To undermine Christina Aguilera‘s vocal ability, would be akin to comparing Rihanna’s to Mariah’s.
However, as the years have gone on (taking her relevancy with it), it’s quickly become apparent that years of bad technique have shaved away some of the intricate qualities of a voice we’ve known and loved for the better part of 12 years.
Yet, as the age old adage goes: it’s not over, till it’s over. A fact Aguilera’s popularity on NBC’s ‘The Voice‘ and recent chart-topping success with Maroon 5 proves.
As such, capitalising on her rediscovered relevance, the 30 year old is back in the studio recording what essentially needs to be the comeback of comebacks. So as to ensure she’s in tip-top form, it is being reported the mother of one has enlisted the services of a new vocal coach.
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According to the Examiner, the ‘Dirrty’ singer has taken on renown vocal coach Seth Riggs, who is being tasked with helping the star “scale back” on the over-singing and “ya, ya, ya” runs. Shifting focus, instead, to polishing her higher and lower registers.
Another name signed on to contribute in some form to the as yet untitled project is producer William Orbit (who will hit the studio with Aguilera once he wraps work on Madonna‘s new record). Meanwhile hitmaker Timbaland recently caught the attention of many when he publicly tweeted Xtina – revealing that he ‘had something for her’.
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Given the mixture of the stakes (see: prior flops) and her revitalised popularity, this new Xtina project is shaping up to be one to watch. Indeed, if executed correctly – and by that I mean, right material, solid release window i.e. during the next season of ‘The Voice’ – it could be the comeback her career is so thirsty for.
That said, talk of “scaling her back” both warms and worries me. For, with the industry sway generally favouring simple hooks, melodies, and ultimately voices (see: Ke$ha, Rihanna, and co), reeling her talent back in may be the only viable way to strike it big again. However, as one of those who loves his Xtina loud, screaming, and shamelessly diva, it’s a hard, yet necessary pill to swallow. For, as with most competitive arenas, the best success (and longevity) in music comes to those who know how to play the game. A point well demonstrated by Beyonce, who has a great ear for when to keep it simple, and radio-friendly, and when to let rip and blow wigs off (more often than not, live). I guess the very public humbling of Christina over the last year, has forced her onto a simlilar path – as opposed to simply doing as she pleases vocally. Will it pay off, though? Only time will tell.