Aguilera apologizes for causing “Hurt.” Songs honor her faithful, long-suffering mom (“Oh Mother”) and new husband (“On Our Way”). “Without You,” “Ain’t No Other Man,” “Makes Me Wanna Pray” and “Understand” thank a love interest for being a stabilizing influence. On the sad, orchestral “The Right Man” the singer regrets not having a faithful father to walk her down the aisle, confident her husband will be a better dad. She turns to Jesus on the confessional, downright spiritual “Mercy on Me,” admitting “I’ve sinned.” However …
It seems she’d rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints. “Still Dirrty” asks, “Why is a woman’s sexuality always under so much scrutiny?/Why can’t she do exactly as she please?” and assures critics, “I still got the nasty in me … still got that freak in me.” A temptress grinds out innuendo-laden come-ons (“Nasty Naughty Boy,” “I Got Trouble”). An Andrews Sisters-style number swoons for a lothario named “Candyman” (“He’s a one-stop shop … makin’ all the panties drop”). “F.U.S.S.” finds a scorned woman lashing out at someone who betrayed her.
Some good stuff, but this double-disc specializes in mixed messages from a gifted vocalist wanting absolution and the freedom to expose her “naughty” side.
After spending more than two decades touring, directing, writing and producing for Christian theater and radio (most recently for Adventures in Odyssey, which he still contributes to), Bob joined the Plugged In staff to help us focus more heavily on video games. He is also one of our primary movie reviewers.
