Not only is the title of Christina Aguilera's new album full of innuendo, but it also conveys the pop singer's desire to strip away pretensions. She hopes to give listeners a glimpse of her true self in Stripped.

The album is remarkably different from Aguilera's self-titled debut. Gone is the girl who sang flirtatiously playful tunes such as "Come On Over (All I Want Is You)" and "What a Girl Wants." What's left is a sultry woman with a dynamic voice and something to prove.

Aguilera's vocal abilities are the album's greatest strength. The 20 tracks show off her range and tone quality without resorting to vocal gymnastics.

The music, a melange of R&B, soul and blues with Latin-American flair, provides listeners with an excellent variety of tempos and moods.

"Impossible," a soulful ballad written and composed by Alicia Keys, is arguably Stripped's best song. The lingering melody and soft chords stand out among the tracks. "Oh baby it's impossible if you makin' it this way," croons Aguilera as Keys plays the piano softly in the background.

Keys' composition is also a welcomed respite from a tiresome subject -- people who have wronged Aguilera -- that permeates songs such as "Underappreciated" and "Make Over."

Will this much-awaited album, full of superb vocals, a wide range of styles and liberating lyrics, allow Aguilera to rise to the ranks of a first-class diva? Though her voice is up to the task, her overall package needs some fine-tuning.

--Reviewed by Nicole Stitt