Picks and Pans Review: Pop Diva Singles Showdown

BY CHUCK ARNOLD

CHRISTINA AGUILERA
“Ain’t No Other Man”

The first single from Aguilera’s upcoming double disc, Back to Basics (due Aug. 15), is surely the funkiest thing she’s ever done. This horn-infused retro-soul workout really lets Aguilera blow, conjuring up shades of vintage Aretha and Chaka.

  • JESSICA SIMPSON
  • “A Public Affair”
  • Simpson channels early Madonna and even a bit of Diana Ross (“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”) on the giddy title track from her fifth disc (due Aug. 29). While the song makes for lightweight summer fun, it’s the equivalent of a cheesy beach read.

WINNER

BEYONCE FEATURING JAY-Z

“Deja Vu”

With its jazzy swing, ’70s horns and a soulful lead vocal by Beyoncé, who makes like Off the Wall-era Michael, the first single from Miss B’s second solo album, B’Day (due Sept. 5), has us crazy in love all over again.

JANET JACKSON FEATURING NELLY

“Call on Me”

Jackson called on boyfriend Jermaine Dupri to help produce the lead single from her upcoming album, 20 Years Old (due Sept. 26), and the midtempo result is as irresistibly sweet—and ultimately fluffy—as cotton candy. Nelly even gets to croon.

Updated by Chris Strauss
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