By Deepti Hajela
The Associated Press

Ignore the hype. Just listen to the voice.

NEW & NOTED

Christina Aguilera Stripped RCA; $18.98

Amid all the controversy over what she's wearing - or not wearing - talk about Christina Aguilera's talent can get lost. But Ms. Aguilera is a woman with a beautiful, multi-octave voice - and she knows how to use it.

On Stripped, she moves into a universe different from the one she occupied as a pop princess on her debut album. This new CD comes from a darker, edgier place, and it's filled with a range of musical styles and lyrics that touch on everything from sexuality to an abusive parent.

Such a shift would be risky for any artist, but it more than pays off. This is a much more interesting Christina Aguilera, who shows she can write decent lyrics and, as executive producer, put together a worthwhile project, with beats and words that stick in your head. Not bad for a 21-year-old.

The risque video for her first single, "Dirrty," a hip-hop collaboration with Redman and Rockwilder, has generated controversy, but it would be a shame if that kept people from listening to the CD.