New Pre-order sales info: B2B is #1 in Denmark and the Netherlands.
Some of the Reviews from other forums and blogs:
The album that makes me want to go back to the essentials
Every once in a while, a record comes along in a person's life that for whatever reason strikes a chord and change something in them. It can be very corny things like helping you through a break-up or a hard time, or inspiring you to become a musician. As a 'songwriter wannabe' -the way I jokingly refer myself as to anyone who asks-, it's not hard to explain why "Back To Basics" struck such a chord with me: Christina reaches such a level of excellence in her songwriting that it almost makes me nervous for her future. How is she ever going to top this?. Strangely this record reads more like an anthology -it's a double CD- than the release from a 25 years old former pop princess and dirrty dancer. Christina said she wanted to pay homage to the "pioneers of modern music and singing" -Miles David, Billie Holiday, Etta James no less- and she truly went there. Her knowledge of the era and her research shows, even if at times the production seem too modern to truly represent the 20s, 30s and 40s. The spirit is still there. After listening to splendid tracks like "Candyman", "Mercy On Me", "Hurt", and "I Got Trouble" -all collaborations with Linda Perry- I did feel the rewind to another time.
I don't really want to review the CD further, aside for saying that it's inspired, ambitious and epic work, and whether or not one enjoys what Christina has to offer they have to acknowledge the artistic vision it takes to put something like this together. Especially in a climate where certain popstars (who shall remain nameless, what's the point?) proudly admit to spending two weeks to write, record and produce a complete album they loftily except to sell to millions of people, Aguilera comes out with work that proves that time is still the essence of love. And respect for the art, and all its fans. For thousands of indie artists out there who are believers in great and quality musicianship to entertain the public, Back To Basics will come as great hope for the music industry. Grammy voters take notice!
nov
Aug 2nd, 2006 at 5:23 pm
These are hot. I love Christina. I didn’t expect these tracks to recall vintage Primo as much as they do. That “Still Dirty” could’ve easily been for Gangstarr.
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4 thehonorable
Aug 2nd, 2006 at 5:25 pm
man…i think that’s why i like them so much. the music is the best of R&B production and the best of hip-hop production. Of course, this is based off initial listen.
I will decifer it more once I listen on some good speakers.
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5 djkylelarue
Aug 2nd, 2006 at 6:09 pm
CA’s vocals…tight! Primo’s production…classic! This is the freshest sh!# I’ve heard in a while. I rhink my favorite is “Thank You” - DJ Premier’s cuts are always just right. I will support this all the way. My concern is the rest of the narrow-minded music world. Will urban audiences (who seem to be stuck in this “lean-wit-it-snap-dance” funk) embrace this sound; will rhythmic and urban radio give her a deserving shot? Will pop audiences take on the gritty edge that Primo brings? Dammit, I hope so…
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8 Qoolquest
Aug 2nd, 2006 at 11:20 pm
damn…..when i saw primo in the elevator at the mondrian last year and he told me he was doing this. i kinda underestimated the fact that he was going to indeed “give her some raw ass ”. i mean —not to down people and all but uh…i’ve worked with ron fair before and he kinda takes pride into knowing the the diluted tastes of mainstream america (read: whites who wanna be hip (….as evidenced in the latest BEP offerings, christina’s initial offerings) so i just knew in this enviorment there was no way that ron would let primo get away with murder.
damn. he did lol.
i support this record. damn primo i’m happy for you.
-ahmir “?uestlove” thompson
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11 Alexander J.
Aug 3rd, 2006 at 3:39 am
I must say I am truly impressed with this material. I heard Mrs. Bratman was going to do this and I wondered to my self can she do this? Will she dare risk it? Huh, she will show they world. I must admit these pieces of work are not just songs but a mutual respect and understanding for real classic blues,jazz and soul music. Even though to I also fear that the music world will kind of shudder this off to the side, and thst would be unfortunate to do so. Because the preview that I heard from this Back to Basics album is amazing, every single cut is excellent. It has this strong jazz/soul(COME ON YOUNG INS THIS IS THE MUSIC YOUR GRANDPARENTS USE TO LISTEN TO. RESPECT GIVE CREDIT WHEN DUE) and contempary rhythms intertwine within it so with srong vocals and original production and songwriting. How many artists you know that can 1 even sing like this have the guts to even really pull it off, secondly market what they are actually selling and living by it she is not only taking the music back she is pushing it forward with a goal. As much as I like Mariah and Janet,They had thier time to shine and please they would never daer pull of a record as strong as this nowadays. When they first started man they were the bomb now they are trying to stay young forever. And that commemt about Christina and Beyonce being copycats from Jermaine Dupri was really uneccessary from him. His emotions was all in it and as much as success he has it seemed kinda a weak. Who are they copying?B and Chris. have thier own vocal styles and different material. and of course people are gonna remind of a popular artist that technique is old every body has someone to look up to and follow in thier aspirations (dude we know you love Janet)And for him to call them to out like they dont’ write, arrange, compose, and sometimes produce thier own music is wrong whenmore than half of the industry especially is are not being more creative or original to take more risks.
I just hope in all honesty that urban radio music world accepts her.Not because she is latina but because she is an good. She can actually sing and you can feel these songs. Heck you still have a hard time playing Mariah,Justin,Gwen,Jon B, Remy Shand, JoJo, and Robin Thicke.Give them a chance it took mariah almost 15 years to establish her Soul music side and that is unfortunate Why not Christina. Even in her early days her songs still had an light r&b sound to them anyway. I just wish we would live the color of the skin alone and listen, not hear but truly listen. stay real A.
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12 milo
Aug 3rd, 2006 at 5:57 am
I already have the complete album and it’s so good, i’m certainly gonna buy it when it comes out.
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14 K-Nyce
Aug 3rd, 2006 at 8:05 am
this sounds really fresh. i think its the perfect eclectic mix with her powerful voice and preme’s on time cutting!! once again hon. your on point!!
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These songs are MUCH BETTER than anything that is being played on the radio a this moment. At least she has something intelligent to put out into the universe.Have you heard some of the mind-blowingly, laughable lyrics that are on the radio? I will definitely buy this CD. She has a fan for life with me.
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20 Alan
Aug 3rd, 2006 at 12:31 pm
I think it is truly awesome that Christina is back and on top of her game as always. Thank u is a wonderful tribute to her fans and it’s great to see how amazing she looks upon her return. The music is speaking for itself which is something almost completely different. EXCELLENT!!! AMAZING!!! Keep them coming, Christina! =)
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No doubt, this album is amazing, if J. Timberlake wasn't releasing his new album in Sept. I would say hers is #1 for 06 hands down...
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premo killed the production.
christina is someone i never looked for ever...but i must say this album is dope indeed. i always knew she could sing but this album seems so more grown up..
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After listening to this whole album, instant classic...
I know, flame on, but it is so amazing, he voice gives me chills...
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Fire. I thought it was a classic off the sampler. Giving it a listen tonight. Song For You cover sounds interesting. I liked Here To Stay when it had a faster tempo.
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Damn. this album IS THE ALBUM OF THE YEAR. XTINA OWNS IT. Sry i am helluva eeked out. I am def feeling this album. I love this whole album, except a few tracks. I love the old school sound vibe feel from it. Xtina found herself. This is the album of the year... Justin may sell more due to the teeny boppers, but damn Xtina owns.
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Based off the sampler alone it's my album of the year. I'll have to grab this overnight.
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THE ALBUM IS CRACK. This is my 4th time listening to the whole album. I don't think Justin is going to be able to touch this album. I am sure it will blow off the shelves soone or later. She's got songs on this album that everyone can relate to. Sure Justin may sell well in a month then his sales will decline. I have a feeling this album will have a strong following with the general public.
I would love to see Candyman done as a music video. I wanna see that flapper era thing going on. Damn Xtina u got me all up on this album. Damn I expected Alicia keys to to do this, but she got her own thing.
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from what im hearing it sounds like a must cop but id be real embararrassed waiting in line for a Christina Aguilera album. Kinda like getting a ticket for Brokeback Mountain when it was still in theatres.
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^ christina is a legit superstar now. she aint a teeny bopper like back then so no shame in coppin her album
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She did an amazing job. It's a wonderful album. Great vocals, great production, beautiful songs with a lot of style and personality. It's definitely up there among the year's best. I have a few criticisms but they're overshadowed by the overall quality. Well done, Christina.
Grade: A/A-
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The album is amazing. Christina did exactly what she set out to do - she made a soulful album. She captured that sound beautifully and made it work. Her vocals are in top form, they aren't on overkill - they're just right. This woman is just amazing.
I honestly can listen to all 22 tracks and not skip one. It's spectacular. The album of 2006 for me (and that's saying a lot considering The Format and The Early November both released new projects.)
Grade - A
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I love Christina, but I have to tell you... I was disappointed with the first disc. There are some good songs on there, but nothing really grabbed me on first listen. Maybe they'll improve as I spin the disc a few more times.
Disc two, though, is INCREDIBLE. I wish she would have just released this with two or three tracks from the first disc tacked on.... I laughed at some of the songs, and in a totally good way. This is a strong work, and Grammy should take notice. Let's hope they do.
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I feel Disc ONe is much stronger than Disc 2. DJ Premier is a legend and really brought it to his work with Christina. Back in the Day is my favorite track on the album.
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I heard MOST of the album. I thought I'd listened to it in its entirety, but when I went back I noticed that I'd overlooked some songs. What I did hear was an amazing album. I've always contended that Christina's best album is her debut, but she definitely beat the debut album, and I'm soooooooooooo happy to hear that this album beats Stripped by miles -- an album that I found to be a very disappointing follow-up to such an amazing debut album.
Christina really out-did herself this time. I wish her the best of luck on August 15th, and I'll be doing so by buying the CD. Let's take Christina to #1 ! ! !
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I found myself liking the slower, more ballad type songs moreso than the up-beat ones. Basically Disc 2 moreso than Disc 1.
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7 thehonorable
Aug 2nd, 2006 at 9:02 pm
I believe that the pop audiences will accept that “gritty edge” Primo production because:
1. Xtina has about 1.5 million loyal fans that would buy her CD even if it was silent (like in Pootie Tang
2. His gritty edge has been polished (but it still sounds great).
As for the urban audiences and the current trend of urban pop music, I dont think they will embrace it. I dont think urban radio has ever embrace Xtina like they did N’ Sync and JT (I could be wrong) because the current trend is trendy 80s new-age pop BS or simple “kiddy rhymes.” Not only did Xtina went on a limb to experiment with Premo but she also challenged the current trend of going back to jazz influenced music from the 20s, 30s, and 40s (one of my favorite eras). But she has the caliber to do so…I dont think an artist even like TI can be the bold now. Xtina is at Outkast’s level where ppl love them so much that they can experiment and still eat.
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L-dizzle
Aug 3rd, 2006 at 5:46 pm
this is wonderful! i’ll admit it took some takin used to…but i just love christina’s new sound! premier is doin it for real. still warming up to “still dirty” thank you is a very nice track and so is back in the day.
fan-tas-tic.
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22 becky mawson falmouth cornwall
Aug 4th, 2006 at 5:12 am
hi i just want 2 say that i think christinas delivered the goods…..AGAIN!!!!!!hahaha i love her . but from hearing these tracks im extremely impressed. she has done a good thing working with dj premier, i love his work wiv gangstarr. she has a voice given by god. she was destined by him to be a REAL PERFORMER. im buying the album when it comes out, im counting the days. when i listened to them its like hearing an anticipated micheal jackson album back in the 80s, she is truly a blessing 2 our generation, and im so glad she has a great voice and she knows what to do with it (production wise). thankyou father in heaven for the talent you have given christina 4 your people. RESPECT. love 2 everyone. BACK IN THE DAY is amazing xxxx
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23 camerron
Aug 4th, 2006 at 6:26 am
hey
just wanted to say i listened and i absolutely love these new songs and i cant wait for the album to drop
i’ll probably be the one waiting first in line when the store opens lol but thanx for posting them up for people to hear. i think shes got several hits on this album
xoxo
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24 ariele
Aug 4th, 2006 at 7:57 am
THE SONGS ARE WONDERFUL. CHRISTINA HAS TAKEN IT TO ANOTHER LEVEL. I RESPECT HER FOR THINKING OUTSIDE OF THE BOX AND NOT BEING WHAT PEOPLE WANT HER TO BE. SHE IS THE BEST SINGER OF OUR GENERATION. SHE HAS TRUE TALENT. I ALREADY ORDERED BY ALBUM FROM AMAZON, SO I CANNOT WAIT. CHRISTINA AND PREMO DID THEIR THANG. THANKS HONORABLE FOR PUTTING UP THESE AMAZING SONGS.
This is the album of the year. She seriously topped "Stripped".
I've been checking several forums religiously, waiting for this to leak, and it's finally happened.
I am loving the album, and cannot wait to pick up a copy when it's released.
Christina did an awesome job of putting this project together. The songs mesh together so well. My favortites are Understand and The Right Man. Understand is getting to my emotions and I love how dramatic The Right Man is.
She deserves every bit of praise for this album. :heart:
I don't think I can ever listen to "Nasty Naughty Boy" with anyone in the room.
This album is great, and I'm not a huge Christina fan. I agree with those of you who said the 2nd disc outshines the first. She did a fabulous job with it.
I think David LaChapelle could have a feild day with a video for "Candyman", they should work together for sure.
Aint No Other Man, Slow Down Baby, Oh Mother, F.U.S.S., Without You, Still Dirrty, Welcome, Candyman, Nasty Naughty Boy, I Got Trouble, Makes Me Wanna Pray, and The Right Man are my favorites. But, my favorite on the whole album has to be Hurt. It's absolutely mind-blowing.Those songs could be the album right there and I would probably consider it one of my favorite albums.
I love it. It's the album of my life. Well maybe not but it's really freaking amazing and brillant. I feel bad for ever doubting her.