In The Zone [Enhanced]

Here is a run down of the Songs.

Me Against the Music - You've probably heard this now, its so catchy. Its Britneys version of Christina's "Dirrty". This is going to be on in all the Clubs around the UK, its so good for dancing to with friends. Its a dancey song, you can't keep still. Its sexy and smooth and it features the amazing Madonna. What more could you want in a Song 9/10

(I got that) Boom Boom - Don't be fooled by the start of this. It starts a little slowly and your about to turn it onto the next song when Britney's voice comes in. It features some rap parts in by Ying Yang. I promise if you wait about a minute into the song it grows quickly. The Chorus is definately worth waiting for. Britneys voice is suited to the sexy, slower beat to this song 10/10

Showdown - This is another one that you have to stick with for it to get better. A original beat, this is quite different to everything else. Britneys breathy style is great for this type of song. Listen to the lyrics in this Song, they're clever "Here comes the Showdown, what comes around goes around" 9/10

Breathe on Me - This is a 'Kylie Minogue' style song and reminds me a little of 'Slow' I think this might have been produced by Kylies producers. Its slow and VERY breathy but it works for Britneys voice. The best way to describe this is to say its a mixture of Danii Minogue and Kylie Minogue 7/10

Early Mornin - Not to sure on this Song, its not as catchy as the others. Its quite Urban rather than something you'd dance to. This is a slightly grown up Song for Britney, not completely sure if she pulls it off or not. Still I wouldn't say its awful, its a song that will grow on you 7/10

Toxic - WOW! Another fast one. Remember Abs Song 'Miss Perfect', this sounds JUST like that to begin with. It has a fast beat and is fast paced, slightly Kylie Minogue towards the Chorus but the Chorus reminds me a little of Rachel Stevens. I think though, despite sounding 'Similar' to other people, you'd still know its Britney due to that distinctive voice. This is a clever song, its a bit of a gamble song but it works and she pulls it off 9/10

Outrageous - Written by R Kelly, I'm not surprised this is that sort of style song. Its a little like 'In Da Club' by 50 Cent. Big bass and smooth lyrics, the lyrics are a little explicit but it works for the song. I'm not that keen on this Song, I think its a bit 'Nasty' for Britney but I'm sure other people will like it 6/10

Touch of my Hand - How refreshing to see a Artist not be scared to try new styles. This has a Eastern beat to it in parts and is the closest thing you'd get to a 'Ballad' on this Album. This is a brilliant Track, I fell for it as soon as I heard it. I think its because I like anything Eastern, so it clicked for me 9/10

The Hook Up - Some more rapping at the start of this, this is another 'Club' Song and something you'd dance to on a Saturday night. This has a slight R and B flavour to it I think its safe to say that its almost a Jamaican influenced Song. Listen to it and you'll see what I mean. Think Beyonce! 8/10

Shadow - This is a 'Safe' Song, you always get some on a Album that are like this. Its slow and the best way to describe it, is that its like 'Background Music' you play when your doing things. The Chorus is better than the Verses and is more catchy and effective. Quite a slow song, listen to the Chorus which is worth the wait 8/10

Brave New Girl - So different to her usual style. This is a mixture, its hard to say what it sounds like. Its a little like a mix of Girls Aloud and Holly Valance but it has Britneys own spin on it. I've never heard her sing in this way before, its faster than she normally sings. Rather 80's Electric Disco is the words I'd use for the Verse, but when the Chorus kicks in it slightly becomes more 'Pop'. I can imagine this Song being on a Film 8/10

Everytime - Similar to the style of Mandy Moore and AS good if not better. Slightly Delta Goodrem as well, but in her own style. This is the only real 'Ballad' on the Album, beautiful words. I think this is the Song she penned for Justin Timberlake, if not then its been written about someone. This is a heartfelt song, Britney does seem to put a lot into this Song. Its so beautful "Everytime I try to fly without my Wings, I feel so small" I think this is one of her BEST ballads and she sings in a grown up way compared to her earlier music where her voice is slightly breaking 10/10

Me Against the Music/Remix - You normally get Remix vesions, I prefer the original but this is just been put on for a bit of fun. Has a slight Eastern/Arabian beat to it 6/10

The Answer - Remember 'Bombastic' off her last Album? This could easily follow on from that. It sounds like a follow on, similar style. Great beat and toe tapping, this is a great Song. I wouldn't say its the best on the Album but its good 7/10

Don't Hang Up - I thought this would be a fast Song but its a medium tempo song. This reminds me of some of the Songs on her last Album, in between fast and slow. Another 'Safe' Song I think, not an exceptional one 8/10

OUTSTANDING TRACKS - Me Against the Music, (I Got That) Boom Boom, Toxic, Touch of my Hand, Everytime

AVERAGE TRACKS - Breathe on Me, Early Mornin', Shadow (Though the Chorus could be put into 'Outstanding Tracks' the Verse lets it down)

BELOW AVERAGE TRACKS - Outrageous (Sorry just didn't like this style on Britney, it doesn't completely suit her)

Good Tracks out of 15? I would probably say 12.

Phew! The one thing I would say about this Album is that its obvious Britney has been experimenting with different producers. Her styles are so varied in this Album, its rather different from her last Album and a million miles apart from her FIRST Album which was full of 'Pop'. Britneys grown up into a young woman who is experimenting with her image and her sexuality. Theres nothing wrong with that - In that sense she reminds me of a younger Madonna, always reinventing herself. This Album will do better than her last, it IS better than her last, it deserves 5 Stars.

AMAZING! STUNNING! GO BUY IT!

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However, with "In The Zone", this has all changed. I am now a Britney fanatic, and with an album under her belt like this, I'm damn proud of it! Although not instantly loveable, by the third listen through of the CD, I was hooked. The thing that hits you the most is that while all songs on here could essentially be classified as pop songs, they are all eclectic and different from one another.

"Me Against The Music" is the funky lead off and easily one of the best songs of 2003. Catchy dance-pop, unlike anything else currently out there. This shows the Queen - Madonna, and the Princess - Britney, of Pop doing what they do best.

"I Got That Boom Boom!", "Showdown" and "The Hook Up" are catchy little r&b numbers, all different and full of great hooks that'll keep them in your head all day. "Breathe On Me" is the best track on the album, a Kylie-esque dance number, however done with Britney's breathy vocals, which are actualyl stronger than Kylie's here, and with stunning production. A pure club stormer.

"Everytime" is the pick of the couple of ballads with its sweet sound, and follow up single "Toxic" is the best of the pure pop tracks of Britney doing what she does best.

If you like Britney, check it out. If you just like pop music in general, this is one CD you need to have - Britney is on top of the charts and is the top of her game. "In The Zone" is gonna keep her there!

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