her gutsy independence in one song, follows with a song about her soppy love-feelings and then her complete vulnerability to life in the next

Something I found out: This album is titled 'Stripped' because it was supposed to strip Christina of her girlie, teeny-bopper, pop princess image and reveal her as a full-blooded rock-chick, a force to be reckoned with and respected throughout the music industry. I think that the contents live up to the label (and how rare is that?!) and this is a truly ace CD!
~TRACK LIST~

• Stripped. (Intro) (1:39)
• Can't' Hold Us Down. {ft. Lil' Kim} (4:15)
• Walk Away. (5:47)
• Fighter. (4:05)
• Primor Amore. (interlude) (0:53)
• Infatuation. (4:17)
• Loves Embrace. (0:46)
• Loving Me For Me. (4:36)
• Impossible. {ft. Alicia Keys} (4:14)
• Underappreciated. (4:00)
• Beautiful. (3:58)
• Make Over. (4:12)
• Cruz. (3:49)
• Soar. (4:45)
• Get Mine, Get Yours. (3:44)
• Dirrty. {ft. Redman} (4:58)
• Stripped Pt 2. (0:46)
• The Voice Within. (5:04)
• I'm OK. (5:19)
• Keep On Singin' My Song. (6:29)

Release date of Stripped : 28/10/2002
Total Running Time Of Stripped: 77minutes 52 secondsOverall rating of this CD: 5/5

Stripped (Intro)

This is a song that has been split in half; the other part comes near the end of the album. This starts off like it's on a talk-show (a good example being Jerry Springer) you hear swear word bleeps, people saying 'scandal, gossip' a guy says 'I did it all for Christina Aguilera' somebody says something about Britney and Christina having a rivalry and things to that effect, and then the 'talk show host' says "we're gonna let Christina tell her side of the story" this takes up about forty seconds before Christina starts to speak. Then she says "I've waited a long time for this" allow me to introduce myself, want u to come a little closer I'd like you get to know me a lil' better, get to know the real me" and she starts singing about how she's different from everyone else, 'breaks the mould' sarcastically apologising for being different and ending it on "so here it is, no hype, no gloss, no pretence, just me, stripped" (fades to echo)
This is not just a funky song that ace to sing along to in parts or put both halves together, it's also an introduction to the album, which, I believe, is why the song is split up, to be the perfect introduction to a wicked album!

Can't' Hold Us Down (ft. Lil' Kim)

This starts off with an uplifting beat that's simplistic and carried on throughout the song. She's attacking how women are expected to be quiet and do as their men tell them! "What am I not supposed to have an opinion?!" she lays into how men are credited for 'the more he can score, yet if a girl does the same, then she's a whore' it's a double standard that is shown throughout most societies and it's something that I have argued about many times in class. This song is reinventing 'Girl Power' but in a way where you feel that all the women in the world are singing along with you in the chorus 'Can't Hold Us Down!' no man can hold you down because you are a woman, girls rule, boys drool etc! it makes me feel very empowered although I do know many guys who aren't like that!

Walk Away

Solemn piano chords begin this song, it's about how she's caught up in a bad relationship and 'can't let go', she keeps 'going back to the one thing she needs to walk away from' I like this song because I can apply this to a friendship that I had to end a short while ago, it had been rotten for a long while but I couldn't walk out of it because I felt that if I left the other person would try for revenge, collapse, do something really bad to themselves or me, but 'my heart has been bruised' too many times to stay. This is a 'cigarette-lighter' song (you stand in the crowd holding your lighter flaming above your head as you sway to the music) not likely to be played in a club, but amazingly powerful, you can hear her desperation to get free, although she feels that she can't because she's addicted. I'm swaying to the song as I type so any typos are not my fault! "Every step I take leads to more heartbreak" this is so not true for this song. It fades out "need to get away from yer, need to walk away from yer, get away, walk away, walk away" which is so like that relentless chanting in your head that takes over when you reach fever pitch!

Fighter

"After all you put me through
You'd think id despise you
But in the end I want to thank you
Cos you made me that much stronger"
That is the beginning of 'Fighter' and it really sets the tone for this song. It's about the sweetest revenge on someone who's hurt you bad on the past. You're free, and thanks to them, you are stronger. Again this is something I can relate to due to my rather turbulent past few years! It sums up all my feelings that I wish I could say to a so-called friend who tried to trash my life through jealousy! "Thanks for making me, a fighter!" 'Fighter shouts out the old adage 'that what doesn't kill us, makes us stronger' My favourite line is 'YOU-WON'T-STOP-ME-BEING-ME!' although '(you) thought I would forget I remember, I remember, I remember!' comes a close second! This is believed to be about Christina's relationship with her dad. It's definitely about a problematic relationship with a guy but you can sing along relating with in from any situation because it's like she's singing to you, no one else, she wrote it and sings it, for you.

Primor Amore (Interlude)

I see this as an introduction for 'Infatuation' mainly in what I believe to be Spanish, with a soft guitar in the background. It sounds like somebody is telling a story; you hear words that sound like history and Puerto Rican, I'm not sure because the CD insert that has the lyrics in, doesn't have them for 'Primor Amore' just a heading with the duration next to it so you know that it does go there.

Infatuation

This is what I view as a continuation of 'Primor Amore' because it's about a Latino guy, which is sorta linked! *grins* the issue dealt with in this song is the whole puppy love , infatuated teenager thing-you know parents warning their children (especially daughters as they are the ones left carrying a baby for nine months!) about being careful. In this one, her mother is warning her about it because "she says I gave my heart too soon and that's how I became your mother!" but Christina is replying that she needs more than sweet talk to get her into bed! The chorus is great because she talks about "giving in without hesitation, its pure infatuation!" which is so true because when you're in a relationship and the other person is pressuring you, you don't want to give in because you don't want to lose them, because you're infatuated. It's got a very sensual groove that isn't encouraging to be danced to, but you could if the moves are gentle. It IS danceable if you're dancing slowly in someone's arms, a dance where you connect and promise so much with your moves, but subtly, not sticking your fingers in your mouth for a looong, slooooooow. Suuuck!

Loves Embrace (Interlude)

Low-key and dreamy, reminds me of snuggling in my baby's arms, it is the intro for 'Loving Me For Me' as the background music is linked, the slight beats at the end of 'Loves Embrace' flow into the introduction of 'Loving Me For Me' Very short and sweet, water is gently running through the background, creating the idea of that special private setting you might hare with your lover, mingling with the subdued chimes and violins as Christina sings in soft, hushed tones about how 'you make me want to fly-y-y-y' I know that feeling so well! :) she also says how she's afraid, afraid of 'Love's Embrace'

Loving Me For Me

This starts with Christina uttering has that little moan that you express when you're completely happy as you are, completely satisfied, completely sated, you filled with such a sense of bliss that, that your heart isn't doing anything as mundane pumping blood around your body, it's pumping this sweet, sweet rapture around your body instead! Continuing the slow, sensual, soft beats from 'Loves Embrace' this also continues those soft, snuggley feelings that I get when I'm lying in my baby's arms. This song's vibes is all my heart wants to say at times but my vocabulary and talents fell far, far too short to be able to! *shrug* she's used phrases such as 'you got my heart by just being who you are' 'unconditionally you are there for me' 'he loves every freckle, every curve, every inch of my skin' all of which show how she's made to feel so special, so precious. It touches on how such love between two people can sometimes make you feel vulnerable, but if you're truly loved, you just know, and it's ok jus to be you, 100% you, you don't need to put on a show. That kind of freedom is rare and wonderful and this song expresses it so well.

Impossible (ft. Alicia Keys)

Ever had a relationship when the other person has a problem with showing affection? This will be the song you will be addicted to on this CD! Beginning with Christina asking Alicia to play something for her, it creates this feeling you've stumbled onto a conversation between two girl mates chatting about love and life, as we do! *grins* Christina has a problem in that she's finding it impossible to love her man, because he got issues that he's just not dealing with! He doesn't le her know what he's thinking, so how can she give him what he wants, needs if he hides what he feels away. He wants to help, cos she doesn't like how the relationship is, and wants to make it better for both of them. You hear the frustration in her voice and also a slight thread of pure steel warning him that he better not just be messing her around because she won't take it!

Underappreciated

This song makes me feel like a 'hard-ass' chick whenever I sing along. It sums up how I've felt in past relationships; you know the story, when you start taking the other person in your relationship for granted? You just feel so underappreciated that if it builds up long enough you'll yell yourself hoarse with this on repeat! *grins* I listen to this song along, to try and remind myself not to make people feel like that, but to be honest…mainly because it makes me feel extremely aware that I can kick some ass if I wanted to, and so I go out feeling very enlivened and bouncy! (not good when in a low cut top, but all good nights out must have some hazards to add some risk, right?! *winks* )

Beautiful

I love this song - it always makes my life seem better, I can't really explain it I'm afraid, but the message from this song is exactly like it's title - BEAUTIFUL. Words ARE what bring us down the most so 'don't you bring me down today' is something I'm sure most of us think about someone somewhere, when we're about to go out, and we feel good about ourselves and have a small worry that you shouldn't be. It brings out all vulnerability and fear that hides beneath the surface of so many people's daily facades that they use to get through the day, some better than others. A cigarette lighter song again, swaying to my family's amusement and humming along (to the family's annoyance as they're trying to watch the TV!) I guess it's just cos I feel so, so much that I can relate to this song and it makes me grateful for all the people I know who bring me up everyday!

Make Over

This song is about someone's been mentally abusing her over the years, she just wants to escape from them, doesn't need a 'Make-Over' just needs freedom from the situation, getting out of the house makes her feel so alive. This is definitely a dance around track - with or without your mates! It's quite punky in it's style in that the bass is quite blatant and you can definitely get out on the dance floor and just have a decent groove with your mates! *grins*

Cruz

This is definitely a cigarette lighter song! Peaceful, calming, the best way to describe it is that badly needed hug when you've had a really rough day and want to cry in your best friends embrace. This song has that feeling of safety and love and you'll be looked after, although she doesn't talk about that in the lyrics! She talks about getting freed and leaving 'it' behind to change. I love 'tongue-tied and twisted are all my memories' it's just so, funny!

Soar

The hook line for this song: 'what are you waiting for? Spread your wings and soar!' should be everyone's motto. A very uplifting song that I can't see anyone disliking (with a decent reason that is! Some people have told they don't like Soar just to be annoying! *rolls eyes* ) this is a song about accepting independence, you shouldn't fear being on your own, you shouldn't try and change yourself for others, you should just embrace who you are, hold onto your feeling of self-worth and strike out with your head held high. The music is very rousing, I can feel my blood tingling and I want to dance and sing and hug people! It just pumps you up! Energy levels, enthusiasm, everything is good anything is possible! You can fly!

Get Mine, Get Yours

This is a song about a no-strings attached relationship; it's about sex not love. Two people satisfying each others 'itch' I just love 'got hit that spot just right' it's a truly wicked line! It's so true! *winks* I think in this song, she's trying to reassure the guy that she's just 'after his body, not his heart' 'make love, but don't fall in love' the sort of relationship that most guys seem to be after before they find the perfect person to settle down with.

Dirrty ft. Redman.

Sexy, funky and full of attitude! This is a dance-floor filler! Deep bass background, you just let yourself go! *grins* dance sexy with your mates, grind up against your bloke/girl or nearest mate! The beats are just great to swing your hips to! She's that ultra sexy girl that's known as a slut by most as that consoles them because they aren't as desired as her! Thrusting, punky, in-your-face this is the song that I started to get to know Christina from and the sluttish image came from. Girls, grab your boys, gonna make some noise!' Sounds like a song inspired from one of those illegal, mega cool, mega exclusive raves that so many people long to go - definitely a clubbing song and will fill you with confidence and vitality! Crank it up!

Stripped Pt 2.

Follows on from her commencing song to the album, she is carrying on her 'apologies' 'sorry I'm not a virgin, sorry I'm not a slut!' short and sweet, she encourages dreamers and underdogs to keep going, and when you link the two halves together, then it's so cool! *grins*

The Voice Within

This is a floating, slow dance style, best to dance to with a lighter flaming above your head, or in the arms of your lover. It s about how you need to depend on yourself if you have no-one left. There is a 'voice within' that you can rely on to be there, no matter what. Like your oldest friend, the one you trust with your life. This is another song reinforcing how you have all you need, inside of yourself, so don't be afraid, don't worry, you'll be fine. I like this song because I know that my voice within has changed since I've been with my sweedie! It's still there, but it's his voice! *giggles* (ssh! *winks*) it's a song that has restored my faith in the world, my trust in myself and my belief in life countless times over and I can't imagine why it wouldn't touch you guys in the same way.

I'm OK

Starts off with a creepy intro, a little girl sobbing 'Daddy' and it echoing, and then a guy's broken voice saying 'that's my good girl' but sounding like he's doing something 'wrong' and then she starts singing about a little girl who grew up in a war zone of arguments, and then as she starts to sing the chorus it turns out that she had been singing about herself in the third person. it's a very touching song because it deals with a situation seen far too frequently, violent parent taking it out on their spouse and children. When she sings it, it's sounds like there is a little girl singing her soul out through Christina's mouth. It's a slow song, very unlikely to be heard in a club, as it is a thought-provoker, not a floor-filler! Got a simple guitar playing a repetitive background, it's simple and basic and complements the starkness of the song. This is a song that pulls at your heartstrings for the images that cross your mind. "Bruises fade father, but the pain remains the same" it makes me want to wrap my arms around everyone I love and try and protect them from this sort of pain.

Keep On Singin' My Song

Being me, sing my song my way! She is making a determined effort to move on from all the sh*t in her past - 'say farewell to every single lie and all the fears I've held too long inside' - who doesn't have some baggage that they have either kicked out or have packed at the door ready to be thrown out but you haven't quite got round to yet? No one can stop you, you are immortal, you are amazing, you can be everything and anything, stay strong and sing your song! *grins*

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BIO SPECS OF MS. AGUILERA

Full Name - Christina Maria Aguilera
Date Of Birth - Thursday 18th December 1980 (Sagittarius)
Place Of Birth - Staten Island, New York
Home - Wexford, Pennsylvania
Family crew -Jim and Shelly (parents) (step siblings) Rachel and Casey
Official Website - www.christinaaguilera.com

Fave Colours: Powder Pink, White
Fave Food: Meat and potatoes (esp. Steak)
Fave Artists & Groups: Madonna, Lauryn Hill, Brian McKnight Korn, Fatboy Slim, Beck, Foxy Brown
Fave Disney Movies: Mulan Little Mermaid
Fave Sport: Baseball
Hobbies & Interests: Shopping, watching movies, hanging out with friends, music, dancing, sports

Hmm, interesting, if you slightly change her hobbies and interests from sports to seeing my guy *soppy mood* *giggles* Christina is blatantly me!!! Well, obviously without the major fortune, amazing singing voice, tons of men drooling over me, load of adoring fans…) ah well I'm extremely happy with what I do have! My man is amazing, I can't list the reasons - I don't have time! My mates are so great, I can depend them for anything and I have the best family in the world (unless I'm denied chocolate!)

Did you know? At the tender age of twelve, Christina had landed a regular role on Disney's The New Mickey Mouse Club, co-starring with future luminaries including Britney Spears, 'N Sync's JC Chasez and Justin Timberlake, and Felicity's Keri Russell.
Christina's first pop music success came in Japan thanks to "All I Wanna Do," a smash duet with Keizo Nakanishi; she returned to the U.S. in 1998 to record the song "Reflection" for the soundtrack of the animated film Mulan.
The following year, Christina topped the pop charts with the single "Genie in a Bottle."
Christina Aguilera sold over 10 million copies worldwide in just under a year, and won a Best New Artist Grammy. Not bad considering she was around twenty! *grins*

Anyway, get it, hear it, love it like me!

Hope you guys enjoyed the read and catch you on here sometime,

Luv y'all loadz,

Lizzie xxx