The Bottom Line
"Ain't No Other Man" was good, but "Hurt" vaults Christina Aguilera directly into competition for the title of pop single of the year. The fruit of symbiotic collaboration between Aguilera and producer/songwriter Linda Perry, "Hurt" is a stunning evocation of pain and guilt that can accompany the loss of a loved one. It is an instant classic.
Head to Christina Aguilera's official site to listen to "Hurt."
Pros
- One of the best voices in all of pop music
- Lyrics that pack a serious punch
- Gorgeous piano-based arrangement
Cons
- None
Description
- Begins with simple piano line backed gently by strings
- Dramatic builds as the emotion of the lyrics kick in
- Christina Aguilera's powerful, technically stunning, vocals
- Lyrics that will be remembered by those who have been touched by this type of pain
Guide Review - Christina Aguilera - Hurt
A single piano with the backing of strings gives way to one of the most technically stunning voices in pop music singing words of pain, guilt, and grief in the loss of a loved one. The words work their way to a climax accented by percussion then gently fade away again leaving the listener in stunned silence from the beauty of the moment. This is "Hurt," the centerpiece of the second disc of Christina Aguilera's powerful double album Back to Basics.
"Hurt" originated out of Christina Aguilera's desire to record a song about losing someone. She asked collaborator Linda Perry to help out, and Perry developed the first draft of the song. Christina Aguilera rewrote some of the lyrics, but the final version is a tribute to the pair's symbiotic teamwork.
"Hurt" is the type of big production that does not always fit easily into the typical pop radio playlist, but the song is already taking off in airplay. It is a song that is very likely to generate significant listener requests. Don't be surprised if "Hurt" is near the type of the pop singles chart by Christmas 2006.
