That voice. That powerful pitch-perfect voice.
When she belts out the first few bars of Etta James’ “Something’s Got a Hold On Me,” the first track on the forthcoming “Burlesque” soundtrack, there’s no mistaking who the star of this movie is. Christina Aguilera.
The diminutive diva has few equals in pop music with her singing range and booming power. The soundtrack showcases her strong command of the lower registers, as well as her ability to nail and sustain the high notes. After all, it was her ability to hit a high C that landed her a singing role in the animated Disney movie “Mulan” as a teenager.
Aguilera sings eight of the 10 tracks on the “Burlesque” soundtrack, with co-star Cher lending her signature voice to the other two. It’s an eclectic mix of old-school jazz with a Chicago nightclub feel and modern electronica dance music.
Aguilera’s remake of “A Guy What Takes His Time,” is every bit as steamy as the original made popular by 1930s screen siren Mae West. Muted horn sections playing to the beat with a marching snare drumbeat give it an authentic sound.
At the other end of the spectrum are electronica tracks such as “Express” and a reinvention of Marilyn Manson’s “The Beautiful People.” But it’s the more traditional jazz numbers like “Tough Lover” that will have you snapping your fingers.
If her acting chops prove half as good as the show-stopping vocal acrobatics on display in her major film debut, “Burlesque” should be a hit.
— Ty Walker
The News-Register
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