Circus

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.

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.

Forget little girl Britney, this album is very grown up and definitly worth a listen!