Pop icon Christina Aguilera returns emotionally and powerfully with “Twice,” the second single from her highly-anticipated comeback album, ‘Liberation.’ 

Six years.  That’s how long it has been since the prodigiously talented Christina Aguilera released a new studio album.  Unfortunately for Aguilera, Lotus(2012) wasn’t a big hit.  Honestly, Aguilera has struggled in the 10s to find the same degree of commercial success she once experienced.  Her last truly notable album was Back to Basics, which was released in 2006! Can Aguilera make a big comeback with the arrival of Liberation? Time will tell.  “Accelerate”, the first single from Liberation (featuring 2 Chainz and Ty Dolla $ign) was a mixed bag. She’s back with a second stab at it with “Twice.” Does she conquer?  

“Only enemy I have in love is you.” Cutting straight to the chase, lyrically and thematically, “Twice” is easily deeper than “Accelerate.” Christina Aguilera asks previous lovers a series of questions on the first verse, ultimately confused by the situation. On the second verse, she seems to focus more on her roles in the relationship, and like her lovers, it seems to be a mix of good and bad.  On the pre-chorus, she highlights imperfection, necessity, and pain.  The centerpiece of the ballad is clearly the chorus, which initially appears as the intro.

“Well, sometimes I wonder what is the meaning of my life?

I found the price of love and lost my mind

Oh, I will forgive them all of my wrongs and my rights

I do it all again and won’t think twice, no

Won’t think twice.”

Final Thoughts

Beyond theme and lyricism, “Twice” is a great fit for Aguilera because it allows her to show off the emotion and power of her pipes.  Ballads are where she’s at her best and classiest.  On “Twice,” she holds back when appropriate, as well as blessing listeners with that soulful grit that few singers can muster.  The production is well-rounded as well, generally centered on the piano.  If “Accelerate” was more flop than bop (for many), then “Twice” is at least closer to being a bop.

Christina Aguilera • Liberation• RCA • Release: 6.15.18

Photo Credit: RCA