Christina Aguilera was on American Idol the other night performing a few vintage Xtina hits and "You Lost Me," the song I wrote about in our August cover story. At the time I had only heard it once in her studio at her house (no big deal). I wrote:
One song in particular, a raw, shuffling, vocally demanding Etta James-type ballad called "You Lost Me," is not only the heart of the album but a defining apex of Aguilera's career. Those four minutes alone are enough to ensure Aguilera's place alongside Nina Simone and Whitney Houston in the soul pantheon. In its simple progression, Aguilera finds a song strong enough to withstand the blistering power of her voice. Sia's words, stricken with the grief of abandonment and betrayal, release Aguilera's voice, ranging from a deep, defiant growl to a lonely, high, vaporlike whisper.
Happily, when I heard it again (and again and again) it didn't disappoint. It's some powerful stuff -- it even made me weepy. What do you think?
To see our exclusive cover story portfolio featuring Christina Aguilera shot by Ellen von Unwerth, click here.
-- JOSHUA DAVID STEIN
Previously > Dream Job: Interning for Le Tigre
