Underneath all Christina Aguilera’s coy affectations and vocal gymnastics lurks a rare talent. With her second album, Aguilera allows it to flower by abandoning all pretence of courting the teenage market.

Stripped is a seemingly effortless move into weightier adult territory. Using her extraordinary voice as a much subtler instrument, Aguilera sings movingly about the disintegration of a relationship with grit and anger, ultimately stronger for the pain.

But that’s not all that’s on her agenda: Aguilera also extols the power of women on “Can’t Hold Us Down”, which features Lil’ Kim. Other guests include Dave Navarro, Redman, Tuestlove and Alicia Keys.

Aguilera co-wrote most of the songs on the disc, and produced one cut. She also partnered with former 4 Non Blondes leader and Pink collaborator Linda Perry on four songs, which gives her a rock edge she never possessed before. –Jaan Uhelszki. (buy it and read more…)