Britney Spears - “Blackout”

October 30th, 2007

Britney Spears - “Blackout” - 4.5/5

After all the clubbing, hair-cutting, umbrella swinging, rehabbing, divorcing, hit-and-running, and child custody battling, you’d think Britney Spears might just want to take a long, much-deserved vacation far, far away. But, despite the year of pure hell Britney Spears somehow managed to black it all out and record a new album.

And, what an album it is. Featuring 12 deliciously addicting tracks, “Blackout” is undeniably the best pop album in years. It may be hard to believe, we were even surprised, but it’s true nonetheless.

1. Gimme More - Though her MTV VMA performance didn’t do the song justice by far, the song stands on its on as a bona fide hit. 4/5

2. Piece of Me - The song is heavy in electronic beats and Britney’s voice is blatantly over-produced, but it is a terrific song. Britney begins with, “I’m Miss American Dream since I was seventeen.” She goes on to sing, “I’m Mrs. Oh my God that Britney’s Shameless.” It’s obvious by the second song that this is not just a generic album that Britney or her label has thrown out there to cash in on the controversy, this is Britney’s comeback. 4.5/5

3. Radar - What does it take to be Britney’s man? In case you haven’t caught onto her taste in men, she spells it out for you. “Confidence is a must. Happiness is a plus. Edginess is a rush. Edges I like them rough. A man with a midas touch. Intoxicate me. I’m a rush. Stop you’re making me blush. People are looking at us.” That is just the first line, Britney lays it all out there as to what you better have if you want on her radar. 4.5/5

4. Break the Ice - If you’re having a little trouble getting warmed up, Britney knows just how to break the ice, in fact she’ll have you “hot, hot, hot” before you know it. This is reportedly going to be the next single. 4/5

5. Heaven on Earth - Britney’s in love with you. “Your perfect smile. My favorite kiss. Your perfect skin. Your perfect smile,” Britney sings. This is one of the only cheesy, happy go lucky tracks, but it’s a grown-up cheesy, not “Oops… I did it again” cheesy at least. 4/5

6. Get Naked (I Got A Plan) - This could quite possibly be the theme song for Britney’s sexed up year. We’ve heard all about her one night stands from the rumored sex tape fling in Hawaii to the much publicized “pool party” at an L.A. hotel. “My body is calling out for you bad boy. I get the feeling that I just want to be with ya.Baby, I’m a freak and I don’t really give a damn.I’m crazy as a motherfucker. Bet that on ya man.” 4/5

7. Freakshow - I’ll buy season tickets to this freakshow. Britney’s ready to tear the club up. “Make them clap when we perform. Wanna be crazy we can show ‘em. Dancin’ table top freak, freaky. So outside the norm. I’m some superstar ish, ish. Christian hot, Bugatti whips. Hope the new designer fits. We can do it if you wish?” 4.5/5

8. Toy Soldier - Britney’s sick of boys that don’t know how to handle her. She’s sick of toy soldiers. She knows what she wants and she’s going to get it, damn it. “I want it more than ever now. Realize the dangers. Like a princess supposed to get. That’s why I’m dusting off my feelings. Coming back looking delicious. Yes I know they wanna kiss ya. Now I hold them at attention. ‘Cause new Britney’s on a mission.” 4.5/5

9. Hot As Ice - Damn, she’s hot as ice, or is that cold as fire. “To see your foolishness and fuckery. And handling my business. Holler if you hear me. Hey, can I get a witness. Preach it, preach it. I’m the teacher, you can learn. Watch your fingers, boy. You might get burned. ‘Cause I’m cold as fire baby, hot as ice. If you’ve ever been to heaven, this is twice as nice. I’m cold as fire baby, hot as ice. If you’ve ever been to heaven, this is twice as nice.” 4/5

10. Ooh Ooh Baby - The song begins with what could almost be a Spanish beat. Britney goes into what at this point is starting to be somewhat of a repetitive theme; she’s telling her man how she wants to be touched. Despite the repetitive theme the song is catchy. 4/5

11. Perfect Lover - Another song theme with Britney lusting for some loving. Again, despite the same theme Britney manages to turn what could be a boring song into a catchy tune. 3.5/5

12. Why Should I Be Sad - This is the only slow track on the album and it’s by Pharrell Williams and the Neptunes. Unfortunately, they really do a poor job at showcasing their talents here. Pharrell wrote the song after reading all the headlines about Britney’s struggles this year and likely seeing some things about Britney’s life first-hand. The lyrics seem to be very personal for Britney detailing what her marriage to Kevin Federline was like. “Exchanged my vows and said it all. All my life prepared to fall. Even screamed at dinner for you. My friends said you would play me. But I just said they’re crazy. While I was crying frantic, was it true.” It’s not a bad song, but lacks that special something. 3.5/5

Overall, “Blackout” again is the best pop album in years. No, it isn’t any major artistic step, but it’s fun and it’s real. Britney’s not pretending to be an innocent school girl or stretching her vocals to be the next Mariah Carey. Some critics may say the album is too over-produced, but my response is: it’s Britney, bitch.

- Chad Kennedy, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Entry Filed under: CD Reviews, Pop