For the first From The Vault of the new decade, we journey back 15 years.
Today’s pick comes courtesy of Pop Queen Christina Aguilera and her roof-raising anthem ‘Ain’t No Other Man.’
Issued as the lead single from 2006 concept album ‘Back To Basics,’ ‘Man’ was produced by DJ Premier and penned by Aguilera alongside Kara DioGuardi.
Lyrically, much of the reporting at the time of its release touted her then-new-husband the inspiration behind the song’s lyrics. While sonically, the song – and its parent album – had throwback etched over. Indeed, the project at large served as Christina’s tribute to the eras in music which have inspired her artistry – with a pronounced presence of sounds from the 1920s-1950s.
The tune was yet another chart success for the songstress, peaking at #6 in both the US and Australia , #2 on the UK. #5 in Germany. and #4 in Canada.
‘Man’ also won the GRAMMY Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 2007.
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Bryan Barber was tasked with bringing the song’s retro feel to life visually, and he did so in exquisite fashion.
Set in a Prohibition era club, the song’s vid sees Xtina – or Baby Jane as she playfully billed herself -rock many old-school looks and serve choreography backed by her dancers.
It was nominated for multiple MTV Video Music Awards in 2006, but sadly didn’t win any. Still, as with all timeless efforts, it slays ’til this day.
At a time when Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Fergie and Janet Jackson were battling it out on the charts with their respective takes on the “in” sound of that time, Ms. Aguilera was in a league of her own by means of taking it back to the origins.
Furthermore, she was consistent with her commitment to the aesthetic component too, donning that old-Hollywood look for the entirety of the era; once again setting her apart from her peers.
The very same approach was used for her subsequent project, ‘Bionic’ with the focus this time placed on everything futuristic… to lesser success. #JusticeForBionic!
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After playing the field with her following releases, maybe it’s time Christina revisits that era one more time and blesses us with some more throwback bops. Because it’s clearly a sphere she excels in.
Would you be here for it?
This was a bop
Candy man was even better.
She better not revisit this era.
It will look like she’s regressing.
If she does this classic old Hollywood sound and look again, she will flop harder than lotus.
One of her best uptempo tracks. I’ll never forget how she entered – appeared face beat, waist SNATCHED, vocal, styling and choreo ON POINT, backing vocalists scalped wigs FOR THE GAWDS ??✨. She was at her peak and it was flawless — EVERYTHING WORKED IN THIS PERFORMANCE. This is part of her legacy.
https://youtu.be/BIo3Sglmfj4
Still a bop https://youtu.be/TzyYbtwtKgc
This was Christina at her best. Her image and sound has never come close to being as good as it was then.
I agree she was in her element here!!!
Cool single and video
A huge iconic single from Xtina aka Baby Jane the great singer
Back to Basics is a good album
this was iconic!
when a true artist stick to her artistry
she is sooo dope