Search - Christina Aguilera :: Can't Hold Us Down

Not Another Man-Hating Anthem?!

Busy Body | London, England | 12/24/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The year 2003 was shaping up to be Christina's most successful year yet by August. Her second album Stripped was spending weeks and weeks atop the charts around the world, and the singles released from it were still in heavy radio rotation. "Dirrty," "Beautiful" and "Fighter" were the first three singles to be released from the album and all did incredibly well world-wide. September 2003 saw the release of the fourth single from the album. It was called "Can't Hold Us Down" and featured rapper Lil' Kim, with whom Christina had previously worked with on the Moulin Rouge No.1 smash "Lady Marmalade" from 2001.



At the end of August Christina joined Madonna and chart-rival Britney Spears on stage at the MTV Video Music Awards for what has gone on to become the most talked-about music performance in decades. Madonna kissed both Britney and Christina on the lips in front of the world as they danced and sung to a medley of Madonna's "Hollywood" and "Like A Virgin." The whole performance was in aid of Madonna's 20 years as the Queen of Pop. The media focused more on Britney than Christina, which has caused the latter to spit venom at Miss Spears recently. Personally, I think Christina is jealous of Britney in this respect, and she should just keep her opinion to herself instead of slagging everyone off.



Anyway, Can't Hold Us Down should have been a huge hit but only managed No.6 in the UK. The song starts off with a trippy beat before Christina starts off the first verse, "So what am I not supposed to have an opinion? Should I keep quiet just because I'm a woman? Call me a b***h cause I speak what's on my mind. Guess it's easier for you to swallow if I sat and smiled. When a female fires back, suddenly big talker don't know how to act. So he does what any little boy would do. Makin' up a few false rumours or two. That for sure is not a man to me. Slandering names for popularity. It's sad you only get your fame through controversy, but now its time for me to come and give you more to say."



The strong girl power themes and assertive independence are clear from this first verse, which is carried through into the first chorus, "This is for my girls all around the world. Who have come across a man that don't respect your worth. Thinkin' all women should be seen not heard. So what do we do girls? Shout out loud. Lettin' 'em know we're gonna stand our ground. So lift your hands higher and wave 'em proud. Take a deep breath and say it loud. Never can, never will, can't hold us down." Christina then sings the second verse and the second chorus, before Lil' Kim comes in to do her rap. I think this is the highlight of the song, even though I'm not too keen on Lil' Kim. She seems too stuck-up for my liking, but the rap is still good.



Christina then sings "You're just a little boy. Think you're so cute, so coy. You must talk so big to make up for smaller things. You're just a little boy. All you do is annoy. You must talk so big to make up for smaller things." Christina then sings the chorus a few more times, as her backing singers jump in and sing along with her. The song then totally changes pace, and ends with a bouncy funky beat where Christina goes all "Uh! Oh! Uh! Yeah!" on us, before the song gradually dies down and fades out. The video to Can't Hold Us Down is probably my least favourite from all the songs taken from Stripped. Christina is in a street with Lil' Kim and her 'girlfriends' as they battle with the guys about sexism and all that. Obviously the girls win, as Christina parades around in next to nothing (We know you're outspoken love, you don't have to take your kit off to prove it). All in all, this is a good song from Christina. Not the best, but not the worst."

Telling it like it is...

Kali | United Kingdom | 11/07/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Christina Aguilera isn't one of my favourite artists but over the last few months she has really been growing on me, mainly because of thought provoking lyrics in her last few songs. I exclude "Dirrty"from this list though I had to admit that was a great dance track if nothing else!
However "Can't Hold us Down" is a great song, very catchy and VERY smart in what it is saying. Her words ring true, if you're a girl and you play around you are a Ho, but if you are a man, well you get away with it. Double standards or what?
Lil Kim is great too, sexy, sassy and smart and what a voice that woman has! Petite Power is Lil Kim!
The video is great too and I loved the fact that the women dancing and singing were all shapes and sizes, colours and looks, the big girl dancing, shaking her booty was fantastic and the mother carrying the baby and wagging her finger angrily at the men being provocative toward Christina was wonderful as was the gum chewing girl with freckles, now she has an expressive face and put all of this together with a great song and you a great video too.
This is worth listening too, and whilst it gives out a strong message it is also fun too, so enjoy it, that's what music is all about..."

This CD Is So Great!!!!!

Kali | 01/04/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Even though im a guy i love Christina Aguilera she is always a head of the game!! But Really it has a great message!! very impowering!! In fact ive made a speech 4 school on this song but anyways!!! It has the album version which is great but also 2 great remixes that r so much fun 2 dance 2
If you r a Christina Fan then you should totally buy this CD Maxi Single!!!
The only question i have is does this cd have the video on it? just email me the answer at airnmatt@hotmail.com"