I’ve always kinda liked Christina Aguilera, and even though she’s considered a “pop star” she’s garnered enough respect that that’s not an embarrassing admission (the way it would be if one said they always kinda liked Britney Spears or Jessica Simpson). Though she was lumped in with them as part of the late-90s blonde pop sensation, she always seemed a bit different to me. First there’s her voice; no one can deny her talent. Her videos were often edgier (see “Fighter” for example) and her music seemed more influenced by other genres. I can’t fathom Jessica Simpson singing alongside Li’l Kim, but Christina did it twice. I’ve also always thought she exuded a weird blend of do-me sex appeal (”Genie in a Bottle,” “Dirrty,” “Lady Marmalade”) and feminist confidence (”Fighter,” “Can’t Hold Us Down,” “Beautiful,” “What a Woman Wants”).

Her newest disc, Back to Basics, drops on August 15, and I’m curious to hear the two album set. She claims that it was influenced by jazz, and I’m sure she was also inspired by married life. According to an article in People magazine:

“Back to Basics pays homage to vintage jazz, soul and blues styles, which Aguilera says inspire her. ‘Not to say that music today doesn’t have heart, but it’s really few and far between because technology has advanced itself so much that anybody can be a singer,’ she says. ‘Back in the day, you had to know how to sing.’

Her new single, “Ain’t No Other Man” is really great (evidently it was inspired by her new hubby); I just added it to my workout playlist. I’m excited to hear more.