What a Girl Wants (Christina Aguilera song)

Last updated

"What a Girl Wants"
Christina Aguilera - What a Girl Wants CD cover.jpg
Single by Christina Aguilera
from the album Christina Aguilera
B-side
  • "Too Beautiful for Words"
  • "We're a Miracle"
  • "Genio Atrapado"
  • "Christina Aguilera Medley"
Released8 October 1999 (1999-10-08)
Recorded
  • 1998 (album version)
  • September 1999 (re-recorded version) [1]
Genre
Length
  • 3:52 (original version)
  • 3:35 (video version)
  • 3:20 (radio edit)
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Guy Roche
Christina Aguilera singles chronology
"Genie in a Bottle"
(1999)		"What a Girl Wants"
(1999)		"I Turn to You"
(2000)
Music video
"What A Girl Wants" on YouTube

"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.

Contents

The original version was released as the album's second single in Japan on 8 October 1999, by Arista Records Japan. [2] However, a newly produced re-recorded version was sent to contemporary hit radio in the United States on November 8, and later internationally instead. [3] [4] A Spanish version of the song, titled "Una Mujer", was included on Aguilera's second studio album Mi Reflejo (2000).

The song was described as a pop and R&B track and had similarities to "Genie in a Bottle". It received positive reviews from music critics, who described it as a "light" song and compared Aguilera's vocals on the track to those of Mariah Carey. Commercially, the song became her second consecutive US Billboard Hot 100 number-one single, and also topped the charts in Brazil, Canada, New Zealand, and Spain; the song is recognized as the first Billboard Hot 100 number-one single of the 2000s. The single eventually earned gold certifications in countries including Australia, Belgium and Sweden, as well as being certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

A music video was directed by Diane Martel, who had also directed her previous video for "Genie in a Bottle". The video features Aguilera dancing in a room with female friends whilst being viewed by their boyfriends, and includes a scene where she is dressed as a medieval-style princess. In December 1999, the video reached pole position on the US music video chart TRL . Aguilera has performed the song at events such as the US Jingle Ball and the MTV New Year's Eve Special in 1999, [5] as well as her tours including the Christina Aguilera: In Concert (2000–2001), the Stripped Live... on Tour (2003), the Back to Basics Tour (2006–2008), the Liberation Tour (2018), and most recently on both The X Tour and Christina Aguilera: The Xperience in 2019.

Background

After what was described as an "incredible" response to her debut single, the interest in Aguilera began to grow, at which point her record label decided it was time to release a second single. [6] The label and Aguilera disputed over which track should be released, with Aguilera recalling: "You know, some people do want me to stay in the pop scene, [but] I want to grow from there. I always want to continue growing and getting to that level of, 'Oh, she's a real singer, a real ballad-singer, she can do it'." [6] However, the announcement then came that "What a Girl Wants" would be released as the follow-up single, with Aguilera saying "The next single will be 'What a Girl Wants', but a totally cool remix of it". [6] The single was not chosen by Aguilera, but instead her record label RCA and label executive Ron Fair. Aguilera herself had little control over the entire project, and a marketing strategy foresaw that Aguilera would have better success as a "teen idol" so in an effort to maintain her persona, music was chosen and recorded under the basis that she would become the next pop phenomenon. [7]

Writing and recording

"I had a little cassette running, a work tape in case you can't remember something but you know it was good. A lot of hooks come out of making mistakes and then you can't remember what you did. I went home that night and got into bed with my husband. I was listening to our work tape. I knew there was a real gem there in a very raw form that was going to be something one day."

Writer Peiken talks about the development of the track. [8]

Shelly Peiken was the writer behind "What a Girl Wants". One day the pair were working with a cassette tape, experimenting with vocals and hooks, after which she decided that the work-in-progress had potential and she would return to it at a later date. [8]

"What a Girl Wants" was the first track recorded for Christina Aguilera in June 1998. Fair liked the song and after the decision was made to release it as the second single the label called for a second recording of the track, changing the original key in addition to editing rhythmic changes. [8] The second recording came in September 1999 after the success of her debut single "Genie in a Bottle", with Aguilera's label wanting to produce a similar tone. [8]

Peiken stated that "What a Girl Wants" and "Bitch" — another song co-written by her — were both inspired by the songwriter's relationship with her husband. Peiken went on to add: "They've got a common thread because they're from the same soul." [9]

Composition

Gnome-mime-sound-openclipart.svg
"What a Girl Wants"
A 19-second sample of "What a Girl Wants"
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"What a Girl Wants" is a teen pop–R&B [10] [11] track with some similarities to her debut single "Genie in a Bottle". [12] Written in the key of C major, [13] the track begins with the lyrics "What a girl wants, what a girl needs, whatever makes me happy sets you free" and is set at a tempo 142 beats per minute. The vocal range is F♯3-E♭6. [14] Anthony Violanti from Buffalo News described the track as a "light hip-hop song" in comparison to the previous single. [15] Aguilera's vocals have been compared to that of Mariah Carey, with Carey's single "Emotions" being the grounds for these comparisons. [12] In Aguilera's vocal performance she starts singing in a lower register and "carefully" scales notes until she reaches "the highest echelon of her upper register". [12] During the track Aguilera performs the lyrics "A girl needs somebody sensitive but tough, Somebody there when the going get rough." [15] The track that was released as a single was a revised version of the song, it focused more upon the "funky R&B edge", and with Aguilera taking participation in the revision her additions made the track lighter and a mix of "pop and R&B". [12] But despite this Aguilera was disappointed in her lack of input into the single saying;

"I was held back a lot from doing more R&B ad-libbing. They clearly wanted to make a fresh sounding young pop record and that's not always the direction I wanted to go in. Sometimes they didn't get it, didn't want to hear me out because of my age, and that was a little bit frustrating. But I want to write more about experiences I've gone through. I've gone through bad situations. I come from a divorced home. I've been around abuse. I've lived a different life, been on the outside." [16]

Critical reception

Village Voice critic Robert Christgau called "What a Girl Wants" "clever" adding "but in a far less ingratiating way" than "Genie in a Bottle". [17] Anthony Violanti from Buffalo News discussed the success behind the record, citing the formula that incorporated teen idols with R&B and pop music releases; Violanti discussed the track calling it a "light track", and despite saying the track had been "buried in production" he concluded it "has a way of selling a song". [18] In retrospect, Billboard's Kenneth Partridge complimented the re-recorded version of the single as "a little harder and sexier" [than the original], and noted that "it's still pretty airy, but Christina hints at the soulfulness and sensuality she'd explore to greater degrees later on." [11] Chris Malone, also from the Billboard magazine, praised "What a Girl Wants" for its "starry-eyed lyrics" and empowering nature, and summarized it as "quintessential late-90s teen pop". [19] PopMatters editor Kimberley Hill named it a "glittering bubblegum number". [20]

Author Pier Dominquez of A Star is Made called the song "a lightweight but pleasant pop/R&B confection" and stated Aguilera performed "vocal acrobatics" and labelled it a "less effective" Mariah Carey style vocal performance. [12] Nana-Adwoa Ofori of the AOL Radio blog compiled a list of Aguilera's ten best tracks in which she listed "What a Girl Wants" at number nine, writing: "The huge success of this Christina Aguilera song solidified her as a strong musical force". [21] On a similar list for the Attitude magazine "What a Girl Wants" was ranked at number six; it was praised for Aguilera's "passionate" vocals. [22] Brock Radke from Las Vegas Magazine called it a "classic track". [23] The song was nominated for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 43rd Grammy Awards held on February 21, 2001. [12] It was Bill Lamb's number ten on the list of the best songs of 2000. [24]

Spanish version "Una Mujer" received positive reviews. Orlando Sentinel editor Parry Gettelman wrote that it holds up to her "out of my way" vocals. [25]

Chart performance

In the United States, the song spent 24 weeks on the US Billboard Hot 100 during which time it topped the chart, [26] becoming her second consecutive US number one single after topping the chart on the issue date of January 15, 2000, for two consecutive weeks, becoming the first new number-one entry of the 2000s on the Hot 100. [12] On the Billboard component charts, the song peaked at number one on the US Pop Songs chart where it spent 26 weeks, [27] and peaked at number 18 on the US Hot Dance Club Songs chart where it spent 11 weeks. [28] The single was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) [29] and has sold over 600,000 pure units in the US to date. [30] In Oceania, the song performed well. In Australia, the track debuted at number 21 on the issue date of January 9, 2000, where it stayed for a further week. For the next two weeks the single rose up the charts before making its peak at number five on the charts. [31] The track spent a total of 18 weeks on the chart, five of which were spent within the top ten. [31] In New Zealand, the song debuted at number 39 on the singles chart, before jumping to number two the following week. [32] In its third week the track topped the chart on the issue date of February 6, 2000, the single fell to number two the following week, before making its second run at number one on February 20, 2000, and once again falling to number two. [32] On the issue date of March 3, 2000, the track made its third run at number one spending three weeks atop the chart before falling to number three spending a total of 13 weeks on the chart. [32]

In Europe, the song became a number one single in Spain. After debuting at number three, the song topped the chart in its second week on the issue date of January 29, 2000, where it spent just one week before returning to number three and spent eight weeks on the chart. [33] In the United Kingdom, the song debuted and peaked at number three on the issue date of February 26, 2000, the song spent two weeks inside the top ten and thirteen weeks on the chart. [34] In Sweden, the song was certified Gold [35] after spending twelve weeks on the chart and in its seventh week it made its peak at number 24 where it spent two weeks before falling out of the chart four weeks later. [36] The song was also certified Gold in Belgium, [37] after debuting at number 40 on the Flanders chart on the issue date of January 1, 2000, and after spending six weeks on the chart it entered the top ten at number nine before making its peak of number eight where it remained for three weeks. [38] On the Wallonia charts, the song also debuted at number 40 and on its sixth week in the chart it made its peak of number 16 spending just that one week inside the top 20. [39] The single was also successful in Mexico, where it reached number six on the international music chart (as reported by El Siglo de Torreón ). [40]

Music video

Diane Martel, who had also directed the music video for her previous single "Genie in a Bottle", directed the music video for "What a Girl Wants", with Tina Landon providing choreography. Notably, the lighting in the video was more "defined" than the previous single's allowing a "clearer view" of Aguilera. [12] The video's narrative, featuring protagonists Aguilera and model Paul Forgues, unwinds as a performance given by Aguilera to thank her lover. An opening shot shows a group of young men cycling and DJing. Aguilera's troupe enters, moves the young men towards the far-end of the room, and, after asking Forgues and the other men to cover their eyes, breaks into a tightly choreographed dance as Aguilera introduces the song's hook. Solo shots of Aguilera seated atop speakers punctuate the dance sequence. As the dance sequence in the first room ends, the camera moves over the ceiling of the venue and cuts to Aguilera dressed in medieval garb [12] lying on a chaise longue whilst women dance around her with fans. After the bridge section finishes the video cuts back to the dancers in the first room and the video ends with a bird-eye-view shot of everyone in the room surrounding Aguilera and Forgues who are intimately dancing. Actor and model Brandon Routh also appeared in the video as an extra. [41] The video made its debut on MTV the week ending on November 14, 1999. [42]

On December 16, 1999, the music video reached pole position on the music video chart, TRL . [12] It received heavy rotation on VH1 and was the most played video on MTV for six straight weeks. [43]

Live performances

Aguilera performing the song during her Back to Basics Tour. What A Girl Wants122 - CA.jpg
Aguilera performing the song during her Back to Basics Tour.

Aguilera performed the track during the promotional campaign of Christina Aguilera. [44] Aguilera performed the track at Franklin High, a Milwaukee high school; the performance saw her live in front of 1,300 teenagers in a set list that consisted of three tracks: "Genie in a Bottle", "The Christmas Song" and "What a Girl Wants". [44] Aguilera performed the song on the Jingle Ball for radio station Kiss 108 just days after the release of the music video, continuing promotion for the album. [12] Later in December 1999, Aguilera was chosen to perform on MTV's live New Year's Eve Special, which she commented on beforehand, saying "I'm nervous about what's going to go on that night. Everything's going to be so chaotic", wearing tight leather pants. Aguilera started with a performance of "Genie in a Bottle", continuing into "What a Girl Wants". [45] Aguilera performed the song during the time in which she supported the band TLC on their FanMail Tour. [46] She also performed the song at the American Music Awards in a medley with the third single from Christina Aguilera, "I Turn to You"; wearing a "tummy-baring bodice", she removed the skirt before performing "What a Girl Wants" in the medley-style performance. [46]

Aguilera performed the track on the VH1 special Men Strike Back, where she once again performed a medley of "I Turn to You" and "What a Girl Wants"; she entered the stage "amid total darkness" with a spotlight aiming at her wearing a black suit. VH1 critic Michael Hill positively commented on her performance, writing "Young Christina Aguilera has a set of diva's pipes already and can cram more notes into a single line than a trio of Mariah's. Though she delivered hits, 'I Turn to You' and 'What a Girl Wants,' with great technical prowess, the real surprise of her set was a rendition of the pre-rock'n'roll-era pop standard 'At Last' with a small jazz combo". [47] After performing with TLC, Aguilera announced her debut headlining tour, Christina Aguilera in Concert, in which she performed "What a Girl Wants" which she dedicated to the female fans in the audience saying "Girls, I hope you're getting everything you want". [48]

In 2000, Aguilera performed the track on the ABC Christmas Special with "carefully choreographed" dance routines, she sang eight songs, including "Gene in a Bottle" and "I Turn to You" ending the special with a performance of "Climb Ev'ry Mountain". [49] She also sang "What a Girl Wants" on the British television chart show Top of the Pops . [50] She performed the song on Stripped Live... on Tour and it was included on her video release of the concert tour titled Stripped Live in the U.K. which was filmed live in London's Wembley Arena. [51] She also performed the track on her following concert tour titled the Back to Basics Tour; the track was featured on the live video release of the show titled Back to Basics: Live and Down Under . [52] In 2010, while promoting her sixth studio album Bionic on The Early Show , she performed the track in a medley with her debut single "Genie in a Bottle" after a performance of her single "Not Myself Tonight". CBS News commented that the performance was commended by fans. [53]

In July 2021, Aguilera performed the reggaeton version of the song at the Hollywood Bowl with Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. [54] [55]

Covers and legacy

In 2009, the song was covered by Lea Michele in "Mash-Up" — an episode of the American TV series Glee . [56] Kelly Clarkson covered the song in her own talk show in April 2021. [57]

Prince praised Aguilera after hearing the song, [58] and Bart Herbison, the executive director of the Nashville Songwriters Association International, named "What a Girl Wants" "phenomenal", adding: "I think it's one of those songs that’s part of our culture". [59] "What a Girl Wants" inspired the title of the 2000 romantic comedy film What Women Want , having the track on its soundtrack [60] and on a scene. [61] It also inspired the title of the 2003 comedy film of the same name. [62] The song appears in the video game Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol (2007). [63]

Track listings and formats

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [107] Gold35,000^
Belgium (BEA) [108] Gold25,000*
New Zealand (RMNZ) [109] Gold5,000*
Sweden (GLF) [35] Gold15,000^
United Kingdom (BPI) [110] Silver200,000‡
United States (RIAA) [111] Platinum1,000,000‡

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Release dates and formats for "What a Girl Wants"
RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
JapanSeptember 4, 1999 Maxi CD Arista
[2]
United StatesNovember 8, 1999 Contemporary hit radio RCA
GermanyDecember 13, 1999Maxi CD BMG
SwedenRCA
United StatesDecember 21, 1999
FranceJanuary 3, 2000Maxi CDBMG
United KingdomFebruary 14, 2000CDRCA
FranceFebruary 22, 2000BMG

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christina Aguilera</span> American singer and songwriter (born 1980)

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.

<i>Christina Aguilera</i> (album) 1999 studio album by Christina Aguilera

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 David Frank, Ron Fair, Guy Roche, Robin Thicke, Matthew Wilder and Aaron Zigman.

<i>Mi Reflejo</i> 2000 studio album by Christina Aguilera

Mi Reflejo is the second studio album and first Spanish-language album by American singer Christina Aguilera. It was released on September 12, 2000, as a joint effort between RCA Records and BMG U.S. Latin. After the commercial success of her debut studio album effort, Christina Aguilera (1999), Aguilera recorded her follow-up project during 2000. It includes five Spanish-language versions of tracks from her previous album, in addition to four original compositions and two cover songs. The tracks were adapted and composed by Rudy Pérez who also produced the album.

<i>My Kind of Christmas</i> 2000 studio album by Christina Aguilera

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Genie in a Bottle</span> 1999 single by Christina Aguilera

"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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Turn to You (All-4-One song)</span> 1997 single by All-4-One

"I Turn to You" is a song written by American songwriter Diane Warren and first recorded by R&B quartet All-4-One from the soundtrack album to the film Space Jam (1996). The ballad, produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, received little recognition until American pop singer-songwriter Christina Aguilera recorded it for her self-titled debut album. Aguilera, who worked with Warren in another song for her debut album, felt connected to the song after relating its lyrics to her relationship with her mother, and was encouraged by Warren to record the track.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You)</span> 2000 single by Christina Aguilera

"Come on Over Baby (All I Want Is You)" is a song recorded by American singer Christina Aguilera for her 1999 self-titled debut studio album. Released as the album's fourth and final single on July 11, 2000, by RCA Records, it was the first song over which Aguilera was given significant creative control. "Come on Over Baby (All I Want Is You)" was written by Johan Åberg and Paul Rein, with Aguilera, Ron Fair, Chaka Blackmon, Raymond Cham, Eric Dawkins, Shelly Peiken and Guy Roche contributing to a re-recorded version. The album version of the song was produced by Aaron Zigman, Åberg and Rein, while the re-recorded version was produced by Fair and Celebrity Status.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nobody Wants to Be Lonely</span> 2001 single by Ricky Martin and Christina 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fighter (Christina Aguilera song)</span> 2003 single by Christina Aguilera

"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."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Can't Hold Us Down</span> 2003 single by Christina Aguilera

"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.

"Reflection" is a song written and produced by Matthew Wilder and David Zippel for the soundtrack of Disney's 1998 animated film Mulan. In the film, the song is performed by Tony Award winner, Filipina singer and actress Lea Salonga as Fa Mulan. An accompanying music video for "Reflection" was included as a bonus to the Disney Gold Classic Collection DVD release of the film in February 2000. Reflection has received highly positive reviews, with critics highlighting its emotional writing and Salonga's vocals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christina Aguilera discography</span>

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ain't No Other Man</span> 2006 single by Christina Aguilera

"Ain't No Other Man" is a song by the American singer Christina Aguilera from her fifth studio album Back to Basics (2006). Aguilera co-wrote the song with Kara DioGuardi, Charles Martin Roane, Harold Beatty and the producer DJ Premier. "Ain't No Other Man" is a pop, funk and R&B song that incorporates elements of soul, blues and jazz music. Lyrically, the song was inspired by her marriage to Jordan Bratman in 2005.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tell Me (Diddy song)</span> 2006 single by P. Diddy featuring Christina Aguilera

"Tell Me" is a hip hop song by American rapper and producer P. Diddy from his fourth studio album, Press Play (2006), featuring guest vocals from American singer Christina Aguilera. The song was written by Combs himself, Stephen "Static Major" Garrett, Ryan "Royce" Montgomery, Elizabeth Bingham, Shannon Jones, Jack Knight, Shannon Lawrence and Leroy Watson, with production held by Just Blaze. It is the second single from the above-mentioned album. According to All Access, the single hit radio stations on November 7, 2006.

<i>Keeps Gettin Better: A Decade of Hits</i> 2008 greatest hits album by Christina Aguilera

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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keeps Gettin' Better</span> 2008 single by Christina Aguilera

"Keeps Gettin' Better" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera from her first greatest hits album, Keeps Gettin' Better: A Decade of Hits (2008). It was released as the album's lead single on September 22, 2008, by RCA Records. The song was written by Aguilera and Linda Perry, with the latter producing the song. After giving birth to her son Max, Aguilera looked to "come up with something new and fresh", developing a "futuristic" era of her career. "Keeps Gettin' Better" is an electroclash and electropop song, and was inspired by the likes of Andy Warhol and Goldfrapp. Its lyrics portray Aguilera as a superheroine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Your Body (Christina Aguilera song)</span> 2012 single by Christina Aguilera

"Your Body" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera from her seventh studio album, Lotus (2012). It was written by Savan Kotecha, Max Martin, Shellback and Tiffany Amber, while its production was done by Martin and Shellback. RCA Records premiered the song on September 14, 2012, on On Air with Ryan Seacrest, and later sent it to US contemporary hit and rhythmic radio stations two days later as the lead single from Lotus. "Your Body" is an R&B, electro, EDM and pop number with elements from dubstep and Eurodance. Its lyrics express Aguilera's desire to have sex with an anonymous partner.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Feel This Moment</span> 2013 single by Pitbull ft. Christina Aguilera

"Feel This Moment" is a song by American rapper Pitbull featuring American singer Christina Aguilera. The song was released on February 21, 2013 by Mr. 305, Polo Grounds Music and RCA Records, as the fourth single from the album Global Warming, which was released in 2012. It is a dance-pop number that talks about stopping to take a moment to appreciate life. "Feel This Moment" was written by the artists alongside Chantal Kreviazuk and producers Nasri Atweh, Adam Messinger, Sir Nolan, and DJ Buddha. The song interpolates "Take On Me" by a-ha, written and composed by Morten Harket, Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, and Magne Furuholmen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Say Something (A Great Big World song)</span> 2013 single by A Great Big World and Christina Aguilera

"Say Something" is a song by American pop duo A Great Big World from their debut album, Is There Anybody Out There? (2013). Written by the duo members—Ian Axel and Chad King—alongside Mike Campbell, the song was originally recorded by Axel for his solo album This Is the New Year (2011). It was later released as a single by the duo on September 3, 2013, by Epic Records. Following its usage on American reality TV show So You Think You Can Dance, the track gained attention from singer Christina Aguilera, who wanted to collaborate with A Great Big World on the song. Soon afterwards, a re-recorded version of "Say Something" with Aguilera was released on November 4, 2013.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pa Mis Muchachas</span> 2021 single by Christina Aguilera, Becky G and Nicki Nicole featuring Nathy Peluso

"Pa Mis Muchachas" is a song recorded by American singers Christina Aguilera, Becky G and Argentine rapper and singer Nicki Nicole featuring Argentine singer Nathy Peluso for the former's ninth studio and second Spanish-language album Aguilera (2022). It was written by the performers alongside Kat Dahlia, Yasmil Marrufo, Jorge Luis Chacín, and Yoel Henriquez. Its production was handled by Rafa Arcaute and Federico Vindver, co-produced by Afo Verde, and vocal production handled by Jean Rodríguez. The song was released through Sony Music Latin as the album's lead single on October 22, 2021, marking Aguilera's return Spanish-language music after nine years.

References

  1. ↑ "Christina Aguilera carving out her own niche". Jam!. Sun Media. September 29, 1999. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013. Retrieved March 12, 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  2. 1 2 3 "ホワット・ア・ガール・ウォンツ – クリスティーナ・アギレラ" (in Japanese). Japan: Oricon. September 4, 1999. Retrieved January 1, 2022.
  3. ↑ "What A Girl Wants - Christina Aguilera" (PDF). Radio & Records . November 5, 1999. p. 42,43. Retrieved February 3, 2023– via World Radio History.
  4. 1 2 "Gavin Top40/Rhythm: Impact Dates". Gavin Report . No. 2279. November 8, 1999. p. 8.
  5. ↑ "MTV New Year's Eve Party (1999)", Turner Classic Movies (TCM)
  6. 1 2 3 A year before in Europe, Ophélie Winter the French-Dutch r'n'b singer already had released her second studio album called Privacy which was promoted a year before Aguilera's. The album featured the original song Ce Que Je Suis recorded in French as well as another English version of the same song entitled What A Girl Needs, which was later chosen by Aguilera's label for her first studio album.Dominguez 2003 , p. 88
  7. ↑ Dominguez 2003 , p. 58
  8. 1 2 3 4 Bronson 2003, p. 890
  9. ↑ Williams, Nick (March 2, 2020). "Songwriter Shelly Peiken on the Christina Aguilera Hit That Landed Her a No. 1". Billboard . Archived from the original on March 10, 2020. Retrieved October 16, 2020.
  10. ↑ "Christina Aguilera – What a Girl Wants Sheet Music". Musicnotes. March 15, 2000. Retrieved November 20, 2012.
  11. 1 2 Partridge, Kenneth (August 22, 2014). "Christina Aguilera's Self-Titled Debut at 15: Classic Track-by-Track Album Review". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media. Archived from the original on August 26, 2014.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Dominguez 2003 , p. 89
  13. ↑ Guy, Rochie; Shelly, Peiken; Christina, Aguilera (March 15, 2000). "What a Girl Wants". Musicnotes.com. Retrieved June 2, 2021.
  14. ↑ "Digital Sheet Music – Christina Aguilera What a Girl Wants". Alfred Publishing Company . March 15, 2000. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
  15. 1 2 "Christina Aguilera review". Worcester Telegram and Gazette . September 12, 1999. Retrieved September 18, 2011.
  16. ↑ Dominguez 2003 , p. 54
  17. ↑ Christgau, Robert. "Christina Aguilera Reviews". Robert Christgau . Retrieved September 18, 2011.
  18. ↑ Violanti, Anthony. "News Archive: The Total package, Christina Aguilera, a calculating teen queen". Buffalo News . Retrieved September 18, 2011.
  19. ↑ Malone, Chris (August 24, 2019). "Christina Aguilera's Debut Album Turns 20: All the Tracks Ranked". Billboard . Billboard Media, LLC. Archived from the original on March 28, 2023. Retrieved May 6, 2023.
  20. ↑ Hill, Kimberley (October 5, 2023). "If You've Got Soul: Christina Aguilera's 2006 Masterwork 'Back to Basics'". PopMatters . PopMatters Media, Inc. Archived from the original on November 13, 2023. Retrieved November 13, 2023.
  21. ↑ Ofori, Nana-Adwoa. "Top 10 Christina Aguilera Songs". AOL Radio. Archived from the original on September 24, 2014. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
  22. ↑ Tabberer, Jamie (August 2, 2022). "Christina Aguilera's 17 best songs ranked – from Dirrty to Beautiful". Attitude . Retrieved August 22, 2023.
  23. ↑ Radke, Brock (October 19, 2018). "Christina Aguilera's creativity has been liberated". Las Vegas Magazine. Greenspun Media Group. Archived from the original on July 22, 2020. Retrieved July 22, 2020.
  24. ↑ Lamb, Bill (September 11, 2018). "Top 100 Pop Songs of 2000". LiveAbout. Dotdash. Archived from the original on June 18, 2020. Retrieved June 18, 2020.
  25. ↑ "Aguilera Must Not Know Spanish Word For Subtlety". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. Retrieved August 1, 2013.
  26. 1 2 "Christina Aguilera Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  27. 1 2 "Christina Aguilera Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  28. 1 2 "Christina Aguilera Chart History (Dance Club Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  29. ↑ "RIAA – Recording Industry of America "What a Girl Wants"". RIAA. 2000. Retrieved December 29, 2011.
  30. ↑ "Ask Billboard: Who's The Hot 100's King? Elvis Presley Vs. Lil Wayne". Billboard. September 24, 2012.
  31. 1 2 3 "Christina Aguilera – What a Girl Wants". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  32. 1 2 3 4 "Christina Aguilera – What a Girl Wants". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  33. 1 2 "Christina Aguilera – What a Girl Wants" Canciones Top 50. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  34. 1 2 "Christina Aguilera: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  35. 1 2 "Guld- och Platinacertifikat − År 2000" (PDF) (in Swedish). International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 11, 2010. Retrieved December 28, 2011.
  36. 1 2 "Christina Aguilera – What a Girl Wants". Singles Top 100. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  37. ↑ "Ultratop Awards 2000". Ultratop. 2000. Retrieved December 29, 2011.
  38. 1 2 "Christina Aguilera – What a Girl Wants" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  39. 1 2 "Christina Aguilera – What a Girl Wants" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  40. 1 2 "Lista de popularidad". El Siglo de Torreón (in Spanish). April 17, 2000. p. 46. Archived from the original on May 28, 2022. Retrieved December 26, 2022.
  41. ↑ Foy, Kenya (May 9, 2015). "Remember Xtina's 'What A Girl Wants' Video?". Bustle . Bustle Digital Group. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  42. ↑ "Video Monitor". Billboard. November 27, 1999. p. 85. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
  43. ↑ "Portrait of an artist... Christina Aguilera". Billboard . January 29, 2000. p. 7. Retrieved July 23, 2020.
  44. 1 2 Dominguez 2003 , p. 90
  45. ↑ Dominguez 2003 , p. 91
  46. 1 2 Dominguez 2003 , p. 102
  47. ↑ Dominguez 2003 , p. 105
  48. ↑ Dominguez 2003 , p. 148
  49. ↑ Dominguez 2003 , p. 181
  50. ↑ "Christina Aguilera – What a Girl Wants – Top of the Pops 25/02/2000 (HD)". YouTube. Alphabet Inc. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  51. ↑ "Christina Aguilera – Stripped Live In The U.K. [DVD]". Amazon UK. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
  52. ↑ "Back To Basics Live And Down Under [2007][DVD]". Amazon UK. February 4, 2008. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
  53. ↑ "Christina Aguilera Rocks the "Early Show" Stage". CBS News. June 11, 2010. Retrieved February 24, 2012.
  54. ↑ Aniftos, Rania (July 17, 2021). "Christina Aguilera Reimagines Her Biggest Hits With the LA Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl". Billboard . Archived from the original on July 17, 2021. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  55. ↑ Cashmere, Paul (July 18, 2021). "Christina Aguilera Performs With Orchestra At Hollywood Bowl". Noise11.com. The Noise Network. Archived from the original on July 18, 2021. Retrieved July 18, 2021.
  56. ↑ "'Glee' recap: Perfect Together". Entertainment Weekly . October 22, 2009. Archived from the original on October 25, 2009. Retrieved August 2, 2019.
  57. ↑ Ginsberg, Gab (April 15, 2021). "Kelly Clarkson Covers 'What A Girl Wants'". Billboard . Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  58. ↑ "Here is the legendary Prince saying Christina Aguilera is good after her song What A Girl Wants played on TRL". Twitter. Twitter, Inc. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  59. ↑ Paulson, Dave (April 20, 2018). "Story Behind the Song: 'What a Girl Wants'". The Tennessean . Gannett. Archived from the original on January 17, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  60. ↑ "Amazon.com: What Women Want – Music From The Motion Picture". Amazon.com . Archived from the original on November 2, 2014. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  61. ↑ Rabin, Nathan (December 15, 2000). "What Women Want – DVD Review – The A.V. Club". The A.V. Club . Archived from the original on November 2, 2014. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  62. ↑ Vincent, Florence (May 6, 2013). "Top 10 Films Named After Songs". Best For Film. Archived from the original on May 31, 2014. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
  63. ↑ "Review of Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol". GameSpot. CBS Interactive. December 24, 2007. Retrieved January 17, 2024.
  64. ↑ What a Girl Wants (CD Single liner notes). Christina Aguilera. RCA. 2000.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  65. ↑ What a Girl Wants (UK CD single liner notes). Christina Aguilera. RCA. 2000.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  66. ↑ "Christina Aguilera - What A Girl Wants". Discogs. 2000.
  67. ↑ What a Girl Wants (US maxi single liner notes). Christina Aguilera. RCA. 1999.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  68. ↑ What a Girl Wants (US remix EP liner notes). Christina Aguilera. Sire Records. 1999. 9 20212-0 A.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  69. ↑ "Christina Aguilera – What a Girl Wants" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  70. ↑ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 9695." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved March 22, 2020.
  71. ↑ "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 9721." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved March 22, 2020.
  72. ↑ "Oficiální Česká Hitparáda – Pro týden" (in Czech). IFPI ČR. Archived from the original on March 3, 2000. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
  73. ↑ "European Hot 100 Singles - Sales" (PDF). Music & Media . Retrieved March 19, 2019.
  74. ↑ "Music & Media – we talk to radio; Volume 17, Issue 7" (PDF). Music & Media . Nielsen Business Media. February 12, 2000. p. 20. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
  75. ↑ "Christina Aguilera: What a Girl Wants" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  76. ↑ "Christina Aguilera – What a Girl Wants" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  77. 1 2 "Christina Aguilera – What a Girl Wants" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  78. ↑ "Music & Media – we talk to radio; Volume 17, Issue 10" (PDF). Music & Media . Nielsen Business Media. March 4, 2000. p. 23. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
  79. ↑ "Íslenski Listinn Topp 20 (Vikan 21.1. – 27.1. 2000)". Íslenski listinn (in Icelandic). January 21, 2000. p. 10. Retrieved March 19, 2019.
  80. ↑ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – What a Girl Wants". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  81. ↑ "Hits of the World – Italy" (PDF). Billboard . Vol. 112, no. 4. January 22, 2000. p. 68. Retrieved June 4, 2020.
  82. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Christina Aguilera" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  83. ↑ "Christina Aguilera – What a Girl Wants" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  84. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 1, 2018.
  85. ↑ "Christina Aguilera – What a Girl Wants". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  86. ↑ "Christina Aguilera Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 8, 2011.
  87. ↑ "Christina Aguilera Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
  88. ↑ "Christina Aguilera Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved January 9, 2015.
  89. ↑ "Christina Aguilera". Radio & Records . Radio & Records, Inc. Archived from the original on February 25, 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  90. ↑ "ARIA Top 100 Singles for 2000". Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved July 28, 2021.
  91. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten 2000". Ultratop 50 . Retrieved March 19, 2019.
  92. ↑ "Rapports Annuels 2000". Ultratop 50 . Retrieved March 19, 2019.
  93. ↑ "Year in Focus – Eurochart Hot 100 Singles 2000" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 17, no. 52. December 23, 2000. p. 9. Retrieved February 8, 2020.
  94. ↑ "Classement Singles - Année 2000". Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Archived from the original on November 13, 2013. Retrieved March 19, 2019.
  95. ↑ "Íslenski Listinn Topp 100". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). January 5, 2001. p. 10. Retrieved February 8, 2020.
  96. ↑ "Top 100 of 2000". Raidió Teilifís Éireann. Archived from the original on June 2, 2004. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  97. ↑ "Top 100–Jaaroverzicht van 2000". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved January 30, 2020.
  98. ↑ "Dutch Chart Portal" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Hung Medien. Retrieved December 28, 2011.
  99. ↑ "End of Year Charts 2000". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved February 8, 2020.
  100. ↑ "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2000" (in German). Schweizer Hitparade. Hung Medien. Retrieved December 28, 2011.
  101. ↑ "Best Sellers of 2000: Singles Top 100". Music Week . January 20, 2001. p. 25.
  102. ↑ "Billboard Top 100 - 2000 - Longbored Surfer - Charts". Archived from the original on February 13, 2012. Retrieved August 25, 2013.
  103. ↑ "Most Played Adult Top 40 Songs of 2000" (PDF). Airplay Monitor . Vol. 8, no. 51. December 22, 2000. p. 48. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
  104. ↑ "Most Played Mainstream Top 40 Songs of 2000" (PDF). Airplay Monitor. Vol. 8, no. 51. December 22, 2000. p. 54. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
  105. ↑ "The Year in Music 2000: Hot Dance Maxi-Singles Sales". Billboard. Vol. 112, no. 53. December 30, 2000. p. YE-60.
  106. ↑ "Most Played Rhythmic Top 40 Songs of 2000" (PDF). Airplay Monitor. Vol. 8, no. 51. December 22, 2000. p. 56. Retrieved June 4, 2022.
  107. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2000 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved September 2, 2014.
  108. ↑ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – singles 2000". Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved September 2, 2014.
  109. ↑ "New Zealand single certifications – What a Girl Wants". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved July 28, 2021.
  110. ↑ "British single certifications – Christina Aguilera – What a Girl Wants". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved July 28, 2021.
  111. ↑ "American single certifications – Christina Aguilera – What a Girl Wants". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved November 20, 2021.
  112. ↑ "What A Girl Wants - Christina Aguilera" (PDF). Radio & Records . November 5, 1999. p. 42,43. Retrieved February 3, 2023– via World Radio History.
  113. ↑ "Christina Aguilera: What a Girl Wants". click2music.se (in Swedish). Archived from the original on June 19, 2002. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  114. ↑ "What A Girl Wants". AllMusic . Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  115. ↑ "What a Girl Wants [CD5/Cassette]". AllMusic . Retrieved February 3, 2023.
  116. ↑ "What a girl wants – Christina Aguilera – CD maxi single" (in French). France: Fnac. January 3, 2000. Retrieved January 1, 2022.
  117. ↑ "New Releases – For Week Starting 14 February, 2000: Singles" (PDF). Music Week . February 12, 2000. p. 31. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
  118. ↑ "What a girl wants – Christina Aguilera – CD single" (in French). France: Fnac. February 22, 2000. Retrieved January 1, 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.