“Sometimes” (Britney Spears): Spears’ follow-up single was a departure from her aggressive debut, offering a sun-drenched, innocent acoustic-pop sound. It cemented her image as the relatable, sweet “girl next door” during the summer of 1999.
“What a Girl Wants” (Christina Aguilera): This track served as a showcase for Aguilera’s melismatic ability and vocal runs. It was more upbeat and rhythmic than “Sometimes,” leaning into a “girl power” theme that was popular at the turn of the millennium.
Comparison: “Sometimes” is often remembered for its nostalgic, breezy melody that feels quintessentially “late 90s”. “What a Girl Wants” is the more technically challenging song to sing, establishing Aguilera as the premier vocalist of her peer group.