Spring Break
Spears' latest proves to be a musical spectacle
by Brad Stern
Staff Writer
Arts | 11/25/08
Posted online at 1:12 AM EST on 11/25/08
Then there's "If U Seek Amy." If you haven't already caught the obscure song title's ulterior meaning, try saying it three times fast. No? Try it slow. Still nothing? Give it a listen; I guarantee you'll get it eventually. The stomp-happy, horn-heavy swayer saunters in with a delicious amount of cheekiness, proving to be as much fun as the title implies. I can't thank producer Max Martin enough for this one, and more specifically, for his scribing of the chorus line, "All of the boys and all of the girls are begging to If U Seek Amy."
I know that now, compared to the impossible standards set by Britney's prior release, some fans will inevitably feel the pangs of disappointment as a result of this album's comparably tame sensibility. However, pop enthusiasts looking for a richer, more varied experience will find solace in Circus. From the pervish, wacky space vibes of "Mmm Papi," to the ultimate floor commander known as "Circus," to the sass' n' boots, glittering '80s stomp of "Leather & Lace," Circus offers a little taste of everything.
Yet, as odd as it sounds, the greatest gift of Circus is that the album remains wonderfully, humanly imperfect. Unlike the processed-to-perfection, robotic acrobatics of Blackout, the missteps and flaws pour out from Circus: Some of the songs are hardly instant or accessible ("Blur"), some feel incomplete ("Shattered Glass"), and some may even be off-putting to casual listeners ("My Baby"). Yet in this way, the experience feels legitimate, allowing a listener to find beauty within the flaws.
With a world tour in the works for early spring '09 and a scrumptious schedule of promo appearances for Britney merely weeks away, Circus has got the musical goods to keep the energy rolling for a lengthy amount of time. As a fan, I couldn't be happier with the output: Circus is Britney's return to grace, both in form and functionality. It demonstrates the sly confidence of the Britney of yesteryear in stunning dance floor stompers like "Circus," "Mannequin," and "If U Seek Amy," and the album also promises an eventual musical evolution. For "Unusual You," "Phonography" and "Blur" all offer hints at this subtle maturation; only time will tell if it will now blossom into something deeper.
Above all, Britney Spears has proven herself to be the entertainer I have always adored and will continue to love. The album is sweet, sexy, and entirely fulfilling. Perhaps the definitive album of the year, Circus delivers in its purpose: Pure, unapologetic pop unto its innermost parts.
I know that now, compared to the impossible standards set by Britney's prior release, some fans will inevitably feel the pangs of disappointment as a result of this album's comparably tame sensibility. However, pop enthusiasts looking for a richer, more varied experience will find solace in Circus. From the pervish, wacky space vibes of "Mmm Papi," to the ultimate floor commander known as "Circus," to the sass' n' boots, glittering '80s stomp of "Leather & Lace," Circus offers a little taste of everything.
Yet, as odd as it sounds, the greatest gift of Circus is that the album remains wonderfully, humanly imperfect. Unlike the processed-to-perfection, robotic acrobatics of Blackout, the missteps and flaws pour out from Circus: Some of the songs are hardly instant or accessible ("Blur"), some feel incomplete ("Shattered Glass"), and some may even be off-putting to casual listeners ("My Baby"). Yet in this way, the experience feels legitimate, allowing a listener to find beauty within the flaws.
With a world tour in the works for early spring '09 and a scrumptious schedule of promo appearances for Britney merely weeks away, Circus has got the musical goods to keep the energy rolling for a lengthy amount of time. As a fan, I couldn't be happier with the output: Circus is Britney's return to grace, both in form and functionality. It demonstrates the sly confidence of the Britney of yesteryear in stunning dance floor stompers like "Circus," "Mannequin," and "If U Seek Amy," and the album also promises an eventual musical evolution. For "Unusual You," "Phonography" and "Blur" all offer hints at this subtle maturation; only time will tell if it will now blossom into something deeper.
Above all, Britney Spears has proven herself to be the entertainer I have always adored and will continue to love. The album is sweet, sexy, and entirely fulfilling. Perhaps the definitive album of the year, Circus delivers in its purpose: Pure, unapologetic pop unto its innermost parts.
Be the first to comment on this story