“Burlesque” (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
| Christina Aguilera and Cher |
| RCA |
| $11.98 |
The building buzz for “Burlesque” begs the question: Will the movie be wonderfully awful camp like “Showgirls” and “Xanadu,” or will it be tamer and more credible with the mainstream like “Chicago” and “Flashdance”? (Many seem to be hoping for the former.)SClB Whatever future cultural reference the film earns, it will undoubtedly make some kind of mark simply because it stars Cher — icon of icons, diva of divas. However, the headliner is Christina Aguilera, a pop singer whose relevance has been diminished by the advent of Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and others.
SClBAguilera is unmistakably the star on the 10-track “Burlesque” soundtrack, which features eight songs by the singer and just two by Cher.SClB
For those more interested in Cher’s contributions: She brings to mind the flavorful theatrics of such hits as “Half Breed” and “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves” on the string-spiked “Welcome to Burlesque.” Her overwrought delivery of the rote Diane Warren-penned power ballad “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me” is fodder for the sappiest of drag queen shows, and it’s the soundtrack’s worst song.SClB
As for Aguilera, “Burlesque” gives her an excuse to strut her showy style. She blasts gritty soul in renditions of the Etta James songs “Something’s Got a Hold on Me” and “Tough Lover,” bellows in the brassy “Show Me How You Burlesque” and affects a tender side on the ballad “Bound to You” before inevitably giving in to caterwauling. Meanwhile, hefty beat treatments and electrification provide reverberating backdrops to her explosive modern-burlesque cuts “Express” and “the Beautiful People (from Burlesque).”SClB
Aguilera makes her best impression on two of the most genuine-feeling, if non-show-stopper, burlesque songs: a fresh and feminine “But I Am a Good Girl” and a horn-prodded cover of Mae West’s “Guy What Takes His Time,” dripping with sexual energy.SClB
Overall, the “Burlesque” soundtrack isn’t much of a stretch for Aguilera. Her fans will love it, and those who don’t much care for her will likely find her delivery overcooked.
