Christina Aguilera Sets Herself Free on 5th Studio Album, 'Lotus'; Shows Sense of Humor in 'Your Body' Music Video

Following the commercial FLOP that was Bionic, Christina Aguilera is in desperate need of a hit album.  No doubt, her label, RCA Records is BANKING on Aguilera's 5th studio release, Lotus, being that hit album and I hope they're right.  The album's first single, entitled "Your Body," was co-written by Max Martin, Shellback and Savan Kotecha and produced by Martin and Shellback.  The song hit radio outlets everywhere on September 14th, following it's premiere on Ryan Seacrest's radio program and was released digitally on September 17th.  While the single debuted at an impressive #10 on the Billboard Hot Digital Songs chart, selling 103,000 digital copies in it's first week, "Your Body" pretty much flopped on the all important Billboard Hot 100,  peaking at a disappointing #34.  Not necessarily the best start to an album campaign.  That being said, the song fared OK on the Billboard Pop Songs Chart, peaking at a decent enough #22.  Here's hoping X-Tina can turn things around in time for the November 13th release of Lotus.

Following the release of Bionic in June of 2010, Aguilera has been a busy girl, separating from her husband Jordan Bratman in September of 2010, starring opposite Cher in the critically panned musical movie Burlesque in November and signing on as a Judge/Mentor on NBC's hit reality series, The Voice in April 2011.  While it's already been announced that Aguilera will be giving up her red chair for the next season, I'm sure both she and her label are banking on the show's success to both generate buzz and help drive album sales.  It's only natural!  Why wouldn't she use her hit TV show to self-promote?  While The Voice certainly has helped raise Aguilera's profile, or at least her exposure, I can't help but be a little bit discouraged by the disappointing performance of "Your Body" on the charts.

The flashy Melina Matsoukas-directed video premiered September 28th on Christina's official VEVO channel, following the release of a teaser clip on September 17th.  The video is PURE, unadulterated CAMP (in a good way).  Aguilera takes on the the role of a sexy murderess, luring a series of GORGEOUS men to their demise.  If you like brightly colored, neon pink CHEESE than this video has your name written all over it.  Aguilera comes off sexy, cool and confident in this fun video (major props to the costume/wardrobe department here!), kind of reminiscent of her Stripped days, although a little bit less with the OVERT sluttiness (no assless chaps, sorry guys).  All in all, it's a fun ride that shows off Aguilera's sense of humor, as well as her talent.  Check out the video BELOW.

According to the press release, Aguilera has been hard at work in the studio for the past year, working on the new record, joining forces with big name writers and producers including Alex Da Kid, and Sia, not to mention a collaboration with Cee-Lo Green, Christina's co-star on The Voice.  Talking about Lotus, she had this to say:

"This album is about self-expression and freedom.  There is a lot I have gone through personally over the past few years and this record represents a rebirth for me.  The record is about freedom and getting back to the root of who I am and what I love to do."

NOW it all makes sense! The album cover (ABOVE) depicting a naked Christina Aguilera, rising out of a flower, the decision to leave The Voice and focus on music. While I admittedly will miss her on The Voice, it makes total sense to focus on the career that got her hired in the first place.  There's only so much guidance a flop artist can provide budding musicians that's actually palatable and helpful in any way.  I respect her decision to move on, tour and promote. I just hope that it works out this time.

Over the course of her career, Christina Aguilera has sold more than 30 million records worldwide, achieved four Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles and won five Grammy Awards.  She also received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has the honor of being the only artist under age 30 to be included in Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.  Not only an accomplished singer/songwriter, Christina Aguilera has a charitable heart as well, serving as global spokesperson for Yum! Brands' World Hunger Relief effort since 2009, where her participation has helped raise over $80 million for the World Food Program and other hunger relief agencies.

"Your Body" is out now in the U.S. (iTunes US) and is expected out in the UK on November 4th, no doubt with a series of HOT remixes.  Stay tuned for details on those.

Check out Christina Aguilera on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//VEVO