"The Voice Within" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera from her fourth studio album, Stripped (2002). The song was written by Aguilera and Glen Ballard, with production handled by Ballard. It is a piano-driven ballad that talks about trusting oneself and one's instincts. "The Voice Within" was released as the fifth and final single from Stripped on October 27, 2003, by RCA Records.
Upon its release, "The Voice Within" received mainly positive reviews from music critics, who called it an inspirational ballad and praised Aguilera's strong vocals on the track, comparing it to Mariah Carey's work. Commercially, "The Voice Within" peaked within the top 10 of charts internationally including Australia and the United Kingdom. In the United States, the song reached number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100.
An accompanying music video for "The Voice Within" was directed by David LaChapelle. It was filmed in black and white as a one shot. The video was nominated for three MTV Video Music Awards at the 2004 ceremony. In support of Stripped, Aguilera performed the track on her two major concert tours: Justified and Stripped Tour (2002–03) and The Stripped Tour (2003). "The Voice Within" has been covered on several television talent shows.
Background and composition
"The Voice Within" was written by Christina Aguilera and Glen Ballard, and was produced by Ballard. The track was recorded by Scott Campbell at The Record Plant in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California and at NRG Recording Studios in North Hollywood, LA, CA, while it was mixed by Peter Mokran. Bass was performed by Mike Elizondo, while Matt Chamberlain played drums. Ballard also played guitar with John Goux, and played keyboards with Randy Kerber. Musically, "The Voice Within" is a piano-driven ballad. Composed in the key of G major, (later the key modulates to A major) it has a moderately slow tempo of 66 beats per minute. Aguilera's vocal range on the track spans from the low-note of D3 to the high-note of F♯5. Her vocals on the song were described as strong and powerful by critics. Lyrically, "The Voice Within" is an inspirational song that says that one should trust one's heart and own mind, and find inner strength. The motivational lyrics include, "When there's no-one else, look inside yourself, like your oldest friend just trust the voice within". As recalled by Aguilera, "I wrote this song when I was 20, 21, and it was a time in my life when you're being pushed and pulled in so many directions." "The Voice Within" was released to US contemporary hit and adult contemporary radio stations on October 27, 2003, as the fifth and final single from Stripped by RCA Records. It was also available for Maxi single sales in stores.
Critical reception
Upon its release, "The Voice Within" received generally favorable reviews from music critics. Chuck Taylor of Billboard praised the "breathtaking and organically flowing" melody, noting that "Aguilera delivers what is perhaps her most assured vocal yet, punching through the clouds and taking her place as a fist-shaking member of the heavenly choir." Taylor also highlighted that the track "is an inspired recording and a showcase for all that this artist can accomplish when she lets the voice precede that offputting image." Josh Kun from Spin labelled it a "swoony Celine-for-teens ballad". Sal Cinquemani for Slant Magazine gave the song a very positive review, naming it an "inspirational" ballad and praised her powerful vocals. CD Universe also praised Aguilera's "rich, throaty style" vocals on the track and compared the song to works by Mariah Carey. Sputnikmusic's critic Amanda Murray commented that the song is "tacky" yet "powerful all the same". Rachel McRady of Wetpaint complimented the song's inspiration melody, declaring that it "basically reduces us to tears every time we hear it". Jason Scott from PopDust called it a "sweeping power-ballad" and praised its inspirational message.