Rating: 3/5

BURLESQUE is not just headlined by two big name actresses, both are also well-versed singers and performers outside of the silver screen. When you see Cher and Christina Aguilera’s names attached to a project you can bet, if anything, the music will not disappoint. Although both are primarily pop singers, each take on the challenge of a musical with a tone and style a bit different from your standard pop.

The world of burlesque stems from the idea of going against, and mocking, the establishment in a cheeky (usually literally so) fashion. Snappy and sexy, the soundtrack plays right into that style with big band jazz and blues that also carry the weight of songs making up a musical. Songs do not just support the story in musicals - they ARE the story, as characters are known to break into song to help move the plot along.

This is clearly the Christina Aguilera show, as she has the majority of the tracks on the soundtrack, which is certainly not a bad thing. Over the years, Aguilera has proven that hers is a powerhouse voice and she does not disappoint here.

“Tough Lover” begins with no instrumental accompaniment and showcases Aguilera’s voice, while the word play on “Express” is the playful wink of not quite saying what you mean. Burlesque is a playful and fun expression of performing, but at its core, it is driven by the heart and passion of its performers. As heard over the film’s trailer, “Show Me How You Burlesque," is the perfect representation of the film with powerful vocals and a catchy dance beat, and I dare you to walk away from “The Beautiful People” without having at least the chorus stuck in your head.

The one ballad on the collection, “Bound to You,"  is where Aguilera really shines. When the beats are taken away and Aguilera is just singing her heart out, it is hard to pay attention to anything but her commanding voice. I wish there had been a few more tracks along these lines, but since the third character in the film is that of the dance, it makes sense that the overall pace is more up-tempo.

In a film that stars Cher, you better believe you will also get some new songs from the legendary singer as well. Aguilera’s co-star (and poster mate) delivers with “Welcome to Burlesque” and “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me.” If you are a fan of Cher, you will enjoy these new songs from her, although I thought “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me” was a bit reminiscent of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from DREAMGIRLS. Cher’s tracks are as distinctly her style as much as Aguilera’s are hers, but it did leave me wishing we had gotten a duet from the two.

Although these songs were not my particular taste in music, there is no denying that both these women can sing. Each deliver amazing performances on songs with little place to hide, which is an impressive feat. If you are a fan of either Cher or Aguilera, or if you simply enjoyed the music in the film, this soundtrack will be a must-add to your collection.

This soundtrack is available through RCA Records.

1. “Something’s Got A Hold On Me” – Christina Aguilera
2. “Welcome to Burlesque” – Cher
3. “Tough Lover” – Christina Aguilera
4. “But I Am A Good Girl” – Christina Aguilera
5. “Guy What Takes His Time” – Christina Aguilera
6. “Express” – Christina Aguilera
7. “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me” – Cher
8. “Bound To You” – Christina Aguilera
9. “Show Me How You Burlesque” – Christina Aguilera
10. “The Beautiful People” – Christina Aguilera