Britney Spears
“Circus”
RATING: 3 EXCLAMATION POINTS
Britney Spears’ latest album, “Circus,” overflows with smart, savvy dance pop — the kind of songs that create the perfect escapist soundtrack for these downsized times. The hit “Womanizer” is only the beginning of the radio-ready barrage Spears is about to throw down. The title track is another sleek dance-floor filler, as is the dizzying “Mannequin.” And she has the disco-influenced “Lace and Leather,” with its scratch guitar and Chic-inspired bass line.
It’s all part of what seems like a new direction for Spears, one that values musicianship. She also tackles some ballads that accomplish their missions. “Out From Under” shows how her voice, which still is limited, can carry a song, even with spare accompaniment, while “My Baby” is a bit schmaltzy, as it conveys how Spears is a loving mother now.
With “Circus,” Spears has delivered the biggest shock of all — compelling reasons to reverse her cartoon-like tabloid image and take her seriously as a singer.
1999
Album: “… Baby One More Time”
Albums sold: 14 MILLION
2000
Album: “Oops! … I Did It Again”
Albums sold: 10 MILLION
2001
Album: “Britney”
Albums sold: 4 MILLION
2003
Album: “In the zone”
Albums sold: 2 MILLION
2007
Album: “Blackout”
Albums sold: 900,000
