Background

Christina knew what girls, boys, and everyone in between wanted. And kept us in her arms since. We are thankful to her for giving us “What a Girl Wants”

“What a Girl Wants” is the second single from Christina Aguilera’s 1999 self-titled debut. It famously became the first #1 hit of the 2000s in the USA. The track was written by Shelly Peiken and Guy Roche, while Roche solely produced the song.

The Introduction of the Voice

Even though “Reflection” existed before Christina’s self-titled album, and “Genie in a Bottle” would be my first exposure to her music, I didn’t realise how much of a vocal powerhouse Christina was until I heard “What a Girl Wants” on MTV. As early as the first verse, it was evident that her voice possessed a rough and soulful characteristic. That would end up being her trademark. The bridge demonstrated the high notes she can hit and the capacity she has to do successive runs. She practices restraint when required but ultimately goes out with a bang by doing a whistle at the end.

As time passed, and her career blows up, the debate would ensue on whether she oversings. Fans interpret this style of hers as being expressive. Haters consider the vocals as exaggerated. Whichever side you’re on, everyone will agree that there is extraordinary talent residing in that woman. And “What a Girl Wants” showcased just that to the world.

I’m Thankin’ You for Bein’ There for Me

Drastic changes in tempos always catch me off guard. And my perfectionist brain has a hard time blending two strikingly different melodies within the same song, especially when the transition is sudden. At the time of the song’s release, I was a fan of everything but the second half of the bridge.

But time makes me appreciate how iconic the momentary shift is. The production choice is bold. The sudden restraint after an anthemic energy allows her to recharge, and prepare and go bigger for the next set of runs. And I could not pinpoint my finger on why that bothered me then. But maybe I couldn’t pinpoint my finger then and now because the arrangement is perfect as it is. I had the same initial reaction to Jennifer Lopez’ “If You Had My Love”, and now I believe nothing should be changed about either song.

Whatever Makes Me Happy and Sets You Free

Teen pop kept songwriting simple. And in some ways, romance is also straightforward. The sentiment can be expressed in a variety of ways. But as Avril said, why would we want to make things complicated?

Now that I’m older, there’s nothing I can give but gratitude to a partner who can give me the space to be myself and not be controlling. I will do my best to try the same. And that’s what unconditional love really is all about. And that’s what Christina sings at the top of her lungs in “What a Girl Wants”

Conclusion

“What a Girl Wants” will always be the moment that Christina demonstrated that she’s not just a performer, but an extremely talented vocalist. The track is iconic and also timeless.