Snap judgment: Christina Aguilera's 'Candyman'

Erika Thu, Oct 11, 2007 at 05:41 PM EST

I haven't heard "Candyman" yet but if it does sound like a re- make of Boogy Woogy Bugle Boy SO WHAT! Everyone knows nowadays almost every song that comes on the radio sounds like a song from "yesterday." All artists sample form songs on the past. It's nothing knew. So I say "sing your songs and get your money Christina!" You're REAL fans will continue to support you!

kb Tue, Sep 4, 2007 at 09:35 AM EST

I may be a bit behind the times but I just heard "Candyman" on the radio the other day and thought it was a remake of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. It is almost identical. I'm surprised that she hasn't been sued by the Andrews Sisters yet!

Ella Bella Thu, May 31, 2007 at 02:31 AM EST

Kudos for Christina on Candyman, but it sure does sound to me like a rip-off of The Andrew Sisters hit Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. Love it anyway

X Thu, Feb 22, 2007 at 01:25 PM EST

candyman is the best song on the album for me.. its the song i listen to when im bored to make me happy again. its the song i dance to when im a bit tipsy with friends lol i love this song so much!! its soo catchy.. thank god most of you are being negative towards it last time people online were positive to hurt it stolled and started rolling down hill at 19 and 11 in uk. but i pray to god this will get to no:1 id put my life on it. its hit U.S. Billboard Hot 100 (90
U.S. Billboard Pop 100 (66
Luxembourg Airplay Top 20 (21
already emagine when the video is release and then the single!!.. and i agree gwen stiff@@y!! is crap its boring no beat and its something i would fall asleep to if it was played at any party.. but im pray for ya christina for this great amazing fun upbeat song to get to no:1 do your thing christina.

mauro Thu, Feb 1, 2007 at 10:49 AM EST

I think the songe is great and I hope it gets the #1 spot at billboard and is prity cool to hear I cant wait in till I see the vid. Aguilera is the best singer ever.

Daniel Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 08:42 PM EST

I think Candyman will be Christina's biggest hit from her "Back to Basics" album. People love the song and it is quite catchy. It sure doesn't sound like anything on the radio now, which is why it will be a hit. The song won't be released until March, and the song already cracked the Hot 100 chart of Billboard...clearly it is going to be popular. I think this song will be more popular than Ain't No Other Man.

KTS Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 01:22 PM EST

Interesting notes about the lyrics but then popular music has always pushed the envelope in that area. Songs that we consider so tame as to not even blink these days were considered scandalous in their own time. Remember all the fallout from the Stones singing "Let's Spend the Night Together" on the Ed Sullivan show?

As far as comparisons of Christina, Gwen and Beyonce go, they all have something to contribute even if we don't all agree with what that is. Musical taste is very personal. I happen to like "Wind It Up" but I can't stand the song she released after it. The thing that's truly aggravating is when people put stuff down without even taking the time to listen to it. If it's not to your taste cool, it doesn't give you the right to insult others.

GeeMoney Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 01:17 PM EST

I love Christina, but Back to Basics has no other hits on it besides "Ain't No Other Man" and possibly "Without You", if she chose to release it. While I think that delving into big band music is great for her, she needs to go back to the sound that made her famous in the first place - Pop/R&B. I think her current sound is outdated and probably would be more suited towards the older generation, but not towards teens and young adults, and the record sales prove that.

BrunoLs81@aol.com Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 12:03 PM EST

While releasing Candyman to Top 40 stations, she should be smart and release "Without You" to adult contemporary stations. It's a great song. My other fave off the CD is "On Our Way".

Im just waiting for the day Aguilera makes a fun CD full of club bangers like her duet with Diddy "Tell Me". If that ever happens, a lot of R&B divas would have to fall back. Her voice is the best there is. Sorry Beyonce.

Stephanie Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 10:25 AM EST

Jeff, "Cherry Pop" might be editied or she probably released an alternative version of the song. Remember, The B.E.P's "Let's Get it Started" is not the original song. The real song is "Let's Get Ret-ded".
And as for EP: American music genres get away with sexual senarios all the time. Ie, "Push, push", "Tush", "The Stroke", "Rock Me Gentley", etc.

Joe C Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 08:36 AM EST

As a Mariah fan, I have never been A Xtina fan, but I have to admit, I liked 'Hurt' and this song(Candyman) is incredibly catchy. I'll be surprised if it's a hit, though; it sounds out of step with top 40 radio.

beb Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 08:14 AM EST

I really like the song and hope that it does well. I'm afraid that the CD has lost a little momentum on the charts, though, after "Hurt" stalled out at #19 (when Billboard reviewed it, they thought it was going to trump the #2 showing of "Beautiful"). Who knows, though...Beyonce managed to squeak out a #1 after that hideous mess that was "Ring the Alarm."

BTW - I like "Wind It Up," too. It's just so left field -- something you'd expect from Missy Elliott.

Ep Sato Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 06:54 AM EST

Wait, what's wrong with jazzy sounds having sexy lyrics? Ella Fitzgerald sang about how "birds do it, bees do it", Nina Simone used to ask for "a little sugar in my bowl", and Billy Holiday used to sing about how "I'm everything a man needs" after making some fairly sexy innuendos. One of my favorite old blues song is "She just loves my big ten inch....record of the band that plays the blues" Sex obsessed lyrics and horn section backgrounds are almost par for the course in most American (and Latin American) music genres.

s Tue, Jan 30, 2007 at 03:35 AM EST

I LOVE it! not my favorite at first..but NOW its even on my myspace page.

Fatima Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 11:40 PM EST

Wow blink, I didn't realize that this wasn't an open forum!

Is it so wrong of me to make note of the lyrical content of these songs? Sure she can put out by the number imitations of 40's songs musically, but lyrically she's stuck in the same sex obsessed topics as she always is. In Nasty Naughty Boy she's talking about giving her man a little taste of the sugar below her waist for crying out loud! If she's trying to go back to the gold old days, maybe she could try putting out stuff I would actually consider allowing my grandparents or even parents to hear.

Mike Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 11:03 PM EST

"Candyman" is actually my favorite song on the whole album, and I'm glad it's her new single. It's just so much fun!

Lene Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 08:27 PM EST

Normally, I don't like Xtina, but I like this. A lot.

EP Sato Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 07:52 PM EST

The only genie in my bottle is popwatch. You guys make all my wishes come true. Like that time I wished for more big band style songs from cool popstars, or that time I wished for more articles on Freddie Mercury.

I love me some X-ina. And while I like Madonna too, "Hanky Panky" could have been a LOT more than it was. The live version (with the actual big band, I think she used them for the video) sounds fantastic, but the recorded version is too synthetic to sound real. On the other hand, X ina is kicking around with Tony Bennett and holding her own. That wins her mega props in my book.

blink Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 07:41 PM EST

This is for Fatima, Seriously, do't be a hater. if you really don't like Christina just don't waist time typing negative stuff. And by the way, I think "Candyman" is pretty good song. it's different from everything else, you hear on the radio, right now. Thnks :)

Fatima Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 07:28 PM EST

Xtina is a joke. I hate Back to Basics with a burning passion. All these "Big Band" songs are stupid because she can't help but be vulgar. As Christina tries to emulate Ella and Billie, she comes off more like Jessica Rabbit and Betty Boop. Makes my cherry pop? Yeah, I remember Etta singing that one. Terrible Terrible song.

Jason Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 05:52 PM EST

Slezak-

This is totally random, but have you heard that Emily Van Camp has been cast as Rebecca on Brothers & Sisters? How freaking AWESOME is that?!

:)

Katie Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 05:30 PM EST

so 'candyman' is an f'ing great song, also streaming on her myspace is the lamely titled 'still dirrty'...it may have a crappy name, but that song is lightning in a bottle!

Chris Evans Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 05:14 PM EST

I really have never understood the comparisons to Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. Yes, she has specifically SAID the song has a Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy flare to it, but so did an umpteen number of other songs from that era, and that was the point. To capture the sound of that era with a modern day twist. I suppose it's just opinion, but the songs really don't sound all that similar to me.

Anyway, love Candyman, and I think the public will too as long as radio decides to play it. I think people want an alternative to all the hip-hop crap on the radio.

susan Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 04:54 PM EST

I've been saying the same thing as Jason from the first time I heard the song. It's just a redo of the Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. I love Christina, I own B2B, but I'm not real fond of Candyman. I wish she had released Slow Down Baby or Understand instead. I'll be surprised if it cracks the top 10 but I hope I'm wrong.

Terrie Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 04:47 PM EST

I've been singing this song in my head all morning. I love Back to Basics, but this is the one song that I keep replaying. Christina's always had an amazing voice and this song is a terrific showcase for what she can do beyond pop princess styles.

Winona Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 04:42 PM EST

I think "Candyman" is the best song on the album - it's been about 10 years since the Gap khaki ads, so I guess we're due for a new swing comeback.

Jeff Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 04:17 PM EST

To be on radio - it will be interesting to see how they edit "...makes my cherry pop..."

Vicky Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 04:05 PM EST

Candyman is one of my fav songs on her CD. I bet it'll find an audience. But ten bucks says someone will eventually remix the thing into a club song.

Casey Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 04:03 PM EST

Based on all the hype and misleading cover art, I bought the CD on release day thinking it would all be as retro and great as "Candyman." It was not -- it was bland and oversung (does she really need to scream everything?). So I imported "Candyman" into my iTunes, and promptly sold the CD to a used CD store. Don't be fooled into making the same mistake.

Victor Perez Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 04:00 PM EST

After giving my TV set syphillis a few years ago with that "Dirrty" video, it's been soo refreshing to see Christina go in the direction of the Big Band sound..i hope she plans on giving more props to the likes of The Andrew Sisters and Bette Midler in the future.

Fire Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 03:56 PM EST

This song may just have convinced me to buy Back to Basics, and for a punk-rock-lover that's saying a whole lot. Nice Ms Aguilera. Very Nice.

eddie Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 03:41 PM EST

Xtina is a great singer! It would be a dream come true for me for a Mariah-Xtina duet! Hope it happens, 2 of my idols singing together!

Ryan Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 03:38 PM EST

Don't be a hater, I like "Wind It Up."

LuAnn Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 03:37 PM EST

Christina is the best female singer in the recording industry-she deserves some commercial kudos. "Candyman" has some soul and real singing. It makes "Irreplaceable", which is currently on top of the charts, sound like it was sung by a chipmunk. Three cheers for Christina, and may she rise straight to the top.

km Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 03:27 PM EST

xtina has more talent in her little finger than Beyonce, Fergie, Brittany and the other poptarts out there

it can absolutely be a hit

Ed Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 03:20 PM EST

Sweet shuga candied yams! That's the verse I hear when I play this cd.

This is a great song but it's not commercial enough.

e Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 03:09 PM EST

"Candyman" has already gotten a lot of exposure by being used on a Verizon/LG phone ad. See here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOcp16AKgEA

I like it.
http://www.allaboute.net/blog

Maria Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 02:58 PM EST

Love that song. Love the Back to Basics album. I think it is not only a great opportunity for people to hear her great voice, in great form, but it is totally danceable. I can dance to it in my car, speakers blaring! I think it has the juice.

Jill Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 02:57 PM EST

Anything that is actual SINGING as opposed to faux-singing/"gangsta" rap is fine by me.

Emily Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 02:50 PM EST

Thanks to Jason for pointing out that this song is a complete rip-off of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. I am surprised no one else has noticed that...I think that the chord progression is basically identical! I am a little bit over this whole 40's thing with her. It is one thing to be inspired by an era or style but another completely to just ape that style with no originality. I also wish that someone would sit her down and tell her that not every note needs to be sung at full throttle...they are called dynamics. Use them. Ugh, I just hate this trite, cliched caricature shtick.

Lucas Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 02:45 PM EST

It's the best song in the album. It should be a single!

ilikegwenstefani Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 02:36 PM EST

this song is better then fergie's crap, but i admit that gwen's latest cd is not as good but i like wind it up and im really digging her new one w/ akon, but for some reason i dont see this being that big, but i am rooting for lily allen to become a hit in the states

Brian Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 02:35 PM EST

What say I, oh faithful PopWatch reader? I say that Gwen Stefani's Wind It Up is freakin genious and I love it. The perfect work out song!

Joe Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 02:34 PM EST

Gretchen... What comeback? She never went anywhere. wtf?

Stephanie Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 02:27 PM EST

The song while 40's retro is marketable. Commericals are using these types of songs all the time. For example, "You and Me, and the bottle makes three", "Mambo #5 (which still is very annoying)", and "Jump Jive and Wail" which was a big commercial success for Gap. "Candyman" is being used for Verizon's Chocolate phones. And as for content, need I remind everyone about Clarence Carter's "Stroke it"? It is amazing what artists can get away with.

Gretchen Weiners Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 02:26 PM EST

Ugh - I can't believe she didn't release Understand or Save Me From Myself. The only decent songs on her awful comeback train.

aramis Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 02:24 PM EST

Perkle - LMAO@ "Fertardo"! OMG, I about fell out of the chair when I read that out loud. It's actually "Furtado". But hey, live and let learn. LMAO...."Fertardo"...i think I just found my new insult of the week. Observe: "Oh my God, you are such a fertardo."

NineDaves Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 02:21 PM EST

I've gotten my 65 year old father and all his friends hooked on "Candyman." I keep telling them she's talking about Cherry-flavored Soda Pop when she signs "Makes my Cherry Pop." As if he's the maker of her soda. Because I simply don't feel comfortable explaining that slang.

aramis Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 02:21 PM EST

I've been on this sort of Chriskanka Aguilera fast of late. But that should not imply that have an equal distaste for her music. This last album was quite original...more so than that overrated "B'day" from Miss B ('B' standing for bullsh**). Furthermore, "Candyman" was an immediate standout track from the entire doubleset and I still find it as such. I say kudos to her for ignoring musical adversity of late (and the fact that radio just plain SUX) and spear-heading a retro sound for a single. The song is sexy, fun, naughty, and catchy.

Jason Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 02:20 PM EST

I doubt it will be a hit, but at least she's finally showing some of the 'retro' stuff she promised. The first two singles were very mainstream.

And while "Candyman" is infectious, isn't it basically a retread of "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" (and "Hanky Panky")?

Perkle Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 02:11 PM EST

My husband and I love her CD Back to Basics. Candyman is a great song, but I am kind of suprised it would get radio airplay considering the lyrics. But hey, if Promiscuous by Nelly Fertardo (sp?) can be #1 then surely Candyman which is a hell of a better song, can too.

G. Snaps Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 02:07 PM EST

The fact that the hideous "Wind It Up" can make the top 10 is due to the power of a recognizable blonde starlet commodity in this commodity crazy world, and Candy Man has that going for it, too. It also has:

a) The "what's that song from the commercial" quotient, courtesy of the Chocolate phones.

b) Retro-style mixed with filthy lyrics. "He's a one stop shop, with a real big AAH!" Nothing's naughtier than modern filth with a classic sound!

c) Retro-style period. (See the success of Norah Jones, Corrine Bailey Rae, etc.) In this age of the tuneless top-40 — where rappers not singing are interrupted by women singing two notes over and over again — people are hungry for a melody.

fagulous.blogspot.com

Joyce Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 02:00 PM EST

I loved this song the first time I heard it on GMA. I was hoping it would be the 2nd single but I'll take 3rd. This is sooo going to hit! I can't wait for the video.

Dave Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 01:58 PM EST

This song's great, and if it can bump Fergie from Hot 99.5's (in DC) rotation, then I'll love it even more!

Rich Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 01:58 PM EST

Kudos to Christina for taking a chance with this song.Its very catchy but will radio play it??Its Christina so they will spin it and wait for public reaction.

nathan Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 01:56 PM EST

The song is great, one of the album's standouts and it's things like this that separate her from every other pop singer, she tries new things AND has the chops to back it up.

Sean Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 01:53 PM EST

The song is great! And it sounds like a rip-off Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy because it samples the song

dma69 Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 01:52 PM EST

I first heard the song from the Verizon chocolate bar phone commercial and thought "This is a pretty cool song. Perfect for the ad, but would be even better as a single". And lo and behold, Z100 starts playing it. Give XTina credit, at least she tries something different. Britney, Jessica, are you two paying attention?

GOB Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 01:50 PM EST

It's pretty much a rip-off of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. So, unless she's planning a nursing home tour of the southern U.S., I'm not sure this one will have legs.

RedRidingHood Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 01:47 PM EST

I noticed this song as soon as the CD came out, and it has been one of my favs since. I love all that swing/big band stuff, but I don't think the general pop public that adores Fergalicious generally agrees with my taste, so I'll continue to enjoy the song on my own if the radio-addicted public won't join me.

Jamie Proulx Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 01:38 PM EST

This song rocks -she sang it on the New Year's Eve show - not sure which channel and yes I'm lame that I saw it - but she was fabulous.

Alicia Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 01:35 PM EST

I think it stands a chance. It's definitely catchy and people have probably already heard it used in the ipod commercial. I don't love it myself, but I like it.

nessa Mon, Jan 29, 2007 at 01:35 PM EST

I heard Xtina sing this on New Year's Rockin eve and I got to tell you - it is a damn catchy song. If she has a great video - I think it could be big!