Christina Aguilera isn’t just one of the most powerhouse vocalists of the past 20 years, she also boasts of a catalog of inspiring songs that have resonated with individuals going through life’s usual up’s and down’s.
Her power-packed live performances and her astounding studio recordings, have often led her to be called the ‘voice of a generation’ – and when you hear her belt out songs like ‘Beautiful’ and ‘Soar’, you clearly see why.
Aguilera, who’s been inspired by music icons like – James Brown, Etta James and Whitney Houston, released her first studio project in the year 1999 – after gaining popularity through her appearance in Disney’s Mickey Mouse Club, in which she featured alongside Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake.
Emerging as one of the hottest young stars of the early 2000’s, alongside the likes of P!nk, Beyonce and of course – Britney, Aguilera has since released several multi-million selling albums, all of which have songs that can easily stand the test of time.
Looking back at some of her best studio material released thus far, we count down fifteen of her best, most inspiring and standout recordings, that can easily constitute her ‘definitive playlist.’
Here are Christina Aguilera’s 15 best songs:
15) Dirrty
Released from her 2002 album ‘Stripped’, this internationally successful uptempo allowed her to break-free from the ‘Disney Princess’ image – giving her one of her sexiest uptempos yet. A hot club banger with a delicious vocal delivery from the singer.
14) Back In The Day
Aguilera pays homage to the singers that came before her and paved the path for generations of entertainers who came after them. This song is just an out-and-out celebration of music, and particularly the music that inspired Christina. But it is still a catchy, unmissable tune from the singer.
13) Hurt
Xtina’s heart-rendering delivery in this song makes it one of her most gorgeous ballads, in which she belts out in regret after causing hurt to someone. Featured on her fifth studio album – Back to Basics, the song – with it’s classic orchestral structure and production, is a standard diva-ballad from the singer.
12) Mercy On Me
A hard-hitting vocal performance from Christina, which takes a rather spiritual route and serves as a confessional for all the wrong paths she’s taken, that have led to people being hurt in the past. The finale of this powerhouse track, with her voice delivery and an earth-shattering key-change in the climax, is one of the most gorgeous things you’ll ever hear.
11) Ain’t No Other Man
A classic retro-inspired tune, with Aguilera at the top of her game. The saxophone-led juicy production, with scrumptious vocals from the singer, make this one of the best uptempos of her career.
10) Loving Me For Me
A sultry, sensual and romantic tune about celebrating falling in love with someone who appreciates you in spite of all your flaws. Loving you, just as you are. The thought of it is enough to send you butterflies, but Christina’s beautiful vocal performance takes it several notches above.
9) Soar
An inspiring, uplifting tune preaching you about the possibilities of your dreams and how you can continue to spread your wings and fly in spite of your trials and tribulations. This is not just one of her best studio vocal performances, but also overall one of the most astonishing and difficult vocals ever captured in the studio by a singer.
8) Lady Marmalade
One of the hottest female collaborations in music history, this cover of a classic helmed by Patti LaBelle’s all-girl group – Labelle, became a chart-topper – matching the success of the original. Glamorous, sexy, sultry and a thorough musical extravaganza.
7) Slow Down Baby
A smooth, bouncy and catchy tune – with the perfect amalgamation of Aguilera’s voice and the faultless, banging production. Everything about this bop makes you want to nod your head and jam along.
6) Can’t Hold Us Down
An ultimate feminist tune about celebrating the sexual liberation of females, and calling out the hypocrisy of society that criticizes women for the same thing that men are often praised for. With Missy Elliot by her side, CA delivers one of the most unforgettable songs of the early 2000’s with this one.
5) Genie In The Bottle
One of her smoothest jams from early-on in her career. This chart-topping hit despite it’s simplistic lyric, is one of her catchiest songs ever.
4) Oh Mother
Reflecting back on her abusive childhood, Aguilera pays homage to her mother who endured it all to keep her children safe and eventually start a newer life. For all mothers and kids who have gone through any form of domestic abuse, this song is certainly going to hit home. A heart-breaking and emotional classic.
3) Fighter
Fighter is about celebrating the hardships of your life as they eventually end up contributing to who you become as an individual. Christina sings this tune with sheer conviction as she looks back at her life and thanks the one who made her wiser, stronger and smarter – by treating her badly.
2) Voice Within
One of the most profound songs in her catalog, in which she speaks to her younger self telling them not to worry as times will soon change for the better. This powerful and deeply moving tune can resonate with anyone who’s had a troubled childhood and overcame adolescent adversities to be who they are today. A powerful ode to your journey thus far.
1) Beautiful
This critically acclaimed song about dealing with the insecurities most of us have felt at one point about our appearance and the way we see ourselves, has resonated with plenty troubled souls. A heart-felt, stunning vocal performance – which was recorded by the singer in a single take. This also serves as one of her most recognizable signature tunes, and #1 on our list.
Apart from these definitive 15 hits, here are few other cuts from the singer that can certainly be deemed her ‘best’:
Reflection
Bound To You
Loyal Brave True
Not Myself Tonight
You Lost Me
Just a Fool
Candyman
Express
Your Body