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Amazon.co.uk Review
Featuring a flurry of musical moods from a variety of producers--everyone from The Outsyders and Lil to Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins and Lady Gaga--Britney's new album, Circus is clearly a determined effort to haul herself back to the top of the pops after a particularly rocky year. Lead single “Womanizer", with its stuttering drumbeat, buzzing synths and hooky chorus, is reminiscent of the album's other sonic firework, the raunchy “If U Seek Amy". These fiery missives indicate that Britney is back on form--but many other songs come across as damp squibs in comparison. Her extensive use of Auto-Tune adds a robotic aspect to her voice, rendering certain songs less engaging than they could be (the 80s electro of “Leather & Lace" and the title track are two examples). Opener “Mannequin", the ballad “Out from Under" and “Kill the Lights" (a song about the paparazzi) come close to previous form, but still lack the essential spark needed to make Circus the album it could --and should--have been. --Danny McKenna
Review
Arriving little over 12 months since her last album Blackout, Circus is designed to put Britney firmly back in people's minds as a pop star rather than a daily source of gossip. Although ''It's Britney, Bitch'' may be unforgettable, this album, her 6th, arrives with manager Larry Rudolph back in charge and Britney herself sounding less like some producers have artificially recreated her voice just to be able to release an album.
Circus, echoes its title through the album with unnerving beats and creepy riffs. Innocent little Britney that we knew ten years ago can hardly smile sweetly any more after such a public breakdown, so as expected it's an album of dark electronic drums pausing only briefly to be demure on the restrained Out From Under and in the bizarre pastel colours of the cover artwork.
Announced as 'the former princess now the queen of pop' on the aggressive Kill The Lights, Britney sets her self up for a meeting with the paparazzi declaring, ''All the flashing trying to cash in hurts my eyes''. Like a sequel to Piece of Me, Britney battles through the frantic chorus with her hatred of Lights, Camera, Actions. Conversely, on title track, Circus, she loves the attention being shone directly on her as the ''ringleader'' as she sings of adrenaline flowing through her veins when it's time to put on a show. The more heavily produced a track is the better, with Lace And Leather pounding with dark industrial beats, and the crude pun of If You Seek Amy, in which Britney returns to super producer Max Martin pushing its way out as album highlight - it's ''ha ha he he ha ha ho'' chorus centered over playful yet sleazy drums that will be irresistible to dance to.
Despite this, there are perhaps one too many tracks that fall flat. We don't want to hear Britney sing acoustically on My Baby or messing about with silly voices on the nauseating Mmm Papi. We want Womanizer with its over repetitive chorus, and slamming sirens. Britney 2.0 needs to be full of wild dancefloor driven moves, and when Circus gets them, only then does it excel. --Talia Kraines
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
It didn't happen overnight, but Britney is back to the one woman pop machine she used to be. While 'Blackout' was a great album it got lost along the way during all the drama, but it's here, album number 6, and what an album it has turned out to be. The albums sound seems to be an equal mix of Blackout and the Britney of years ago. It's not quite as electronic as Blackout and brings back more of Britney's personality in to the album. This is the first album since 2001's 'Britney' that she has collaborated with Max Martin, also Danja is back producing along with Bloodshy & Avant. New producers (The Outsyders & The Underdogs)have been brought in too to make sure the album isn't too predictable. The only slight let down is (surprisingly) the Bloodshy & Avant production. 'Unusual You' is just not up to their previous work together, its not bad just a bit bland next to the other tracks.
This album is every bit as solid as Blackout was, whilst not every song is amazing, none are at all bad. Lead single 'Womanizer' is certainatly a great song, catchy, fast and not too deep, but that's just for starters. It is definately not the best song on the album. Next single lined up is Dr Luke produced 'Circus' which is 100 times better again than Womanizer. It moves at a slower pace but the beat is heavier & the songs feel overall is darker. Pure brilliance!! Other great tracks include 'If You Seek Amy' which is a really catchy song (helped along by the play on words (",)). One thing that Blackout was missing was a genuinely emotional ballad and Circus serves up a great one 'Out From Under' which discusses finding your feet after the breakdown of a relationship. A really genuine song from Britney. 'Lace & Leather' and Danja produced 'Kill The Lights' are yet more great tracks from the set. 'Kill The Lights' runs the same track as Piece of Me - an anti-paparazzi track which although not as catchy, is definately better written than 'Piece Of Me', 'Lace & Leather' delves into something a little raunchier. Despite all these great tracks, there is one which stands head and shoulders above the rest, and that is 'Mannequin'. Produced by The Underdogs this song is fueled by a thumping bassline, swirls of synthesisers and so much energy the speakers nearly melt. Yurn this track up and feel the hairs on the back of yor neck stand on end!! A brilliant song brimming with energy. One of the best she has done.
Overall, this a great great geat album, a total return to form for Britney taking her current sound forward whilst reincorporating the good bits of the old Britney back in again. With several bonus tracks about too such as 'Rock Me In' 'Phonography' 'Trouble' and 'Amnesia' (depending on what edition you get) there is plently of new Britney to enjoy. This is the last step in achieving the full comeback. Fantastic.
This album is every bit as solid as Blackout was, whilst not every song is amazing, none are at all bad. Lead single 'Womanizer' is certainatly a great song, catchy, fast and not too deep, but that's just for starters. It is definately not the best song on the album. Next single lined up is Dr Luke produced 'Circus' which is 100 times better again than Womanizer. It moves at a slower pace but the beat is heavier & the songs feel overall is darker. Pure brilliance!! Other great tracks include 'If You Seek Amy' which is a really catchy song (helped along by the play on words (",)). One thing that Blackout was missing was a genuinely emotional ballad and Circus serves up a great one 'Out From Under' which discusses finding your feet after the breakdown of a relationship. A really genuine song from Britney. 'Lace & Leather' and Danja produced 'Kill The Lights' are yet more great tracks from the set. 'Kill The Lights' runs the same track as Piece of Me - an anti-paparazzi track which although not as catchy, is definately better written than 'Piece Of Me', 'Lace & Leather' delves into something a little raunchier. Despite all these great tracks, there is one which stands head and shoulders above the rest, and that is 'Mannequin'. Produced by The Underdogs this song is fueled by a thumping bassline, swirls of synthesisers and so much energy the speakers nearly melt. Yurn this track up and feel the hairs on the back of yor neck stand on end!! A brilliant song brimming with energy. One of the best she has done.
Overall, this a great great geat album, a total return to form for Britney taking her current sound forward whilst reincorporating the good bits of the old Britney back in again. With several bonus tracks about too such as 'Rock Me In' 'Phonography' 'Trouble' and 'Amnesia' (depending on what edition you get) there is plently of new Britney to enjoy. This is the last step in achieving the full comeback. Fantastic.
16 of 18 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
It didn't happen overnight, but Britney is back to the one woman pop machine she used to be. While 'Blackout' was a great album it got lost along the way during all the drama, but it's here, album number 6, and what an album it has turned out to be. The albums sound seems to be an equal mix of Blackout and the Britney of years ago. It's not quite as electronic as Blackout and brings back more of Britney's personality in to the album. This is the first album since 2001's 'Britney' that she has collaborated with Max Martin, also Danja is back producing along with Bloodshy & Avant. New producers (The Outsyders & The Underdogs)have been brought in too to make sure the album isn't too predictable. The only slight let down is (surprisingly) the Bloodshy & Avant production. 'Unusual You' is just not up to their previous work together, its not bad just a bit bland next to the other tracks.
This album is every bit as solid as Blackout was, whilst not every song is amazing, none are at all bad. Lead single 'Womanizer' is certainatly a great song, catchy, fast and not too deep, but that's just for starters. It is definately not the best song on the album. Next single lined up is Dr Luke produced 'Circus' which is 100 times better again than Womanizer. It moves at a slower pace but the beat is heavier & the songs feel overall is darker. Pure brilliance!! Other great tracks include 'If You Seek Amy' which is a really catchy song (helped along by the play on words (",)). One thing that Blackout was missing was a genuinely emotional ballad and Circus serves up a great one 'Out From Under' which discusses finding your feet after the breakdown of a relationship. A really genuine song from Britney. 'Lace & Leather' and Danja produced 'Kill The Lights' are yet more great tracks from the set. 'Kill The Lights' runs the same track as Piece of Me - an anti-paparazzi track which although not as catchy, is definately better written than 'Piece Of Me', 'Lace & Leather' delves into something a little raunchier. Despite all these great tracks, there is one which stands head and shoulders above the rest, and that is 'Mannequin'. Produced by The Underdogs this song is fueled by a thumping bassline, swirls of synthesisers and so much energy the speakers nearly melt. Yurn this track up and feel the hairs on the back of yor neck stand on end!! A brilliant song brimming with energy. One of the best she has done.
Overall, this a great great geat album, a total return to form for Britney taking her current sound forward whilst reincorporating the good bits of the old Britney back in again. With several bonus tracks about too such as 'Rock Me In' 'Phonography' 'Trouble' and 'Amnesia' (depending on what edition you get) there is plently of new Britney to enjoy. This is the last step in achieving the full comeback. Fantastic.
This album is every bit as solid as Blackout was, whilst not every song is amazing, none are at all bad. Lead single 'Womanizer' is certainatly a great song, catchy, fast and not too deep, but that's just for starters. It is definately not the best song on the album. Next single lined up is Dr Luke produced 'Circus' which is 100 times better again than Womanizer. It moves at a slower pace but the beat is heavier & the songs feel overall is darker. Pure brilliance!! Other great tracks include 'If You Seek Amy' which is a really catchy song (helped along by the play on words (",)). One thing that Blackout was missing was a genuinely emotional ballad and Circus serves up a great one 'Out From Under' which discusses finding your feet after the breakdown of a relationship. A really genuine song from Britney. 'Lace & Leather' and Danja produced 'Kill The Lights' are yet more great tracks from the set. 'Kill The Lights' runs the same track as Piece of Me - an anti-paparazzi track which although not as catchy, is definately better written than 'Piece Of Me', 'Lace & Leather' delves into something a little raunchier. Despite all these great tracks, there is one which stands head and shoulders above the rest, and that is 'Mannequin'. Produced by The Underdogs this song is fueled by a thumping bassline, swirls of synthesisers and so much energy the speakers nearly melt. Yurn this track up and feel the hairs on the back of yor neck stand on end!! A brilliant song brimming with energy. One of the best she has done.
Overall, this a great great geat album, a total return to form for Britney taking her current sound forward whilst reincorporating the good bits of the old Britney back in again. With several bonus tracks about too such as 'Rock Me In' 'Phonography' 'Trouble' and 'Amnesia' (depending on what edition you get) there is plently of new Britney to enjoy. This is the last step in achieving the full comeback. Fantastic.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
So, one of the most highly anticipated albums of the year is finally here, but how does it measure up? Womanizer is a fabulous song, perfect pop, but when I first heard it, it just didn't jump out at me like Gimme More did last year. The case with the tracks' respective albums is the same. I was blown away by Blackout, it exceeded all my expectations with it's filthy, edgy, electro feel and banging beats. However, Circus is none of the above. I feel Britney and her team have taken a much safer approach to this album, whereas they threw caution to the wind on Blackout. The album is much more approachable than Blackout, and it seems that they are trying to stick in mainstream pop and appeal to as many people as possible. The songs are still catchy,a prime example being the title track. However, they often don't live up to their raunchy titles such as Lace and leather, a good song, but again I feel they're playing it safe.
Overall, this album is good, but lacks the edge that would have made it great. However, I would still recommend this to a wide audience of all ages.
Overall, this album is good, but lacks the edge that would have made it great. However, I would still recommend this to a wide audience of all ages.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
This album is like a balloon...
Yes. A balloon. For at the beginning of the album, the balloon is fully blown up for people to look at and go ooh. But round about... Read more
Published 6 months ago by DDGH
very good
very good communication, arrived within the delivery time and very prompt. Brillant to listen to and quick and easy to use either on a cd or on my computer to put onto my ipod.
Published 8 months ago by Katiecoo
Sorely let down
As far as I am concerned Britney has tried too hard to come back from her downfall and this album reflects it. It is nowhere near as good as it should be. Read more
Published 10 months ago by smellymelly
A good follow up to blackout
This cd is a great addition to any britney fan's collection and if you like the singles, you'll probably like the rest of the album. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Jill85
How Do You Follow Your Best......
On circus not very well its like she went 10 steps forward on blackout with dirty grimy synth laden electro and a whole load of hooks and then 5 steps back on Circus with an album... Read more
Published 22 months ago by Julia Havard
Still on top!
Ok let me just let you know from the start that i am a lifelong Britney fan, ever since baby one more time way back when buuuuuuut unfortunately i never actually got around to... Read more
Published on 1 Feb 2010 by FUTURESTARdelux
SHE'S OFFICIALLY BACK!!!!!!!!!
Having always been a Britney fan, and being one of those people who would dance and sing along to Womanizer whenever it's on, I had very high expectations for this album. Read more
Published on 11 Jan 2010 by Mrs. Sheryl Andrews
Best Pop album of 2008/09
One of the better albums that Britney Made. It is just like Blackout out but more upbeat and more pop With the lead Single Womanizer hitting the #1 spot everywhere that proves the... Read more
Published on 1 Jan 2010 by Paul Macinnes
cucurs
i love britny spers i love blakout and the baby one more time albem but ciruus is the best britny alubum evea i love it... Read more
Published on 18 Oct 2009
cucurs
i love britny spers i love blakout and the baby one more time albem but ciruus is the best britny alubum evea i love it... Read more
Published on 18 Oct 2009
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