Music reviews: Christina Aguilera, One Direction, 'Breaking Dawn - Part 2' soundtrack

Christina Aguilera, "Lotus" (RCA) ** 1/2

Christina Aguilera is easily one of contemporary musics best voices. Shes got pipes that music-lovers need to hear at a time when Top 40 radio features studio-enhanced vocals and award shows are full of lip syncing. Thats why her fifth album, "Lotus," is somewhat disappointing not because it isnt good, but because it isnt great.

Sure, its an improvement from 2010s "Bionic," a chaotic album that is Aguileras only one not to reach platinum status. "Lotus" is more focused, thankfully, but not as satisfying as her first three releases.

The new 13-track album is the singers first music offering since she filed for divorce two years ago. And when shes emotional, she sounds best.

The title track kicks off the album nicely as Aguilera sings about starting over. On "Best of Me," she sings: "Words cut through my skin, tears roll down my chin, my walls crumble within." And later in the song she sings in a beautiful belt: "I will rise undefeated, I will not let you bring me down." You just want to cheer her on. Sing it, girl.

Another standout is the piano tune "Blank Page," co-written by Sia, whose work with Aguilera on "Bionic" is that albums highlight. "Sing for Me," too, is great and sounds like a personal anthem for Aguilera, who has gotten a boost recently as a coach on NBCs "The Voice."

Where the singer falls short is on what are supposed to be the "fun" songs, like "Red Hot Kinda Love," "Around the World" and "Make the World Move," which features a barely heard Cee Lo Green. The first single, the Max Martin-produced "Your Body," is also a miss. Martin is a little better on his other contribution, the dance-heavy "Let There Be Love," which sounds typical of whats out there, but still feels like a radio hit.

Its almost like Aguilera isnt getting the best material from the songwriters and producers on "Lotus," which includes Alex da Kid (Eminems "Love the Way You Lie," B.o.Bs "Airplanes"), Lucas Secon, Supa Dups, Claude K! elly, Bonnie McKee, Tracklacers, Steve Robson and others. Her excellent voice deserves excellent songs.

Mesfin Fekadu, The Associated Press