With the new two-CD, 22-song set, executive-produced and co-written by Aguilera, her aim is no less ambitious than to pay homage to her musical heroes while inventing something completely new. The first disc, primarily produced by DJ Premier, combines old-song sensibilities with hip-hop elements, samples and modern technology.

Disc two, produced by Linda Perry (with whom Aguilera most famously collaborated on "Beautiful"), features all live instrumentation with no samples: Old-timey sounds were captured using vintage microphones sometimes covered with cloth to get a muffled effect.

Aguilera solicited producers for the album via a letter explaining her vision. Also enclosed was a compilation of more than 30 songs spanning the '20s through the '60s that had influenced her, including contributions from Otis Redding, Millie Jackson, Ray Charles, Nina Simone, Eartha Kitt and even Screamin' Jay Hawkins.

"I sent (the letter) out to producers that I thought might be able to get into this world with me," she says. "I wanted to get obscure pieces of music and get people who would really, really use their imaginations in creating something new. I didn't want any covers." She encouraged producers to take the songs on the CD and "chop things up, feel free to experiment."

In February, Aguilera called a Los Angeles meeting with her team at RCA to play portions of her record and to express her desires for "Back to Basics."

"I said, 'I want to be very hands-on in all the meetings that we take and the decision-making, because I'm very specific in my vision of this record,"' she recalls. "I wanted to start putting (the music) in their heads so they had time to brainstorm." She stressed a continuity that would run through all facets of the project from the songs, imaging, videos and touring that would combine the music with visuals that were a "throwback to old Hollywood glam, that kind of old, retro, pinup style of sexuality."

Aguilera plans to kick-start the album by playing a limited number of intimate U.S. jazz clubs, followed by a European tour that will include private showcases in London and Paris. A full-scale U.S. tour will start next year.