Christina Aguilera

You’d be forgiven for doing a double take when you first clock the front cover of 'Bionic', the eagerly anticipated 4th album from US pop princess, Christina Aguilera this week.

The front cover, a dramatic image of Aguilera’s face split in two - half human and half robot – could, at first glance, be easily mistaken for being that of Lady Gaga’s.

And the similarity doesn’t end there! Try as you might not to, you can’t help but make comparison throughout the 18 track album, which promoters insist is her best work yet.

The overarching decision to propel Aguilera into the age of electronica is as obvious as it is contrived and a true fan could be left disappointed as the artist is stretched to capacity and forced to dumb down her award-winning vocals on tracks such as; 'Desnudate', 'Prima Dona' and the totally cringesome 'Glam'! While the later of the three is likely to be a dance-floor hit among her younger and emerging fans, it is a stark 'try hard’ contrast to the classic Aguilera we know, and clearly serves to be a commercial crowd pleaser as opposed to showcasing her progression as an established artist.

However, once passed a series of shallow upbeat quick-win tracks you’ll be glad you persisted as there appears to be much more on the menu starting with 'Sex for Breakfast' - it’s a wonder she has time for it now she’s a mother.

The smooth, seductive Mariah-esque classic issues a pitch-perfect RnB fix, while simultaneously reminding her audience that she is every bit the sex kitten she was when she left the music industry four years ago to become a mother and explore a career in acting.

With every artist under the sun, bar Madonna, billed to be a part of the album prior to its release, the reality is in fact a carefully selected list of collaborative and innovative artists including; Ladytron, MIA, and Sia Furler (of Zero 7 fame).

Those familiar with the haunting transcendental vocals of Australian-born songstress, Sia (of whom Aguilera has been a life-long fan and shares the same birthday) will quickly identify with tracks; 'All I Need', 'I Am' and 'You Lost Me', all of which are play-list 'must haves’. Collectively theses are overshadowed by just one other on the album; 'Lift me up'.

Co-produced by Linda Perry, who worked with Aguilera on her last album 'Back to Basics' and also produced top ten hits; 'Get the party started' (Pink) and 'What you waiting for' (Gwen Stafani), this is arguably the most accomplished track of the album and one to look out for.

A diverse album, said to reflect the developments in her own life over the last four years, it arguably sets out to do far more than it achieves in breaking with Aguilera's traditional genres. However sometimes try as you might, you just can't help but do what you do best!