For Ms. Britney Spears the last couple of years saw episodes of personal struggles, a second child, messy divorce and then 2007's Blackout! Circus' predecessor Blackout was almost like a boat sailing and soaring with absolutely no wind to push it along. When you consider the only official 'promotional' performance stint was Britney’s now infamous performance at the VMA's, it did quite well commercially. In fact, the album featured a mish-mash of hot producers giving Spears a new, ultra-modern sound which shouldn't have worked with her voice but totally did.
On the contrary, when we look at the successful rehab trips, hair growth and custody settlement which led up to the follow-up 'Circus' (let's take a second to appreciate the album title!) the spotlight is bright and shining more than ever on the 27 year old as she finally seems to be in some way in control of her music again. With Blackout, Spears was credited with co-writing two songs on the album and while it was insanely catchy she really didn’t seem to have a major input in the making. But thankfully, now she is in the possession of the cane, tails and top hat on this great record.
The edgy sound which gained her legions of new fans on blackout is still somewhat present (most notably on the future club hit 'Kill the lights') but the filthy electro is now making for a cleaner more together sound. Where Blackout excelled in the ballads, Circus falls off the wire on certain tracks. 'Out from under' and 'My baby' seem weak both lyrically and emotionally as Spears' limited vocal range is exposed. Nevertheless, this is a minor set-back as the beautiful and heart-felt 'Unusual you' makes it up.. Well nearly.
This album is certainly something to dance around your room to though, I can’t imagine how many boys have done it already. Some tracks are ridiculously addictive. Title-track 'Circus' has a thumping chorus unable to resist, where first single 'Womanizer' makes for the perfect 'in your face' entrance. 'If you seek Amy' is definitely a stand out track also, putting Britters back on the top of her game as someone who consistently records amazing dance songs. This Circus may not be as spontaneous, irresistibly sleezy or controversial as it's predecessor but it does highlight a ringleader in control and in the centre of her creations and after all.. Isn't that a show worth going too see?
Written by Sean McGirr
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