Christina gets down 'n dirty

The last we heard from Christina Aguilera, she was singing with Mya, Pink and the girls in the song radio overplayed perhaps more than any other song has been overplayed. While some people are already sick of her latest single, "Dirty," think twice about judging the album off that one track.\nMy roommate insists on referring to Aguilera as "Christina Hootchilera." Aguilera's outfits are skimpy (or non-existent), half her hair is fake and she wears more make-up than most prostitutes. Oddly enough, "Dirty" is nowhere near the dirtiest song on the album. "Get Mine, Get Yours" has the most provocative lyrics, including lines such as "Gotta hit that spot just right / Work me like a nine to five," and "I want your body not your heart." The song explores a strictly physical relationship with no strings attached. \nSome critics refer to Aguilera as a slut and a whore. It makes perfect sense then for her to have a song about the societal double standard that lets men do what they want sexually, but if women do the same, they are labeled with dirty names. Who helps out on this controversial track, "Can't Hold Us Down?" The only female in the industry sluttier than Aguilera: Lil' Kim.\nAguilera doesn't keep it all skanky on the album. Listeners will be surprised at the number of serious, heartfelt (instead of groin-felt) songs on the album. "I'm OK" points fingers at her abusive father. "The Voice Within" and "Beautiful" are two other songs that showcase Aguilera's out-of-this-world vocal abilities and have absolutely amazing and insightful lyrics. \nStripped takes many steps ahead of recent pop albums. The best thing about the album is that, unlike most other CDs from artists in this genre, the songs don't all sound the same. Aguilera has managed to come up with hip-hop-sounding songs, dramatic ballads, intense love songs and promising lyrics about making it through life.\nAguilera didn't throw this album together overnight. Perhaps that's why we haven't heard from her as a solo artist for quite some time now. Following in the footsteps of legendary pop singers like Janet Jackson and Madonna, Aguilera took the time to find the perfect emotions and lyrics that would make the album worth the wait. \nI've been waiting for over a year now to find a CD worthy of that perfect 10. I had no question after one listen that Stripped was it.