Britney Spears Album Review: Circus

New Britney Songs are Surprisingly Smart and Sincere

Nov 22, 2008

Britney Spears's new album, "Circus," deserves to be a big chart topper when it drops December 2, 2008.

Britney Spears's new album, appropriately called Circus, is her second consecutive musical triumph, following closely on the heels of her 2006 offering, Blackout.

But while Blackout introduced a new, more daring Britney Spears distorted in electronic synths and beats, Circus brings Spears back from the brink with a slightly more human touch.

That's not to say that Circus is organic by any means: the album is completely dependent on expensive equipment and the commercial instincts of such top producers as Max Martin, Bloodshy & Avant, Danja--who accomplished impressive effects with Spears's limited voice on Blackout--and others.

Spears Gets Personal, Gains Artistic Cred on New Album

Circus presents a much more adult Spears than we've ever seen before--except, of course, on scathing celebrity blog entries and in the pages of scandalous tabloids.

Anyone with an Internet connection has seen more of Britney Spears than she probably can even see herself. But barring past songs like "Piece of Me," which paint Spears as a victim, she has never been as direct about her demons as she is on this album.

And she has never owned up to her demons the way she does on the shocking "Blur," in which she sings:

With Spears's battles with addiction and a possible serious mental disorder in mind, "Blur" comes across as confessional and sincere, unlike the allegedly you've-never-seen-her-like-this new album from Beyonce Knowles, in which she calls for her man to "put a ring on it."

Even on the less successful "My Baby," in which Spears croons about the love she has for her children, the music on Circus feels like that of--dare we say it--a burgeoning artist.

Britney: More Than A Madonna Copycat

The song "Kill the Lights" introduces Spears as "our very own pop princess, now queen of pop." The bravado seems preposterous coming from such a damaged young woman whose life for so long has been so publicly out of control. But as soon as the music kicks in, you'll be hard pressed to keep your foot from tapping, and soon your whole body will be begging you to dance.

Circus, like its underappreciated predecessor Blackout (which the Washington Post named one of the best albums of 2006), is not just a good dance-pop album: it's truly great. Spears must have learned something from Madonna--namely, pick great producers who can push you along while showcasing your best qualities. Both Madonna and Spears have an inclination for metaphors about and odes to dancing.

The title track of this album, a guaranteed good time called "Circus," is a prime example:

By the time Spears reaches the chorus above in "Circus," which opens the album, you'll be dancing without even knowing it. You can't resist when Spears has issued her command: "Don't just sit there," she sings, "Follow me/Show me what you can do/We can make the dance floor just like a circus."

Ringmaster Britney Takes Center Stage on Circus

Circus--both the album and the single--showcase the best of Britney Spears. While it is commonly recognized that Spears has a weak voice and perhaps a weak will, there is little discussion of her allure. Spears is more than just a car wreck away from which the public can't resist looking is horror--though that is, inarguably, part of her success.

The fact is, Britney Spears has a voice that, under the right direction, can be exploited for its strengths.

While Madonna may be recognized for her intelligence, tenacity and self-promotional abilities, she is seldom thought of as anything more than a capable vocalist. It is difficult to imagine any great Madonna song that could not be made better-sounding by another vocalist.

Spears has a more nuanced vocal performance style, a breathy delivery that against all odds always sounds innocent, and occasional sweet, even gorgeous, notes.

The copyright of the article Britney Spears Album Review: Circus in Current Pop Music is owned by David Michael Conner. Permission to republish Britney Spears Album Review: Circus in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.