Aguilera (album): Difference between revisions

Aguilera is the ninth studio album and second Spanish-language album by American singer Christina Aguilera. It was released on May 31, 2022 by Sony Music Latin. The album was marketed as a trilogy album, split into three separately released extended plays (EPs), with each part focusing on a specific theme of its own. The first part, La Fuerza, was released on January 21, 2022. It was followed by part two, La Tormenta on May 30, 2022. The third and final installment of the album La Luz is set to be released in 2022.

In its original release, the album was released as a double album featuring both La Fuerza and La Tormenta as separate discs.^[3] Aguilera is the follow-up to Aguilera's eighth studio album Liberation (2018), and her first Spanish album in 22 years since Mi Reflejo was released as her second studio album in 2000. To promote the album, Aguilera made various televised appearances and performances.

Following the release of Liberation (2018), Aguilera began expressing interest on releasing another Spanish album. While promoting her residency, The Xperience, on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, during a question and answer segment, she revealed that a follow-up to Mi Reflejo "has been on my to-do list forever."^[4]

Following the cancellation of the final leg of "The Xperience" due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, Aguilera focused on her music. Inspired by her Ecuadorian heritage, she decided to finally create the follow-up to Mi Reflejo, dedicating it to her Ecuadorian heritage, while simultaneously working on an English album.^[5] Production for the album began in March 2021.^[2] Aguilera relocated to Miami, Florida for a month, taking part in a COVID-safe writing camp with Sony Latin. She collaborated with several producers such as Federico Vindver, Jean Rodríguez, Rafa Arcaute, Édgar Barrera, Feid, Andrés Torres, DallasK and more.^{[citation needed]}

During production, Aguilera conceived the idea of a multiple-part album. She thought about how she's notorious for taking "a long time between records" and decided to combat it by avoiding the typical album release process, and release it in separate pieces, which together would form her ninth studio album. Three concepts were created for each part: strength and empowerment, vulnerability and healing.^[6] The idea was to release them in "six song increments" throughout 2022 until the album was completely released. Production for the album wrapped in April 2021.^{[citation needed]}

Aguilera is essentially a Latin album.^[7] It is heavily influenced by dance-pop, Latin pop, cumbia and reggaeton. The album additionally contains guaracha, such as the lead single "Pa Mis Muchachas", urbano, piano ballads, like "Somos Nada", and rancheras, such as "La Reina" and "Cuando Me Dé La Gana".^{[8][9][10][11][12][13]}

The first disc of the album begins with "Ya Llegué" (English: "I'm Here") which was described as a "sultry futuristic track" which "gradually turns into a hard-hitting reggaeton".^[2] Aguilera samples her 1999 hit single "Genie In a Bottle", changing the lyrics to 'Like a genie in a bottle? Never'".^[2] This song is followed by the lead single, "Pa' Mis Muchachas" (English: "For My Girls") featuring Becky G, Nathy Peluso and Nicki Nicole.^[2] On working on the song, "Pa' Mis Muchachas" Aguilera noted that the song "serves as an homage to women". She added that, "We wanted to make sure that this was definitely a representation of Latin women who are the strength of a family, the backbone. In the song we mention that I'm a woman that is strong because I was raised by a woman that was strong and so was she before that. It's something that gets passed down by generations. I chose Nathy, Becky and Nicki because of the strength they exude".^[14] During an interview with Ocean Drive magazine, Aguilera said "funnily enough, "Pa' Mis Muchachas" was the very first song we wrote and recorded for this album. Right from the start, in my very first session at Maestro Julio Reyes Copello's studio, the energy was undeniably special. The guitar strings, the lyrics, intensity and passion within the song poured out of everyone. I was introduced to Nathy, Nicki and Becky, and there was no doubt in my mind that they were the perfect muchachas for this track."^[15]

"Somos Nada" (English: "We Are Nothing"), is a "stripped-down piano-led nostalgic ballad that puts her deep, powerful tone at the forefront".^[2] The track was called a "signature" Aguilera song where she "delivers a raw and emotional performance".^[2] "Santo" (English: "Holy") follows up as a song about "two people who are hooked on each other".^[2] The track features Puerto Rican singer Ozuna whose "crisp, sugary vocals and [Christina's] vocal range make for the perfect perreo that later transitions to a hip-shaking cumbia.^[2] "Como Yo" (English: "Like Me") utilizes an experimental Latin pop sound.^[16] It is a "club-friendly dance-pop track with thumping beats explores a different side of Xtina’s musical trajectory".^[2] This is followed with "La Reina" (English: "The Queen") which was called the "album's anthem".^[2] Aguilera " brings all her powerful, gifted vocals to deliver a heartfelt ranchera that perfectly transmits the popular phrase 'What's a king without his queen?'".^[2]

The second disc begins with "Sueltame" (English: "Let Me Go") and features Argentine singer Tini.^[17] The song was called a "a sultry tango-meets-urban collab where the lady takes matters into her own hands" by Billboard, the song is also noted for having hints of bossa nova.^[17][18] This is followed by "Brujería" (English: "Witchcraft") and "Traguito" (English: "A Little Drink") in which the latter was described as orthodox pop.^[19] "Cuando Me De la Gana" (English: "When I Want It") is a ranchera.^[10] A duet featuring Mexican singer Christian Nodal was also released on the album.^[20] The disc ends with "Te Deseo Lo Mejor" (English: "I Wish You The Best") which was described as as tropical song.^[18]

Towards the end of the album's recording, Aguilera appeared on the cover of Health magazine. In the interview, she revealed that working on new music had made her "fall in love with [it] all over again." When asked about a new album she said:

"I'm months away from anything being announced. I'm simultaneously working on my English record and the follow-up to my debut Spanish album—about 20 years overdue. I'm a perfectionist and want to give everything my best—especially because of the soul-searching I've done over the past year and the new perspective I have."

On October 4, 2021, Aguilera's website showed white text on a black screen that said "Redescubriendo raices. Nos vemos pronto!" (transl. "Rediscovering roots. See you soon!").^[21][22] On October 18, 2021, Aguilera posted a teaser video on her social media accounts. The video featured two women seen walking from behind, while an acoustic guitar instrumental played in the background.^[23][24] The song was later revealed to be the lead single from the album, titled "Pa Mis Muchachas". The song featured collaborators Becky G, Nicki Nicole and Nathy Peluso. "Pa Mis Muchachas" was also the lead single from the first part of the album, titled La Fuerza (transl. "The Strength"), which would be released on January 21, 2022. La Fuerza also featured the singles "Somos Nada" and "Santo" with Ozuna.

To promote La Fuerza, Aguilera performed a medley of "Somos Nada" and "Pa Mis Muchachas" alongside Becky G, Nicole and Peluso at the 22nd Latin Grammy Awards on November 18, 2021. On December 7, 2021 she performed a medley of her hits to accept the first "Music Icon" Award at the People's Choice Awards.

On May 23, 2022, Aguilera announced that the second part of the album would be titled La Tormenta (transl. "The Storm") and that it was available to pre-save alongside the single "Suéltame", a collaboration with Argentine singer Tini. On May 26, Aguilera announced on her Instagram story that she would be postponing the release of La Tormenta out of respect for the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas writing "I will be postponing the release of my new music as we mourn with the community of Uvalde. My heart breaks for the families and loved ones of the children and educators affected by this tragedy. I urge our leaders to make immediate changes on laws around gun control."^[25] La Tormenta was released on May 30, 2022 with five new songs.

On May 31, 2022, she revealed the title and the cover of the full album; Aguilera contains songs from the EPs La Fuerza, La Tormenta, and a new duet version of "Cuando Me Dé La Gana" with Mexican singer Christian Nodal.^[26][27][28] The final part of the trilogy of EPs will be called La Luz (transl. "The Light").^[29] It is not known yet if Aguilera will be re-released with songs from La Luz or if those songs will be added to the track listing at a later date.

"Pa Mis Muchachas" (transl. "For My Girls") was released on October 22, 2021 as the lead single from the album. The song is a collaboration with Becky G, Nicki Nicole and features Argentine singer-songwriter Nathy Peluso. Featured on La Fuerza, the song is in theme with the EP, as it is lyrically a "girl-power anthem".^[30] It was compared to Aguilera's 2001 version of "Lady Marmalade" with Mýa, Pink and Lil' Kim by Paige Mastrandrea of Ocean Drive. "Pa Mis Muchachas" debuted and peaked at number three on the Billboard Latin Digital Song Sales on the chart issue dated November 6, 2021 and was certified gold (Latin field) by the Recording Industry Association of America.^[31][32]

"Somos Nada" (transl. "We Are Nothing") was released as the second single from La Fuerza on November 18, 2021 to coincide with her performance at the 22nd Annual Latin Grammy Awards, where she performed both "Somos Nada" and "Pa Mis Muchachas" alongside Becky G, Nicole and Peluso. Music videos were filmed simultaneously in Los Angeles and were released with their respective singles.^[33] They were directed by Alexandre Moors and tell a continuous story, with "Somos Nada" serving as a prequel to "Pa Mis Muchachas.^[33][34][35] Though not a confirmed single, a music video for "La Reina", the final track on La Fuerza, was released on May 6, 2022.^[36]

"Santo" was released as the third single from the album on January 20, 2022, one day before the release of La Fuerza. "Santo" is a collaboration with Ozuna, and was released alongside its music video. It is the final official single to be featured on La Fuerza. "Suéltame" with Tini was released on May 30, 2022 as the fourth single from Aguilera and the lead single from La Tormenta. It was released simultaneously with its parent EP and one day before Aguilera. A music video is expected to be released.^[37]

In his review for Latina, Lucas Villa praised the album, stating that "Xtina really gives it her all on this album that pays homage to her Latina roots". He particularly applauded the song "Cuando Me Dé la Gana", recorded with "Mexican crooner" Christian Nodal, noting that "Aguilera once again sounds incredible while tackling the ranchera genre with her mighty voice".^[38]

Notes

• All songs co-produced by Afo Verde
• All songs vocally produced by Jean Rodríguez

• Christina Aguilera – vocals
• Federico Vindver – arrangement, keyboards, programming (all tracks), percussion (2)
• JonTheProducer – arrangement, keyboards, programming (1)
• Rafa Arcaute – arrangement, keyboards, programming (all tracks); percussion (2)
• Jorge Luis Chacín – background vocals (2)
• Kat Dahlia – background vocals (2)
• Yasmil Marrufo – background vocals (2, 6); bass, guitar (6)
• Yoel Henríquez – background vocals (2)
• Matt Rollings – piano (3)
• DallasK – arrangement, keyboards, programming (4)
• Luigi Castillo – background vocals (6)
• Santiago Castillo – background vocals (6)
• Servando Primera – background vocals (6)

• Jaycen Joshua – mastering, mixing
• Federico Vindver – recording
• Jean Rodríguez – recording
• Rafa Arcaute – recording
• Ray Charles Brown, Jr. – recording
• José Aponte – recording (4)
• Yasmil Marrufo – recording (6)
• Felipe Trujillo – engineering assistance (1, 5)
• Morgan David – engineering assistance (1, 5)

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