Back to Basics

The album is split into two distinct discs to represent two different musical styles, with the first half focusing on modern, upbeat pop and R&B, while the second half features live-band jazz, soul, and blues. Released in 2006, it was Aguilera's fifth studio album and a massive homage to vintage artists from the 1920s to the 1950s. The two-disc structure allowed her to thoroughly explore both contemporary and retro sounds.

The album produced several massive radio hits, most notably the lead single "Ain't No Other Man," which won a Grammy Award, and the powerful ballad "Hurt." A third major hit, "Candyman," famously channeled the 1940s Andrews Sisters style with intricate vocal layering. These tracks successfully blended retro horn samples with modern pop production.

The second disc of the album, which heavily features the vintage 1940s and 1950s sound, was primarily produced by legendary hip-hop producer DJ Premier. His involvement gave the live instrumentation an authentic, sample-heavy, old-school groove. Linda Perry also contributed heavily to the album's production across both discs.

Yes, the album and its singles received multiple Grammy nominations and took home the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "Ain't No Other Man" in 2007. The album itself was also nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album. Its commercial success solidified Aguilera's status as a premier pop vocalist of her generation.