"The Voice Within" | ||||
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Single by Christina Aguilera | ||||
from the album Stripped | ||||
B-side | "I'm OK" | |||
Released | October 27, 2003 | |||
Recorded | 2002 | |||
Studio |
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Length |
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Label | RCA | |||
Songwriter(s) |
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Producer(s) | Glen Ballard | |||
Christina Aguilera singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"The Voice Within" on YouTube |
"The Voice Within" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera from her fourth studio album, Stripped (2002). The song was written by Aguilera and Glen Ballard, with production handled by Ballard. It is a piano-driven ballad that talks about trusting oneself and one's instincts. "The Voice Within" was released as the fifth and final single from Stripped on October 27, 2003, by RCA Records.
Upon its release, "The Voice Within" received mainly positive reviews from music critics, who called it an inspirational ballad and praised Aguilera's strong vocals on the track, comparing it to Mariah Carey's work. Commercially, "The Voice Within" peaked within the top 10 of charts internationally including Australia and the United Kingdom. In the United States, the song reached number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100.
An accompanying music video for "The Voice Within" was directed by David LaChapelle. It was filmed in black and white as a one shot. The video was nominated for three MTV Video Music Awards at the 2004 ceremony. In support of Stripped, Aguilera performed the track on her two major concert tours: Justified and Stripped Tour (2002–03) and The Stripped Tour (2003). "The Voice Within" has been covered on several television talent shows.
"The Voice Within" was written by Christina Aguilera and Glen Ballard, and was produced by Ballard. [2] The track was recorded by Scott Campbell at The Record Plant in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California and at NRG Recording Studios in North Hollywood, LA, CA, while it was mixed by Peter Mokran. [2] Bass was performed by Mike Elizondo, while Matt Chamberlain played drums. [2] Ballard also played guitar with John Goux, and played keyboards with Randy Kerber. [2] Musically, "The Voice Within" is a piano-driven ballad. [3] Composed in the key of G major, (later the key modulates to A major) it has a moderately slow tempo of 66 beats per minute. [3] Aguilera's vocal range on the track spans from the low-note of D3 to the high-note of F♯5. [3] Her vocals on the song were described as strong and powerful by critics. [4] [5] Lyrically, "The Voice Within" is an inspirational song that says that one should trust one's heart and own mind, [6] and find inner strength. [1] The motivational lyrics include, "When there's no-one else, look inside yourself, like your oldest friend just trust the voice within".[ citation needed ] As recalled by Aguilera, "I wrote this song when I was 20, 21, and it was a time in my life when you're being pushed and pulled in so many directions." [7] "The Voice Within" was released to US contemporary hit and adult contemporary radio stations on October 27, 2003, as the fifth and final single from Stripped by RCA Records. [8] [9] It was also available for Maxi single sales in stores. [10]
"The intention was to just write a song that we felt. I sat at my piano and we just made it up as we went along. When the smoke cleared, we had this song called 'The Voice Within.' It's about when you've been abandoned in the real world, there's still this thing inside you that, if you listen to it, it's your best friend."
— Songwriter and producer Glen Ballard on "The Voice Within". [11]
Upon its release, "The Voice Within" received generally favorable reviews from music critics. Chuck Taylor of Billboard praised the "breathtaking and organically flowing" melody, noting that "Aguilera delivers what is perhaps her most assured vocal yet, punching through the clouds and taking her place as a fist-shaking member of the heavenly choir." Taylor also highlighted that the track "is an inspired recording and a showcase for all that this artist can accomplish when she lets the voice precede that offputting image." [1] Josh Kun from Spin labelled it a "swoony Celine-for-teens ballad". [12] Sal Cinquemani for Slant Magazine gave the song a very positive review, naming it an "inspirational" ballad and praised her powerful vocals. [13] CD Universe also praised Aguilera's "rich, throaty style" vocals on the track and compared the song to works by Mariah Carey. [4] Sputnikmusic's critic Amanda Murray commented that the song is "tacky" yet "powerful all the same". [14] Rachel McRady of Wetpaint complimented the song's inspiration melody, declaring that it "basically reduces us to tears every time we hear it". [5] Jason Scott from PopDust called it a "sweeping power-ballad" and praised its inspirational message. [15]
Critic/Publication | List | Rank | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|
AXS | Top 10 Best Christina Aguilera Songs | 6 | [16] |
Billboard | Christina Aguilera's Top 20 Billboard Hits | 18 | [17] |
The Official Charts Company | Christina Aguilera's Official Top 20 Biggest Selling Singles | 16 | [18] |
PopDust | Christina Aguilera's 10 Best Songs | Ranked | [15] |
On November 29, 2003, "The Voice Within" made it chart debut on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart at number 62, becoming the week's "Hot Shot Debut". [19] On the chart issue dated December 6, 2003, the single jumped to number 57. [20] During the following week, the song rose to number 46. [21] In its fourth week charting, it charted at number 36. [22] Finally, it reached its peak at number 33 on January 10, 2004. [23] The song became Aguilera's eleventh top-forty hit on the chart, and remained on the Hot 100 for a total of 16 weeks. [24] It also charted at number 11 on the Pop Songs chart, [25] number 16 on the Adult Contemporary chart, [26] and number 33 on the Adult Pop Songs chart. [27] The song reached number ten on the Canadian Hot 100 chart. [28] Throughout Europe, "The Voice Within" achieved moderate success on charts, reaching the top ten on many of them. [29] It was also a top-ten song in Australia, peaking at number eight in the country, making the fifth single from the album to reach the top-ten. [30] In Switzerland, "The Voice Within" was Stripped's highest charting-single along with the lead-single "Dirrty", peaking at number three. [29]
The song's music video was directed by David LaChapelle, who previously directed the music videos for "Dirrty" (2002) and "Can't Hold Us Down" (2003). [31] and produced by Media Magik Entertainment. He explained to MTV News that the video's concept, "There's all kinds of connotations to the word 'stripped.' I wanted to strip it down to one take. Just her and this incredible voice. And really not have anything that is going to overshadow that. She's trying to grow as an artist and along the way she's taking all kinds of risks and a lot of times people let those things overshadow her ability and her talent. I wanted to bring it all back as a sort of bookend to this album". [31] The video begins with a close-up scene of Aguilera and zooms out to her wearing a slip and sitting in an abandoned prop room. [31] In one continuous black and white shot, Aguilera walks through several rooms, exits the building, and finally lies on a light box. The video was filmed at a deserted theater in downtown Los Angeles. It was inspired by neorealist works. [31] The video was nominated for three 2004 MTV Video Music Awards: Best Female Video, Viewer's Choice, and Best Cinematography. [32]
Aguilera performed "The Voice Within" for the first time during the Justified & Stripped Tour (2003), a tour held in support of Aguilera's Stripped and Justin Timberlake's album Justified (2002). [33] During the tour's late 2003 extension, The Stripped Tour, Aguilera also performed the track. [34] The performance is included in the video release Stripped Live in the U.K. (2004). [34] Aguilera included the song on her setlist at a concert in Kuala Lumpur in 2014. [35] In 2016, Aguilera also performed the track during her set at the 15th edition of Mawazine Festival. [36]
In July 2021, Aguilera performed the song for two nights at the Hollywood Bowl with Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. [37] [38] In March 2022, she sang "The Voice Within" during the Expo 2020 concert in Dubai. [39]
Upon release, the song has been called one of Aguilera's best songs. [40] It has been noted as a "powerful ballad about self-discovery and inner strength" and a fan-favourite. [40] PopCrush writer Mike Nied noted that while the defining ballad on Stripped is often "Beautiful", "The Voice Within" "delivers the perfect personal pep talk and serves as a reminder to trust your gut". [41] He added that the song "is every bit as important in Aguilera's discography". [41]
The song has been covered on numerous singing competitions. On October 3, 2005, Roxane LeBrasse covered "The Voice Within" during the top nine show of the third season of Australian singing contest Australian Idol . [42] Despite being well received by judges, she was eliminated that night. [42] On March 28, 2006, Katharine McPhee performed the track live on the 24th show of the fifth season of American Idol , which resulted McPhee as one of the bottom two. [43] Simon Cowell compared McPhee's abilities to those of Aguilera, commenting that her performance was almost as good as the original singer. [43]
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|
1. | "The Voice Within" (Radio Edit) |
| 4:15 |
2. | "Fighter" (Freelance Hellraister "Thug Pop" Extended Edit) |
| 5:11 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|
1. | "The Voice Within" |
| 5:04 |
2. | "I'm OK" |
| 5:18 |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|
1. | "The Voice Within" (Album Version) |
| 5:04 |
2. | "Beautiful" (Fug Remix) | Linda Perry | 5:47 |
3. | "The Voice Within" (Video) |
| 5:04 |
4. | "Photo Gallery" |
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|
1. | "The Voice Within" (Album Version) |
| 5:04 |
2. | "The Voice Within" (Radio Edit) |
| 4:15 |
3. | "Beautiful" (Fug Remix) | Perry | 5:47 |
4. | "Can't Hold Us Down" (featuring Lil' Kim) (Da Yard Riddim Mix) |
| 4:16 |
Credits are adapted from the liner notes of Stripped. [2] Recording locations
Personnel
Weekly charts | Year-end charts
|
Region | Date | Format(s) | Label(s) | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
United States | October 27, 2003 | RCA | [8] [9] | |
Germany | December 8, 2003 | Maxi CD |
| [10] |
United Kingdom | [78] | |||
Canada | December 9, 2003 | CD | [79] |
Christina María Aguilera is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and television personality. Referred to as the "Voice of a Generation", she is noted for her four-octave vocal range, musical reinventions, sustaining high notes including use of the whistle register, and a signature use of melisma throughout her music. Recognized as an influential figure in popular music, she also became known for incorporating controversial themes such as feminism, sexuality, LGBT culture and the sex-positive movement into her work. Aguilera was also honoured as a Disney Legend, for her contributions to The Walt Disney Company.
Christina Aguilera is the debut studio album by American singer Christina Aguilera. It was released on August 24, 1999, by RCA Records. After recording "Reflection", the theme song for the 1998 Disney film Mulan, RCA laid the foundation for the album immediately and started presenting Aguilera with tracks for her debut album, which they originally decided would have a January 1999 release. Primarily a dance-pop and teen pop album, its music incorporates bubblegum pop, R&B, soul, hip hop, as well as ballads. Contributions to the album's production came from a wide range of producers, including Johan Åberg, David Frank, Ron Fair, Guy Roche, Robin Thicke, Matthew Wilder and Aaron Zigman.
Stripped is the fourth studio album by American singer Christina Aguilera. It was released on October 22, 2002, by RCA Records. Looking to transition from the teen pop styles of her self-titled debut album (1999), Aguilera took creative control over her next album, both musically and lyrically. She also changed her public image and established her alter ego Xtina. Musically, the record incorporates pop and R&B with influences from many different genres, including soul, rock, hip hop, and Latin music. Lyrically, most of the songs from the album discuss the theme of self-respect, while a few other songs talk about sex and feminism. As an executive producer, Aguilera enlisted numerous new collaborators for the album.
My Kind of Christmas is the third studio album and first Christmas album by American singer Christina Aguilera. It was released on October 24, 2000, by RCA Records. The album was recorded from late 1999 to mid 2000, while Aguilera was touring to promote her first two albums: Christina Aguilera (1999) and Mi Reflejo (2000). My Kind of Christmas contains cover versions of Christmas standards, such as "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "Angels We Have Heard on High", as well as several original recordings, which incorporate dance-pop elements. The album was produced by Ron Fair, the Matrix, Robbie Buchanan, Barry Harris and Chris Cox.
"Beautiful" is a song recorded by American singer Christina Aguilera for her fourth studio album, Stripped (2002). It was released as the album's second single on November 16, 2002. A pop and R&B ballad, "Beautiful" was written and produced by Linda Perry and discusses inner-beauty, as well as self-esteem and insecurity. Aguilera commented that she put "her heart and soul" into the track, which she felt represented the theme of Stripped.
"Genie in a Bottle" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera from her self-titled debut studio album (1999). It was written by Pam Sheyne, Steve Kipner and David Frank, and produced by Kipner and Frank. The song was released on May 11, 1999, by RCA Records as the album's lead single. It is a soul-pop, teen pop and dance-pop song with elements of R&B. "Genie in a Bottle" uses sexual references to address the themes of self-respect and abstinence.
"Dirrty" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera featuring American rapper Redman, released as the lead single from her fourth studio album Stripped. Despite Aguilera's first three years of commercial success, she was displeased with the lack of control over her image. In response, she desired to create a song that would represent her authentic persona. She approached hip hop producer Rockwilder and suggested using Redman's 2001 song "Let's Get Dirty " as a guide. The final result, "Dirrty", is an R&B and hip hop song that also features rapping verses from Redman and describes sexual activities.
"What a Girl Wants" is a song recorded by American singer Christina Aguilera for her self-titled debut album (1999). Written by Shelly Peiken and Guy Roche, the song was completed and pitched to RCA Records executive Ron Fair as "What a Girl Needs"; it was renamed "What a Girl Wants" and given to Aguilera.
"Nobody Wants to Be Lonely" is a song by Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin from his sixth studio album, Sound Loaded (2000). Martin re-recorded the song along with American singer Christina Aguilera in December 2000. The album version was written by Desmond Child, Victoria Shaw, and Gary Burr and produced by Child; the duet received additional production from Walter Afanasieff. The duet was released by Columbia Records on January 16, 2001, as the second single from the album. A mid-tempo pop song and power ballad with elements of flamenco and Latin music, it is about heartbreak and longing.
"Fighter" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera for her fourth studio album, Stripped (2002). The song was written by Aguilera and Scott Storch, and produced by the latter. It was released by RCA Records as the third single from Stripped on March 10, 2003. Inspired by Guns N' Roses' song "November Rain", "Fighter" was characterized as a hybrid of rock and R&B that incorporates elements of arena rock and rock and roll. The track sees Aguilera thanking a man who had done her wrong for making her a "fighter."
"Can't Hold Us Down" is a song recorded by American singer Christina Aguilera and rapper Lil' Kim for the former's fourth studio album, Stripped (2002). It was released by RCA Records on July 8, 2003, as the fourth single from the album. The track was written and produced by Scott Storch, with additional songwriting by Aguilera and Matt Morris. An R&B and hip hop song with a dancehall outro, "Can't Hold Us Down" criticizes gender-related double standards.
"Tilt Ya Head Back" is a song by American recording artists Nelly and Christina Aguilera, taken from Nelly's album Sweat (2004). The song was released to US radio stations on September 15, 2004, as the second single from the album. Written by Nelly, Dorian Moore and Tegemold Newton and produced by Doe Mo' Beats, "Tilt Ya Head Back" is a hip hop and pop number that features a sample of Curtis Mayfield's "Superfly".
"Falsas Esperanzas" is a song recorded by American singer Christina Aguilera for her second studio album Mi Reflejo (2000). Written by Jorge Luis Piloto, the uptempo Latin record was produced by Rudy Pérez and features instrumentation from a horn. It was released as the third and final single from Mi Reflejo on April 9, 2001, by RCA Records.
American singer Christina Aguilera has released nine studio albums, two extended plays (EPs), six compilation albums, one soundtrack album, 54 singles, and 17 promotional singles. To date, Aguilera has sold around over 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling female music artist of all time. Billboard ranked Aguilera as the 37th Greatest Hot 100 Women of All Time and the 44th Greatest Billboard 200 Women of All Time. In the United States alone, Aguilera has sold 18.3 million albums. Through the RIAA she has 18.6 million certified albums units and 10 million certified digital singles units. Aguilera is recognized as the 20th best-selling artist of the 2000s. She has also achieved 10 number one hits on Billboard's Dance Club Songs. In the United Kingdom, Aguilera has sold over 3.3 million albums and 6.1 million singles.
"Hurt" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera from her fifth studio album, Back to Basics (2006). It was serviced to US contemporary hit radio stations on September 17, 2006, as the album's second single, and was released for purchase in November. Written by Aguilera, Linda Perry, and Mark Ronson, and produced by Perry, the song is a pop ballad with lyrics describing how the protagonist deals with the loss of a loved one and was inspired by the death of Perry's father.
Keeps Gettin' Better: A Decade of Hits is the first greatest hits album by American singer-songwriter Christina Aguilera. It was released on November 6, 2008 by RCA Records. The album contains Aguilera's singles from all of her studio albums released up to 2008. It also featured four new additions: two remakes of her previous singles—"Genie in a Bottle" (1999) and "Beautiful" (2002)—and two original songs "Keeps Gettin' Better" and "Dynamite". In the United States, the album was released on November 11, 2008, exclusively via Target.
"You Lost Me" is a song by American recording artist Christina Aguilera from her sixth studio album Bionic (2010). It was written by Aguilera, Sia, and producer Samuel Dixon. "You Lost Me" was released on June 25, 2010 by RCA Records as the third single from Bionic. The track is a down-tempo ballad that talks about an unfaithful man, who has left Aguilera's world "infected".
Lotus is the seventh studio album by American singer-songwriter Christina Aguilera. RCA Records released the album on November 9, 2012. The album is Aguilera’s first effort following her divorce from Jordan Bratman. Its music incorporates pop styles with elements of dance-pop and rock in the form of upbeat songs and piano-driven ballads. Aguilera described the album as a "rebirth", drawing inspiration from events in her life, her appearance on The Voice, and her divorce. The album was recorded at Aguilera's home studio. As executive producer, she collaborated with a wide range of producers, including new partners Alex da Kid, Max Martin, Lucas Secon and Tracklacers.
"Just a Fool" is a duet recorded by American singer songwriters Christina Aguilera and Blake Shelton for Aguilera's seventh studio album, Lotus (2012). The track was written by Claude Kelly, Wayne Hector, and its producer Steve Robson. "Just a Fool" was sent to contemporary hit and hot adult contemporary radio stations in the United States by RCA Records as the second and final single from the album on December 4, 2012. The song is a country pop ballad which discusses the pain of a break-up.
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