Album review: Britney Spears' 'Circus'

It's time for the annual declaration: Britney Spears is not going away. Last year she might have seemed like a human Superfund site, oozing bad fumes and impossible to repair -- but in 13 short months, she's churned out a perfectly viable album that telegraphs self-awareness, sexual confidence and her most sought-after commodity, control.

"Circus" already has given her a big hit, the "Cabaret"-meets-"Flashdance"-flavored "Womanizer," and considering the expensive production credits neatly lined up on each track, more seem inevitable. Then there will be the tour, which should be great, if she can keep herself from crying uncontrollably because she misses her kids and the pressure's really getting her down. But hey, there's always Xanax.

As tabloid fodder, Spears remains a New Marilyn, embodying lust and disaster in every swing of her hips. Musically, she turned a corner with 2004's "Toxic," when she fully matured into her role as a vehicle for other people's experiments. Last year's "Blackout" worked well as daring dance-pop, but Spears was too absent for comfort. On many songs, her presence was almost indiscernible, carefully buried within layers of effects and heavy singing support from Keri Hilson and other studio A-listers.

Not so on "Circus," whose up-tempo songs foreground Spears' mildly sultry bark and whose ballads have her hiccuping emotion from deep in the back of her throat.

She's also game for any vocal tricks her producers suggest, squealing and giggling and even trying on a fairly horrific pan-Latin accent in "Mmm Papi." That song recalls nothing so much as Rosemary Clooney's "Come On-a My House," which came from the time when even great jazz singers sometimes made a buck by wearing fruit on their heads.

Clowning around

Obvious jokes fit in well on "Circus": With its dominatrix rhythms and loud, highly compressed mix, it's meant to slap listeners in the face. Spears' favorite producers, including Max Martin, Dr. Luke and Nathaniel "Danja" Hills, have settled on a style that updates vampy show-tune melodies with sharp, metallic effects. The cartoonish sound compensates for Spears' lack of range and lung power by allowing her to ham it up.

She does so with the skill of a lifelong child star. But the overall effect is hardening as one bump-and-grind fades into another.

The lyrics about Britney as mannequin, sex object, paparazzi victim and leather-clad mistress have grown tedious. When the wittiest one is based around an adolescent text-message-style joke, you know it's time to refocus.

That might be why "Unusual You," a ballad from Bloodshy & Avant, stands out. It goes for that shimmering waterfall mood first popularized by Janet Jackson rather than strict Madonna-style workouts.

For her son

The other notable slow song is "Baby," one of only two co-written by Spears. (The other is, forgive her, "Mmm Papi.") It's a clumsily phrased love letter to one -- which one, and why only one? -- of her sons, and though it's nowhere near as sophisticated as anything else on "Circus," it communicates some of the seam-bursting humanity that generates so much interest in Spears as a celebrity.

Hackneyed as it is, "Baby" is a reminder that Spears is still a young woman trying to manage an impossible situation.

But those aren't the thoughts "Circus" is meant to raise, and in general the album does a bang-up job of pushing them into the background.

And really, that tour is going to be great.

--Ann Powers

Britney Spears
"Circus"
(Jive/Zomba)
* * (2 stars)

Photos: Britney Spears' "Circus," courtesy of Jive Records. Spears performing at the Bambi Awards in Germany, courtesy AFP/Getty Images.

Comments

[Daisy]

man this is hilarious!
ppl love bagging on britney, and its true the internet is only used for complaining and porn! [i heard that on some show]
i HATE it when people say good music or good musician
ive met many people that can play just as well as other musicians
n besides musicians are much more different from POP singers, or RAPPERS, or R&B singers! mainly their songs are meant to be upbeat and be of many things
if you really liked music you would accept the fact that theres many genres in music as their is in movies. Everyone knows her voice is fake and they still support her, so what you should worry more about yourself than what others do unless its something dangerous, honestly and its true the more haters the more fame. you might hate her and yet you still bother to go out of your way and criticize her, dont say it was a waste of your breath because you chose to do it."We walk through the doors so accusing their eyes,like they have any right at all to criticize, hypocrites you're all here for the very same reason"-Anna Nalick

[Shtun]

I agree completely with Daisy and Nalick's quote. As for the other haters- shouldn't y'all be reading about "real music" somewhere else instead of wasting time reading/posting comments about this "no-talent creation"? She's been entertaining professionally for ten years guys, she must have a little bit of talent. I know she might not write most of her songs, and the songs that she writes may not be great, but overall she makes great POP music. Why does everyone complain so much? If y'all don't like it why cry about it? Go out and become an "ACTUAL MUSICIAN". Oh wait, I guess "Keith Richards, Bo Diddley or Frank Zappa" have already taken that title...right?

[Jon]

Sean K:

I happen to be a Brit fan, so let me see if I can help shed light on the situation.

Britney is more of a fun amusement and pop icon for me than she is a musician. If I want something well constructed, I most of the time turn to Beyonce, Alicia Keys, or Natasha Bedingfield (if I'm looking for female pop performers).

Britney represents the lighthearted, silliness of youth, whether it be in the clubs, incessantly dramatic romantic relationships, or general gravitating towards being 'shocking.'

And that is attractive.

[so so sad]

I never cease to laugh at people who say something does not even warrant any attention, yet they themselves take the time to type out comments about it online.

[Bluzulu]

LEAVE BRITNEY ALONE...SHE'S A HUUUUUUUMAAAANNN!!! sob sob...leave her alone!

[Jason in the ATL]

What a CRAP review... two stars? Did you actually listen to the CD? It is at least a 3.5...

[Toxic_Circus]

LOVE THIS ALBUM SO MUCH!! BUT WHY 2 STARS ONLY??? :(
SHE DESERVED MORE THAN THAT!!!!!

ANYWAY, KEEP BUY BRITNEY ALBUM TO BE THE MOST SELLING ALBUM IN HISTORY! :)

[Sean K]

LOL. The funniest argument in defense of this garbage is when people say "She's not a REAL MUSICIAN, she's an entertainer". LOL. Then why on earth is she making MUSIC if she's not a MUSICIAN? Someone who programs her stupid keyboard beats must at least THINK they're a musician. And I consider Aretha Franklin to be a legitimate MUSICIAN because vocalizing is techinically a form of instrumentation. But she is a REAL musician, not a marketing concept and a fraud. Maybe if you... oh god, nevermind.... I'm obviously arguing with 14 year old girls... what's the point?

[j]

BRITNEY IS BACK!!!

SHE STRUGGLE BUT THOSE STRUGGLES MAKE HER STRONGER!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!

IM VERY HAPPY FOR YOU!

[Sean K]

Shtun and so so sad: saying things like "If she's not important then why are you wasting your time complaining about her on here?" etc. shows a complete lack of critical thinking ability. I don't have to care about the person, Brittany Spears, in order to care about the negative impact she has on art and culture any more than I have to care about Sarah Palin, for example, in order to care about what her negative impact on society would be. If her ticket had won, I'd still be online "complaining" about her. I don't see how that validates her one bit. What I do care about (and you apparently don't) is the American culture in general and how it's being dumbed down and eroded. In the 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's the 60's the 70's and the 90's American music was the envy of the free world. Blues, Bluegrass, Country, Rock n Roll, Hip Hop, Alternative Rock, all were valid musical movements with real artistic integrity. Now it's the 80's all over again and the airwaves are covered with slime.

[sandra5000]

I think the album is pretty good.
love her new trashy self!
wish she worked with my favorite Brooklyn
Up and comers Nite Club.
i could tell her producer's been checking them out
for the past year!

http://www.myspace.com/niteclubmusic

[Hope]

The media is incapable of being honest about this media created popstar. They make money off of her and they don't care that she doesn't contribute anything to the artform or to the world in general. Britney is the only singer whose voice never makes an appearance in an album review. Not one reviewer mentions that she cannot sing and that what voice is heard is created in the studio. Yet, we hear about Christina oversinging, the vocal excesses of Mariah, a detailed analysis of Beyonce's latest cd, or the strengths and weaknesses of Alicia's music but Britney is teflon. Any bad review goes to the content of the song or the arrangement, nothing is her fault. There are no serious critiques because her mindless fans will buy whatever she is selling regardless of how trite or unimaginative. And the corporate media is giving a wink and a nod to this talentless woman who seems to have one set of rules and most other "artists" a different set.

[beef jerky]

When are people gonna realize that BRITNEY SPEARS is not a SINGER or a MUSICIAN. She is what you call an ENTERTAINER. She needs theatrics and special effects. Yes, She is no Christina Aguilera, Beyonce or Mariah because she is her own image. She is not of the same league as them anymore. She is a POP CULTURE PHENOMENON.

[Sean K]

beef jerky: I would agree 100% if you just added four words to the end of your message: "and therefore, she sucks".

[julie]

hope- what are you talking about? Every review I've read bashes Britney's vocals including this one. I still love her voice though. I'm not going to listen to a bunch of whiners try to tell me what a "real artist" should sound like. Britney's voice may not be powerful but it's very pleasant. Which is more than I could say for some "real artists" who sound like they're screaming while being choked.

[Jennifer]

Sean K and all others.... Its called "Choise" you don't like it don't listen and why even waste you're time writing an opinion? My husband shares you're same thoughts but can care less and wouldnt waste his time even reading an article that has to do with her nor with any other artisit that he has no respect for. But he respects my choise in music and although I know he dosen't understand why I love Britney he just lets it be. So get over it !!!

[JERRY]

LA TIMES needs to stop HATING on BRITNEY SPEARS,

This album in my view is 10/10.

The CIRCUS has different types of songs for everyone. Dance, Pop, ballads, funky fresh music.

EVERYONE CAN ENJOY THIS ALBUM!

It is very different and very unique. It brings Britney into a new light. Haters like LA Times are always hating on Britney,

[wasasinger]

It cracks me up that anytime a reviewer doesn't like an album, they are labled a hater. This is not a perfect world, where everyone is going to think the exact same about everything.

I happen to agree with Miss Powers and thought she was being generous by giving this CD 2 stars. I thought I was listening to a Jessica Simpson album for a while with the thin wispy and baby sounding voice.

Sure she will sell a lot, only because she has a huge fan base, but I can't see this album having the legs to sell consistantly over the course of the next several months.

I also think you should get your tour tickets for the early shows, because I have a feeling that she will get half way through the tour and pull out citing, god knowa what excuse this time. In other words, I think it is too much, too soon for Miss Spears.

[Leah]

Seriously? 2 stars? What a load of crap. I bought the CD yesterday just because I was curious -- I haven't owned a Britney album since "Britney"-- I bought it, and I was very well satisfied. It's a great CD and deserves 4 stars. Britney's back, and no matter how many people are against it.... it's happening.

[Zane]

The 2 stars suprised me, honestly. The review sounded like a positive one. Anyways, I like the album, but not as much as "Blackout." "Blackout" was totally different from what Britney usually does - it was edgy, loud, danceable. The hooks on "Blackout" were incredible, shown in such songs as "Radar" and "Hot As Ice." She even went ahead and did a few songs Rihanna nor Christina would EVER do: "Get Naked (I Got A Plan)," which is an incredible song. The same goes for "Freakshow," a short, irristible electro jam. However, "Circus" doesn't seem to have the same great or danceable songs found on "Blackout." The songs aren't even as good, but still good nonetheless. The best tracks on "Circus" are "Womanizer," the title track, "If U Seek Amy" and "Unusual You." Well, at least she sounds more engaged in "Circus," even if she's not in charge (Larry Rudolph was in chage of this one), but does co-write a few songs ("Mmm Papi," "Mannequin," "My Baby"), while Dr. Luke, Max Martin and Bloodshy & Avant provide some short fun dance numbers.

[Lola]

This is what I don't understand: Why do you insists on bashing her? If you don't like her then go listen to your "real musicians" and shut up. Art is largely opinion based. What you might not like, millions of people will.

[hairlesscat]

Wow! Obviously some people can't handle others having an opinion that isn't "OMG! I LOVELOVELOVE Britney Spears XD".

[B Rai]

Wow..... I like Britney! Lol it's cool that some people don't though. I don't like ICP and no one really bashes me for it. Let haters hate! And why do most people bash Blackout? I thought it was awesome! Maybe cuz brit had very little to do with it? Dunno..... seriously, Blackout was amazing. The reviewer at Rolling Stone put it best when he said "Blackout is, surprisingly, a solid album that rewards careful listening, with not a bad song to be found". Circus though..... not so much! A couple songs are pretty hot... Shattered Glass, Kill the Lights, Unusual You....... her tour is gonna be awesome. I live in CO and i'm seeing her show in Salt Lake, Utah. Can't wait!!!!!!!!!

[sohbet]

best album in 2008 we will wellcome back britney

[Marc]

...And yet we're all sitting here typing furiously about Britney Spears.

What most posters here (and the general public) fail to realize is that Britney Spears is not about talent. This whole thing is not about musicianship or vocal ability or art. She and the entirety of career are about marketing and revenue.

Sean K is completely correct: Britney Spears has no talent and is a vacuous piece of empty fluff. She has no voice, no skill, no dance talent and no artistic soul. She has nothing to say. But she has that one ingredient which makes us read this story and why we all write about her: She has that intangible charisma that makes her intriguing.

You think I enjoyed writing that? No. But it's a fact. Britney Spears will always be in the public eye. It doesn't matter that her life is a train wreck or that her talent is nothing more than technology and really good vocal coaches and personal trainers. She, for that timeless reason, MAKES us want to watch her.

I worked with a talent/entertainment management company for a time and was heavily involved with musical (and other) talent. Do you know what the "catch" phrase is in the talent world about what makes a girl a star? It's this: "When most men WANT her and most girls want to BE her."

That's it folks. Britney has that quality. Talent? no. Star quality, charisma, "that special aura"? yes. In spades. You can't learn it, it cannot be trained, it cannot appear where there is none. You either have that or you don't. Marilyn Monroe had it. Madonna has it and the list goes on and on. It's not about her talent- that can be created artificially. The fact is we watch her because we can't NOT watch her.

Remember when her first video came out? It was the talk of the country. Aside from awakening the prurient interests of every male from here to Timbuktu, she came on like an atomic bomb. Did you ask yourselves why? Yeah, she was hot, but there are millions of hot young girls all over the entertainment world. She sang well. Ehhh, not really. She has SUCH a below-average voice. She danced. Yeah, I've seen better dancing at every amateur dance studio in the country.

No, we reacted because she has that certain something. That intangible, untouchable, immeasurable quality that very few are lucky to be born with. Britney Spears has that and- much to my and many other's chagrin and frustration- she will always have a career. Those are the facts, plain and simple..