News that undoubtedly had many scratching their heads last week were reports 2000’s R&B singer Amerie was trending on Twitter for her signature hit, ‘1 Thing,’ being included on the list of the 2010s’ best songs. Its mention on the tally was all the more confusing as it was actually released in 2005.
Despite the mix-up, the Grammy nominee – currently blazing stages across America on the ‘Femme It Forward’ tour (alongside Brandy, Monica, Ashanti, and many more) – is soaking up the attention and took to social media before the new year to not only express her appreciation but also tease forthcoming 2020 projects.
In addition to announcing work on a new studio album, her first since 2009’s ‘In Love & War,’ the 39-year-old revealed she’s toying around with the idea of going on an ‘anniversary tour’ to celebrate the release of her debut effort, 2002’s ‘All I Have,’ as it approaches its 20th birthday.
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.
**********
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!
***********
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.
The rapper French Montana may be forced to address claims that someone working on his behalf hacked into several Spotify accounts and streamed his single ‘Writing on the Wall‘ in a bid to rescue it from commercial doom.
Why?
Calls from some infuriated music lovers to slap the culprit with the heavy hand of the law.
As we reported here, Lady Gaga ended the decade with one of the most celebrated industry award show runs in history thanks to the blockbuster success of the 2018 film, ‘A Star is Born,’ and its accompanying soundtrack featuring the chart-topping hit, ‘Shallow.’
Although she’s entering 2020 with pressure higher than ever to match or succeed those major wins, the 33-year-old – as she revealed to Oprah Winfrey on the media mogul’s Stateside ‘2020 Vision’ arena tour (January 4) – isn’t sweating the stress and is instead focusing on her physical and mental wellness.
Despite recently sending fans into a frenzy with news of extending her hotly-selling run on the Vegas Strip (click here to read more), Gaga took to Miami’s BB&T Center to open up to O about her ongoing battles with chronic pain and ongoing mental health issues – the latter intensified by traumatic experiences over the course of her life including sexual assault.
Look inside to hear her talk to Winfrey about her treatment regimen, how it’s impacting the creation of her next studio album (the follow-up to 2016’s chart-topping ‘Joanne’), and more:
