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Aguilera is the ninth and second Spanish studio album by American singer-songwriter, Christina Aguilera, released on May 31, 2022 through Sony Music Latin, and is the follow up to her first Spanish-language album, Mi Reflejo (2000).[1] As a trilogy album, the album featuring three separate "chapters" with each part of the trilogy being released as a separate extended play (EP): La Fuerza[2], La Tormenta[3] and La Luz[4]. Named after her surname, the album pays tribute to Aguilera's Latin-American heritage, her Ecuadorian father, and her childhood and as a means to connect her children with their Latin heritage.
Essentially a Latin album, Aguilera includes heavy dance-pop, Latin pop, and urbano influences, and features elements of cumbia, tango, tropical music, guaracha, reggaeton. The songs on the album range from beat-heavy uptempo tracks to slow ballads, such as piano ballads and rancheras and features collaborations with Becky G, NICKI NICOLE, Nathy Peluso, Ozuna, Tini and Christian Nodal. Multiple singles were released from the album including "Pa Mis Muchachas", "Somos Nada", "Santo", "Suéltame", and multiple singles were released from deluxe edtion of the album including "No Es Que Te Extrañe".
Upon release, the album received positive reviews and debuted at number 18 on the US Latin Pop Albums chart. Aguilera embarked on the EU/UK Summer Series promotional tour in summer of 2022 which featured five festival shows and three standalone shows in the UK. Aguilera and its songs received a combined total of seven nominations at the 23rd Annual Latin Grammy Awards, with the album being nominated for Album of the Year and Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, making Aguilera the second most nominated female artist of the ceremony.
Background and production[]
Aguilera first teased a follow up to her first Spanish-language album, Mi Reflejo, in 2015 when she was on Today to talk about her trip to Ecuador as an ambassador against hunger for the World Food Programme. During the interview, it was revealed that she had been "accumulating ideas" for a Spanish album. During promotion for her 2019 concert residency, The Xperience, Aguilera appeared on Watch What Happens Live! stating that the follow-up to Mi Reflejo had "been on [her] to-do list forever."
Production for the album eventually began in March 2021. Aguilera relocated to Miami, Florida for a month, taking part in a COVID-safe writing camp with Sony Latin, collaborating with several producers including Federico Vindver, Jean Rodríguez, Rafa Arcaute, Édgar Barrera, Feid, Andrés Torres and DallasK. During production, Aguilera conceived the idea of a multiple-part album, consisting of three concepts: empowerment, vulnerability and healing. 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.
Music and content[]
The first chapter of the album is themed around strength, female empowerment and independence. The album begins with "Ya Llegué" (transl. "I'm Here") which was described as a "sultry futuristic track" which "gradually turns into a hard-hitting reggaeton". Aguilera samples her 1999 hit single "Genie In a Bottle", changing the lyrics to 'Like a genie in a bottle? Never'". This song is followed by the lead single, "Pa Mis Muchachas" (transl. "For My Girls") featuring Becky G, Nathy Peluso and Nicki Nicole. Aguilera has stated that the song "serves as an homage to women" adding that they "wanted to make sure that this was definitely a representation of Latin women who are the strength of a family [...] Nathy, Becky and Nicki [were chosen] because of the strength they exude". During an interview with Ocean Drive magazine, Aguilera also noted,
“ 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. ”
"Somos Nada" (transl. "We Are Nothing"), is a "stripped-down piano-led nostalgic ballad that puts her deep, powerful tone at the forefront". The track was called a "signature" Aguilera song where she "delivers a raw and emotional performance". "Santo" (transl. "Saint") follows up as a song about "two people who are hooked on each other". 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. "Como Yo" (transl. "Like Me") utilizes an experimental Latin pop sound. It is a "club-friendly dance-pop track with thumping beats explores a different side of Xtina’s musical trajectory". This is followed with "La Reina" (transl. "The Queen") which was called the "album's anthem". 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?'".
The second chapter is themed around vulnerability and begins with "Suéltame" (transl. Let Me Go) and features Argentine singer Tini. The song was called a "a sultry tango-meets-urban collab where the lady takes matters into her own hands" by Billboard, and is noted for having hints of bossa nova. This is followed by "Brujería" (transl. "Witchcraft") and "Traguito" (transl. "A Little Drink") in which the latter was described as orthodox pop. "Cuando Me De la Gana" (transl. "When I Want It") is a ranchera. A duet featuring Mexican singer Christian Nodal was also released on the album. The chapter ends with "Te Deseo Lo Mejor" (transl. "I Wish You The Best") which was described as a tropical song.
The central theme of the third and final chapter of the album, entitled La Luz (transl. The Light), is healing and closure. The chapter begins with a spoken intro by Aguilera in which she noted in a Billboard interview saying that it is "about finding closure and understanding that everybody has a different story that leads us to why things happen the way that they do and it's not meant for us to get it to understand it". This is followed by the song, "No Es Que Te Extrañe" (transl. It's Not That I Miss You) in which Aguilera sings about finding peace, closure and forgiveness for her estranged father.
Title and artwork[]
The album title and original artwork were revealed on the day of the album's initial release on May 31, 2022. Naming the album after her father's surname, Aguilera expressed that she had the intention of "acknowledging, embracing and engaging with [her] roots "and with the intention to share "some closure in relation to [her] father", and to have her children reconnect with their heritage. While promoting her 2022 MasterClass, Aguilera told People magazine:
“ To now approach the new Spanish music at a time in my life where I've survived this business over decades and am a mother to my children, who I want to share a part of themselves, a part of their roots, a part of their heritage, has been such a beautiful blessing within itself... My daughter listens to all of the new Spanish music in the car and requests it... It's just been beautiful to see her resonate with the music and know that it's a part of her. ”
The artwork used for the original release is a black and white image that portrays Aguilera in a room, seen through a balcony archway with her face obscured by a shadow. She's wearing a white dress with a long train which is flowing behind her. The top of the archway displays the album title "Aguilera" in all caps. On June 29, 2022, the artwork was changed to feature a front on view of Aguilera as a statue in a similar setting.
Release and promotion[]
The album was first teased on October 4, 2021 on Aguilera's website which stated, "Redescubriendo raices. Nos vemos pronto!" (transl. "Rediscovering roots. See you soon!") and featured alongside teaser videos of the album's lead single, "Pa Mis Muchachas". During an interview with Los Angeles Times, Aguilera revealed the album's trilogy concept, and how each part of the trilogy would be released separately, before the album's final release in its complete form. Aguilera attended the 22nd Latin Grammy Awards in Las Vegas on November 18, 2021, where she performed the album's second single, "Somos Nada", followed by "Pa Mis Muchachas" alongside Becky G, Nicki Nicole and Nathy Peluso. The first part of the album, La Fuerza (transl. The Strength), was released on January 21, 2022 as an EP. Shortly after its release, a series of shows in support of the album were announced, taking place in Europe throughout that summer. La Tormenta (transl. The Storm), originally set for release on May 27, 2022, was postponed following the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, before being released on Monday, May 30, with no prior announcement. Aguilera took to her Instagram story to announce the postponement, saying,
“ 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. ”
Aguilera's initial release was in a double album format on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, three days into the tracking week. The double album featured the songs from La Fuerza and La Tormenta organized in separate discs. The next day, Aguilera announced that the final part of the trilogy of EPs will be called La Luz (transl. The Light). Aguilera promoted the album through the EU/UK Summer Series, a short promotional tour which featured five festival shows and three standalone shows in the UK.
On September 1, 2022, Aguilera was announced as part of the lineup of the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Week, which will take place at the Faena Forum in Miami, between September 26 and October 1, in the midst of National Hispanic Heritage Month; Aguilera's part in the conference will be hosting "Premiere Party with Christina Aguilera", where she will debut music that has not been released yet, as well as answering questions. La Luz was made available to pre-save on September 24, 2022.
Singles[]
EPs[]
Live performances[]
Aguilera attended the 22nd Latin Grammy Awards in Las Vegas on November 18, 2021, where she performed the album's first two singles, "Pa Mis Muchachas" and "Somos Nada" for the first time. Starting the performance with "Somos Nada", she was joined by piano player Julio Reyes Copello, before singin "Pa Mis Muchachas" alongside Becky G, Nicki Nicole and Nathy Peluso. She later performed the medley during her set at the World AIDS Day Concert LA Revival on December 1, 2022. In honor of receiving the inaugural award for People's Music Icon at the 47th People's Choice Awards, Aguilera performed a medley of her songs, including "Somos Nada".
Several of the songs on the album were performed on Aguilera's headlining sets in festivals throughout 2022, including the Cap Roig Festival in Calella de Palafrugell, the Starlite Festival in Marbella, and the Brighton Pride festival in Brighton and Hove. The festivals were part of her first promotional tour in support of Aguilera, titled EU / UK Summer Series. The tour also featured three arena concerts in Scarborough, Liverpool, and London, where Union J served as the opening act.
On September 29, 2022, Aguilera received the Billboard Spirit of Hope Award at the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards, and performed "La Reina" in a similar setting to the song's music video. Aguilera alongside Christian Nodal performed their collaborative version of "Cuando Me Dé la Gana" for the first time at the 23rd Annual Latin Grammy Awards on November 17, 2022, where Aguilera also received the award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. The performance's theme was inspired by the musical West Side Story.
Critical response[]
Aguilera was praised for Aguilera's vocal performance and her ability to fuse different Latin American music genres. Lucas Villa of Latina, praised Aguilera for giving it "her all on this album that pays homage to her Latina roots", and particularly applauded her "mighty voice" on the song "Cuando Me Dé la Gana", while BroadwayWorld writer Michael Major said that Aguilera "honoured her Latin roots in the best possible way", and complimented the album's ability to pay tribute to Latin music "without losing that essence that has made her one of the most important and respected artists of her generation". Neil Z. Yeung from AllMusic gave Aguilera a four out of five star rating, calling the album "a refreshing burst of artistry and heart from the Y2K generation's strongest voice" and hailed it as "one of the strongest statements" for Aguilera since her early work. A review from Pollstar called the album a "triumphant comeback to the Latin market", also adding that Aguilera had "proved her powerful vocal prowess is not limited to one language". In the official write-up for the Grammy Awards website, Bianca Gracie praised Aguilera's vocal performance in the album as "more confident than ever before as she celebrated her rich heritage". Jeanette Hernandez of Remezcla regarded it an "A-list effort".
Villa later stated that "LatinXtina was a bicultural force to behold this year" in a year-end review for Uproxx, considering Aguilera as one of the ten best Latin albums of 2022. Billboard's Sigal Ratner-Arias shared the same sentiment, calling it "an instant classic". TV Azteca listed Aguilera among the twenty-five best Latin albums of the year. Writing for Houston Chronicle, Nina Hernandez ranked Aguilera at number five on the list of the ten best albums of 2022, saying that the album was "perhaps her most authentic work", and that "it will stick out in her catalog for years to come". PopSugar included Aguilera on its list of the most anticipated albums of 2023. Moises Mendez II of Time called the album "a project that shows just how well [Aguilera] understands the Latin music space", and praised her "gorgeous, bombastic vocals" on the "clear standout" song from the album, "La Reina", naming it one of the best Latin songs of the year.
Accolades[]
At the 23rd Annual Latin Grammy Awards, the album was nominated for Album of the Year and won the award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, while "Pa Mis Muchachas" received nominations for Record and Song of the Year, and was nominated alongside "Santo" for Best Urban Fusion/Performance. The duet version of "Cuando Me Dé la Gana" with Christian Nodal was nominated in the Best Regional Mexican Song category. With a total of seven nominations, Aguilera was the second most nominated female artist, behind Rosalía's eight, and third overall, tying Jorge Drexler. Aguilera also received two Grammy Award nominations for Best Latin Pop Album and Best Immersive Audio Album at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards which Entertainment Tonight noted as "a major moment in Latin music". At the 24th Annual Latin Grammy Awards, "No Es Que Te Extrañe" was nominated for Record of the Year.
Commercial performance[]
The album peaked at number 16 on the Billboard US Latin Pop Albums chart and at number 70 on the German's Digital Albums.
Track listing[]
Digital edition - Disc 1: La Fuerza | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length | ||||||
1. | "Ya Llegué" | Christina Aguilera, Jon Leone, Juan Morelli, Kat Dahlia | JonTheProducer, Rafa Arcaute, Federico Vindver | 3:03 | ||||||
2. | "Pa Mis Muchachas" (with Becky G and Nicki Nicole featuring Nathy Peluso) | Jorge Luis Chacín, Natalia Peluso, Kat Dahlia, Nicole Denise Cucco, Rebbeca Gomez, Yasmil Marrufo, Yoel Henríquez | Rafa Arcaute, Federico Vindver | 3:36 | ||||||
3. | "Somos Nada" | Christina Aguilera, Federico Vindver, Mario Domm, Sharlene Taulé | Rafa Arcaute, Federico Vindver | 3:01 | ||||||
4. | "Santo" (with Ozuna) | Christina Aguilera, Dallas James Koehlke, Gale, Josh Barrios, Ozuna | DallasK, Rafa Arcaute, Federico Vindver | 3:03 | ||||||
5. | "Como Yo" | Christina Aguilera, Federico Vindver, Gino the Ghost, Juan Morelli, Kat Dahlia, Rafa Arcaute, Tobias Wincorn | Rafa Arcaute, Federico Vindver | 2:46 | ||||||
6. | "La Reina" | Christina Aguilera, Luigi Castillo, Santiago Castillo, Servando Primera, Marrufo | Rafa Arcaute, Federico Vindver, Marrufo | 3:48 | ||||||
Total length: |
19:17 |
Digital edition - Disc 2: La Tormenta | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length | ||||||
1. | "Suéltame" (with Tini) | Christina Aguilera, Martina Stoessel, Andrés Torres, Federico Vindver, Mauricio Rengifo, Rafael Arcaute, Kat Dahlia | Andrés Torres, Federico Vindver, Mauricio Rengifo, Rafael Arcaute | 2:53 | ||||||
2. | "Brujería" | Christina Aguilera, Federico Vindver, Gale, Miguel Andrés Martinez, Pablo Preciado, Rafael Arcaute, Salomón Villada Hoyos | Federico Vindver, Feid, Rafael Arcaute, Slow | 2:45 | ||||||
3. | "Traguito" | Christina Aguilera, Andy Clay, Daniel Rondón, Federico Vindver, Kat Dahlia, Rafael Arcaute, Rafael Rodríguez | Andy Clay, HoneyBoos (Daniel Rondón and Rafael Rodríguez), Federico Vindver, Rafael Arcaute | 3:11 | ||||||
4. | "Cuando Me Dé La Gana" | Christina Aguilera, Jorge Luis Chacín, Kat Dahlia, Rafael Arcaute, Yasmil Marrufo, Yoel Henríquez | Federico Vindver, Rafa Arcaute, Marrufo | 3:26 | ||||||
5. | "Te Deseo lo Mejor" | Christina Aguilera, Elena Rose, Federico Vindver, Juan Diego Linares, Luis Barrera Jr., Rafael Arcaute, Edgar Barrera | Federico Vindver, Juan Diego Linares, Luis Barrera Jr., Rafael Arcaute, Edgar Barrera | 2:36 | ||||||
6. | "Cuando Me Dé La Gana" (with Christian Nodal) | Christina Aguilera, Jorge Luis Chacín, Kat Dahlia, Rafael Arcaute, Yasmil Marrufo, Yoel Henríquez | Federico Vindver, Juan Diego Linares, Luis Barrera Jr., Rafael Arcaute, Edgar Barrera | 3:26 | ||||||
Total length: |
17:39 |
Digital edition (Reissue) - Disc 3: La Luz | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length | ||||||
1. | "Intro (La Luz)" | Christina Aguilera | Rafael Arcaute, Federico Vindver, Jean Rodríguez | 0:40 | ||||||
2. | "No Es Que Te Extrañe" | Christina Aguilera, Edgar Barrera, Federico Vindver, Pablo Preciado, Rafa Arcaute, Yasmil Marrufo | Federico Vindver, Rafa Arcaute, Afo Verde (co.), Jean Rodríguez (voc.) | 4:43 | ||||||
Total length: |
5:23 |
Physical edition | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length | ||||||
1. | "Ya Llegué" | Christina Aguilera, Jon Leone, Juan Morelli, Kat Dahlia | JonTheProducer, Rafa Arcaute, Federico Vindver | 3:03 | ||||||
2. | "Pa Mis Muchachas" (with Becky G and Nicki Nicole featuring Nathy Peluso) | Jorge Luis Chacín, Natalia Peluso, Kat Dahlia, Nicole Denise Cucco, Rebbeca Gomez, Yasmil Marrufo, Yoel Henríquez | Rafa Arcaute, Federico Vindver | 3:36 | ||||||
3. | "Somos Nada" | Christina Aguilera, Federico Vindver, Mario Domm, Sharlene Taulé | Rafa Arcaute, Federico Vindver | 3:01 | ||||||
4. | "Santo" (with Ozuna) | Christina Aguilera, Dallas James Koehlke, Gale, Josh Barrios, Ozuna | DallasK, Rafa Arcaute, Federico Vindver | 3:03 | ||||||
5. | "Como Yo" | Christina Aguilera, Federico Vindver, Gino the Ghost, Juan Morelli, Kat Dahlia, Rafa Arcaute, Tobias Wincorn | Rafa Arcaute, Federico Vindver | 2:46 | ||||||
6. | "La Reina" | Christina Aguilera, Luigi Castillo, Santiago Castillo, Servando Primera, Marrufo | Rafa Arcaute, Federico Vindver, Marrufo | 3:48 | ||||||
7. | "Suéltame" (with Tini) | Christina Aguilera, Martina Stoessel, Andrés Torres, Federico Vindver, Mauricio Rengifo, Rafael Arcaute, Kat Dahlia | Andrés Torres, Federico Vindver, Mauricio Rengifo, Rafael Arcaute | 2:53 | ||||||
8. | "Brujería" | Christina Aguilera, Federico Vindver, Gale, Miguel Andrés Martinez, Pablo Preciado, Rafael Arcaute, Salomón Villada Hoyos | Federico Vindver, Feid, Rafael Arcaute, Slow | 2:45 | ||||||
9. | "Traguito" | Christina Aguilera, Andy Clay, Daniel Rondón, Federico Vindver, Kat Dahlia, Rafael Arcaute, Rafael Rodríguez | Andy Clay, HoneyBoos (Daniel Rondón and Rafael Rodríguez), Federico Vindver, Rafael Arcaute | 3:11 | ||||||
10. | "Cuando Me Dé La Gana" | Christina Aguilera, Jorge Luis Chacín, Kat Dahlia, Rafael Arcaute, Yasmil Marrufo, Yoel Henríquez | Federico Vindver, Rafa Arcaute, Marrufo | 3:26 | ||||||
11. | "Te Deseo lo Mejor" | Christina Aguilera, Elena Rose, Federico Vindver, Juan Diego Linares, Luis Barrera Jr., Rafael Arcaute, Edgar Barrera | Federico Vindver, Juan Diego Linares, Luis Barrera Jr., Rafael Arcaute, Edgar Barrera | 2:36 | ||||||
12. | "Cuando Me Dé La Gana" (with Cristian Nodal) | Christina Aguilera, Jorge Luis Chacín, Kat Dahlia, Rafael Arcaute, Yasmil Marrufo, Yoel Henríquez | Federico Vindver, Rafa Arcaute, Marrufo | 3:26 | ||||||
13. | "Intro (La Luz)" | Christina Aguilera | Rafael Arcaute, Federico Vindver, Jean Rodríguez | 0:40 | ||||||
14. | "No Es Que Te Extrañe" | Christina Aguilera, Edgar Barrera, Federico Vindver, Pablo Preciado, Rafa Arcaute, Yasmil Marrufo | Federico Vindver, Rafa Arcaute, Afo Verde (co.), Jean Rodríguez (voc.) | 4:43 | ||||||
Total length: |
43:03 |
Musicians[]
- Christina Aguilera – lead vocals
- Rafa Arcuate – producer, keyboards, programmer
- Édgar Barrera – producer (5), keyboards (5), programmer (5)
- Luis Barrera Jr. – producer (5), keyboards (5), programmer (5)
- Jorge Luis Chacín – background vocals (4, 6)
- Andy Clay – producer (3), keyboards (3), programmer (3)
- Kat Dahlia – background vocals (4, 6)
- Feid – producer (2), keyboards (2), programmer (2)
- Yoel Henríquez – background vocals (4, 6)
- Honeyboos (Daniel Rondón and Rafael Rodríguez) – producer (3)
- Juan Diego Linares – producer (5)
- Yasmil Marufo – background vocals (4, 6), producer (4, 6), bass (4, 6), keyboards (4, 6), programmer (4, 6)
- Christian Nodal – featured vocals (6)
- Mauricio Rengifo – producer (1), keyboards (1), programmer(1)
- Rafael Rodríguez – keyboards (3), programmer (3)
- Slow – producer (2), keyboards (2), programmer (2)
- Tini – co-lead vocals (1)
- Andrés Torres – producer (1), keyboards (1), programmer (1)
- Afo Verde – co-producer
- Federico Vindver – producer, keyboards, programmer
Technicians[]
- Rafa Arcuate – recording engineer
- Édgar Barrera – recording engineer (5)
- Luis Barrera Jr. – recording engineer (5)
- Ray Charles Brown, Jr. – recording engineer (1–4)
- Andy Clay – recording engineer (3)
- Morgan David – assistant engineer
- Jaycen Joshua – mixing engineer, mastering engineer
- Juan Diego Linares – recording engineer (5)
- Yasmil Marufo – recording engineer (4)
- Jean Rodríguez – recording engineer, vocal producer
- Mauricio Rengifo – recording engineer (1)
- Rafael Rodríguez – recording engineer (3)
- Slow – recording engineer (2)
- Andrés Torres – recording engineer (1)
- Felipe Trujillo – assistant engineer
- Federico Vindver – recording engineer (1–4)
References[]
- ↑ Christina Aguilera Returns to her Roots with a New All-Spanish Album
- ↑ Christina Aguilera Unveils Release Date & Tracklist for Her Upcoming Spanish-Language EP 'La Fuerza'
- ↑ Christina Aguilera releases her second EP 'La Tormenta'
- ↑ Christina Aguilera Reveals What Fans Can Expect From 'La Luz' At Latin Music Week
Aguilera | |
---|---|
September 30, 2022 • 43:03 • Sony Music Latin | |
Extended-plays in parts | La Fuerza • La Luz • La Tormenta |
Songs | |
Released | Brujería • Como Yo • Cuando Me Dé la Gana • Intro (La Luz) • La Reina • No Es Que Te Extrañe • Pa Mis Muchachas • Santo • Somos Nada • Suéltame • Te Deseo lo Mejor • Traguito • Ya Llegué |
Unreleased | La Loca • Lolita • Lloras Por Na' • Santo (Demo) • Sueños • Te Quiero, Me Quiero |
Artists | |
Ariana Grande • Becky G • C. Tangana • Christian Nodal • Christina Aguilera • Jarina De Marco • Kat Dahlia • Karol G • Nathy Peluso • Nicki Nicole • Ozuna • Tini • Sofia Reyes |