Britney Spears “Circus” Review
On pop-merit alone, “Womanizer” is enough of an earworm to draw interest to Britney Spears’ new album from even the most hesitant of listeners. The single, which is her first chart-topper since 1999′s “…Baby One More Time,” continues Spears’ trend of having about as much lyrical zest as Metallica’s James Hetfield. That being said, it has a beat with a solid enough punch to drown out the overly repetitive chorus, and it comes across as something comfortable to the singer. Seemingly out of nowhere Spears has found reprieve in the studio, one of the few remaining places where paparazzi aren’t lurking and she’s away from the public eye. And away from that drama, her relaxed approach has left her with nearly 30 songs that she has reportedly recorded during the sessions for Circus – 18 of which will see eventually be released. But does a rush of material and a relaxed attitude mean that Britney’s back (bitches)? Not quite.
In 1991, after being rung through the critical washboard, Michael Jackson moved beyond being a sum of his notable eccentricities to release his third chart topping album, Dangerous. While Jackson and Spears are clearly different people in different situations with different public “issues,” Circus might grant Spears’ musical career a similar rebirth. Granted, on the surface Circus doesn’t have the potential for nine singles like Dangerous had (though I’m sure Jive would be willing to milk nine out of the album), but it has a sound suggesting that the musician is taking a serious interest in her work again.
Alongside “Womanizer,” “Radar” sounds vibrant, blending in nicely with the Kanye’s of the current pop-radio-landscape. Its pulsating beat creates a solid base for the song, and Spears’ voice shines within the track. While Spears doesn’t have the range of many other singers, “Radar” succeeds because she’s not trying to reach beyond her capabilities; a trend that is evident throughout Circus. Additionally, “Radar” is heavily produced, but not to a point of detriment, and when blended with her (seemingly) lightly produced vocals it easily stands out amongst the pack. And while “Unusual You” has its blindingly apparent moments of vocal tampering, it’s far from coming close to the level autotune used in Cher’s “Believe;” produced in a way that would make Kanye and Lil Wayne blush with envy.
The biggest problem with Circus is that it sounds like Spears’ “best” tracks from her recording session have simply being tossed together without order. Sune Rose Wagner of The Raveonettes recently spoke on his band’s decision to release a string of EPs rather than a single album, “It’s a little bit more interesting to write and record four songs at a time than having to concentrate on 12-14 songs for a full length. This way you can do something new and exciting… I wish people just recorded singles instead of albums, actually.” Circus is a prime example of an album that should have been a series of EPs. The banger “If U Seek Amy” is rightly lumped with “Unusual You,” but the two standouts are surrounded by ballads and other tracks varying the album’s pace beyond the restraints of tolerance. Simply considering the volume of material produced for the album, four or five EPs could have easily released, each having at least one single, each revealing a different side to Spears. But as is the case, while being a surprisingly strong effort, Circus is too varied for its own good.
Is an onslaught of (mostly) refreshing material enough to reinforce the Dangerous comparison? Not really. But it’s her attitude tha’s helping influence her reintroduction to the epicenter of pop music. Rather than releasing an album of material furthering the public’s belief that she’s lost within her own reality, she’s putting songs out that suggest that she’s firm where she’s at right now. In “Womanizer” Spears hisses “You say I’m crazy, I got your crazy,” and while it’s a dimly lit stab at her naysayers it suggests that she’s coming to grips with her life. She’s not the most stable person in the world, but it is what it is. Circus doesn’t represent anything that would necessarily suggest that Britney is “back,” but rather, that she’s just here making some good songs – and for the first time in a very long time, she’s comfortable with that.
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Also: Britney Spears releases new single “3,” officially stops trying
“radar” was on her last album.
“Radar” is also the last track on Circus – thanks for checking the review out!
I personally think it’s one of her worst albums, she doesn’t try anything new, it’s the typical typical. It’s a clear lame attempt for her label to make some money, how convenient that her album is being released in December?….clearly they are not dumb, they know people will stuff their daughters stockings with her album! I hope on her next album she tries something different, instead of outdated songs! But that aside I think she’s a good person, and I am glad she has her life toghether again!
I won’t dispute the December release = Christmas sales comment, but (sadly this shows how much time I have on my hands) I watched an interview with Britney yesterday and she said that Circus is being released on her birthday, at her request… so, there’s that…
I can’t compare the album to anything else she’s done, because it’s honestly the first Britney Spears album I’ve listened to as a complete album, but it doesn’t sound outdated. It sounds like pop radio right now – it might one day sound dated, but it’s a solid representation of pop music in 2008.
britney is awesome and everyone is just jealous that no matter what she does she will always be relevant!Her new album will be great and it looks like another return of the era of Ms. Britney Spears.
i just got the chance to listen to it, it is just her best album so far, the most complete, very dancing, very cool and it’s just amazing honestly!
it’s going to rock 2009 , definitly!
I’m not a Britney fan but this album is very good, All you need from pop today and also check out Kanye west’s “808′s and heartbreaks”.
Agreed! Actually, got the review for 808s & Heartbreak up as well.
I like Circus. And in general I think her lyrics really represent her life.
Hey Chris, Nice review, I felt that the song ‘circus’ was crazy fresh. But I’m a sucker for that glitch move. If anyone wants the albums: http://www.mediafire.com/?hzyuyyyra2l
I think this album is very good! It has the pop feel, slower songs that reflect her feelings…”My Baby” is one of the last tracks, and it is a really cute lullaby for her kids. My favorites are “Kill the Lights”, “Circus”, and “Unusual You.”
i get radar fits in with the feel of circus but if she had to choose a song off blackout again i think she should have taken “get back” blackout so many other potential singals and breake the ice’s video did end with to be continued so dont know why she ran and did this more vocal album which i feel is weaker than blackout even weaker than in the zone, but i guess she sounds like girly but grown up girly britney frome bck in the day bost these albums…
This talk about Cher’s use of “autotune” on Believe because she couldn’t hit the notes is bad reporting. Look at this interview with the producer of the the record on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5a7z8j3Rao
the producer shows on his computer how she sang the song and notes just fine – the “robo-voice” was applied to actually “limit” her voice range to cause jumpy “stepping” effect similar to vocoders that rock bands used in the 70′s. You’re naive and have done no research at all if you don’t know the technology is so good these days that you will NEVER know if an artist’s voice is being manipulated in the studio to hit the notes. It’s done seamlessly so that you will never notice and think the artist can actually sing. This is why they have to bury a singer like Britney’s voice WAY back in the mix during concerts so you can’t hear how awful it really is. I like Britney and Cher, but for what it’s worth Cher can actually sing for real.
Was anything ever mentioned about Cher’s ability as a singer? That being said, she’s about as close to a female version of Michael McDonald as we might ever see – if you feel like defending that, go right ahead.
I like your review, I love this album, Britney is a pop phenomenen and will always be relevant. I love to watch her perform. Have a look at “Live in Las Vegas” and tell me thats not entertainment at its best.
What I don’t understand is how ya’ll are rating her new album when it isn’t even out. I will always love her music.
There are several problems with this review.
First and foremost, there are many factual inaccuracies.
First: “Womanizer” is not her first top hit since 1999. Think about “Toxic”, “Gimme More”, and other singles from the Oops I Did It Again! album that hit #1.
Secondly, “Dangerous” was Michael’s THIRD #1 album as a solo artist. Have you forgotten “Bad” in 1987?
Really appreciate you taking the time to check me on these. “Womanizer” is Spears’ first number one single on the Billboard Hot 100 since “…Baby One More Time.” She has had other singles peak on other charts, the dance chart for instance, but “Womanizer” is remarkably her second #1 single. “Toxic” peaked at #9, “Gimme More” #3 and the highest charting single from “Oops!… I Did It Again” was the title track, peaking at #9.
I don’t know what I was thinking in saying that “Dangerous” was Jackson’s second chart-topping release, it’s just like you called it – #3.
love the new Britney!
she’s such a freak.
the album is ok, but wish
my fave indietronica boy’s Nite Club from Brooklyn did some production
their sound is more lo-fi fun!
http://www.myspace.com/niteclubmusic
well i have to say that i really like her new album! Its fresh, its good, it’s BRITNEY!!
nice review, i just oredered circus and 808s by kanye! woooooooo
I brought “CIRCUS†yesterday. My favorite songs from the album are Shattered Glass, Womanizer and Circus. I really hope that this album is successful for Britney Spears. I watched her documentary Britney: For the Record. She is so “Down to Earth.†And I believe she is a very Sweet Girl. She looks Terrific! And I am so happy that she has gotten her life back together! Best Wishes and much more Success to Britney Spears!!!
I waited months for circus and am seriously let down. I loved every song on blackout and expected more of the same edgy sounds from circus but it seems besides womanizer and circus this album will be quickly forgotten.
This new CD is a little different than what she normally does but it WILL be a hit and extremely successful!! Our Britney is back! No matter how many haters she has, she will always be on top.. I wish her much luck for the future! Britney is #1!!!
Does anyone know the difference between Radar on Blackout and Radar on Circus?
Any inclinations on why Radar was repeated?
brilliant review u got every detail spot on. I also felt a little uncomfortable about the order of the songs. doesn’t really give you time to prepare for em. Bt hey hit shuffle n pretend it was that way the whole time and i think you’d be ok. I wasn’t the biggest fan of britney but you have to really be a hater to think this album is completely useless. If you don’t like even “circus” or “womanizer” then u have a strange taste in music
I like the title track & “Lace and Leather” a lot. “Mannequin” is pretty good, too. But I’ve been a bit of a fan, especially since her ‘Britney’ album. Benny Blanco produced the track “Circus” and a couple other tracks on the record. He did that album with Spank Rock, Bangers and Cash. Good stuff! I wonder how Spears got hooked up with him. She’s always got her hands on top-notch producers.
with money comes opportunities, right? add a notable brand and a bit of talent, and pow – Benny Blanco’s involved
I LOVE THIS ALBUM! I agree with the other person that the Blackout was her best album to date and it didnt get the props it deserved! Besides Heaven on Earth every Track was slammin! My favorite on Circus is If You Seek Amy. F.U.C.K Me! Get it! and Circus and UnUsual You r the best. Oh i found trouble to be really good to.
I found extra tracks online Amnesia,and Candy from Strangers,and Trouble. I found them on limewire and found these to be better then alot of the songs on the album. So if you dont have them look them up they r worth takin the time.
Candy from Strangers is NOT a Britney song, its by a completely different singer who goes by the name of MyahMusic.
love b’s newww music:)
update – new video for If U Seek Amy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TieLge42MbE
Damn this girl knows how to make hits!!!
I really love this album, i even make this bad taste mashup remix, i’m from mexico & britney Dance cumbia.
check this out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dh0D_3serOw
I bought Britneys new C.D like over two months ago, and i still havent gotten over it. Its surprising that despite all the emotional baggage this girl has had to endure, she really pulled her act in well and created this exceptional soundtrack, i love her songs… SHATTERED GLASS, it plays out like an omnious message to Kevin Federline, its as if she forewarning him that now shes back on top he is going to be haunted by her constant fame and he sure enough will want her back. yet in the chorus she stabs that yearning by the razor repition of …like shattered glass, she is letting him know that it is over and done with once and for all. this pop queen is here to stay, so all hail the queen.
I’m not a fan of Britney in that I don’t agree with her actions, but I do realize she’s a human being. That and I have to say I really like this album and enjoy most of her songs. She sounds quite similar to Madonna in certain parts.
Also I’m not really much of a critic. I don’t focus on the fact her voice is airbrushed, nor do I think about the lurid details of her personal life. And this is because all singers have these agendas. They all go through that to some extent except her appearance, infamy and actions caused her to be propelled to be the forefront above anyone else. Her response just adds more fuel to the fire.
In the end I actually feel sorry for her as she will never have a normal life. Yes she is drowning in money but there are some things money can’t buy. At least she seems to enjoy it now.
i just want to respond to the asswhole VANNA who don’t have a life :
u said britney doesn’t try anythign new well let’s see :
first album = pop album similar to the album oops i did it again
third album=well if u haven’t notice , slave 4 u and boys are very different from her old songs , it was a new type of pop
fourth album: this album was the most different album ever , she had R&B SONGS “i got that boom boom”,”outrageous” , she had reggaton songs “hook up” she had sexy songs “breathe on me” “touch of my hand” totally different vibe and beat.
5 album : she changed her style and started doing more electro pop songs like piece of me , gimme more …
6th album :circus : well let’s say u dumbass she tried new different style : like : lace and lather it’s a 70′s vibe , unusual you : it’s a electro ballad , mmm papi : very different and bubily
blur : r&b MANNEQUIN : unique song !!!!! …..
so get a life honey !!!!!!!!
sonnetceles if ur not a brit fan.. wat ru doing on her site?
on this site. !
What an amazing review! there’s always an uncredited man’s voice on all her songs…it’s the same person, Madonna as well, All her songs too have the same man singing background…& in many of her songs their is no credit for a male vocalist however, there it is… anyone can plainly hear it!
I LOVE most o songs incl Bonus tracks, but blur and mannequin are a bit weird:p
She’s Great!! I Love herr!