Britney Spears “CIRCUS” Review

Here’s my review of Britney Spears’ “CIRCUS” album which came out in stores Tuesday (December 2nd). I bought the DELUXE Edition so I got 3 more extra songs added to the 12-song list plus a DVD which features the making of CIRCUS video with an exclusive interview with Britney, and a double-side poster as well. FYI, 4 songs from this album were co-written by Britney.

“Circus” (by Lukasz Gottwald, Claude Kelly and Benjamin Levin) is already #1 on iTunes. The title track is also #1 single and #1 in requested ringtones. That’s no surprise because I myself love the song. I preferred it over “Womanizer” (by Nikesha Briscoe, Rafael Akenyemi) actually. “Circus” has more lyrics, compare to “Womanizer”. Granted the latter sticks in your head for weeks with the “womanizer, womanizer, womanizer” part, but that’s pretty much it. “Circus” has more content. My favorite part is when it pops “I Am the ring leader, I call the shots, I’m like the firecracker, I make it hot“.

The 3rd track “Out From Under“  (by Shelly Peiken, ArnthorBirgisson, & Wayne Hector) is a sad song but I love it.  It’s about unrequited love, what could have been and definitely a breakup song. I was telling my friend last night that it sounded like it was written for both Justin Timberlake and Kevin Federline. She said she felt the same way when she heard it the first time too.

“You keep coming back to tell me, you’re the one who could have been… It was long ago and far away, but it never disappears… I don’t wanna dream about, all the things that never were. And maybe I can live without, when I’m out from under. I don’t wanna feel the pain, What good would it do me now. I’d get it all figured out, When I’m Out from Under”

Tell me that part doesn’t seem like it’s for Justin .

“So let me go, let me fly away. Let me fill this space between us. Growing deeper, and much darker everyday. Watch me now. And I’ll be someone new. My heart will be in broken. It will open up for everyone but you. Even when I crossed the line, it’s like a lie I told a thousand times”

Now tell me that second part doesn’t seem like it’s for Kevin . Accompanied with it’s somber music and Britney’s soft singing voice, you’ll feel apathy and will be able to relate with the song easily. Especially having an idea of what Britney has gone through.

“Kill The Lights” (by Nathaniel Hills, James Washington, Luke, Boyd, & Marcella Araica) did not mince any words. It’s about the paparazzi and tabloids. “Your words don’t stick, I ain’t perfect but you’re not either“. Enough said.

“Shattered Glass” (by Lukasz Gottwald, Claude Kelly and Benjamin Levin) is another one of my favorites. “Was it really worth it, was she everything that you were looking for to feel like a man. I hope you know that you can’t come back. Because what we have is a broken shattered glass.” Then the soft flow to the chorus, “You’re gonna see me in your dreams tonight. My face is gonna hunt you all the time. I promise that you’d come want me back….”. Then you hear the sounds of a broken glass. It’s a nice sound effect actually. It’s not as “dangerous” as it sounds. The music has a beat into it with a mellow sound as well.

“If You Seek Amy” (by Max Martin, Shellback, Savan Kotecha, & Alexander Kronlund) sounds really upbeat which isn’t actually a surprise because it’s written and produced by Max Martin. He and Britney has worked together a lot on Britney’s old albums. Britney is singing “la la la la la la la..” in the beginning with a nice rhythm to it. It’s a very interesting song due to the fact that Britney is asking and singing about a girl named Amy. Or so it seems. It’s almost like a different personality that people love to seek. Celebs these days. They keep introducing their alter-egos. Anyone seen Sasha Fierce lately? Anyhoo, listen to the lyrics carefully and pay attention to the title. To use the word clever is an understatement.

I’m adding “Unusual You” (by Christian Karlsson, Pontus Winnberg, Henrik Jonback & Kasia Livingston) in my favorites too. The sound could definitely be a fit for any episodes of MTV’s reality show lineup or even Gossip Girl. It’s endearing and has a potential for being a theme song for a “life journey” type of show.

“Blur” (by Nathaniel Hills, Stacy Barthe, & Marcella Araica) has potential but it’ll probably get left behind in the album as part of the 12 songs. I said it has potential because the lyrics are actually good.

“MMM Papi” (by Britney Spears, Henry Walter, Adrien Gough, Peter-John Kerr, & Nicole Morier) is cute, fun, and playful. I think the title is a giveaway there. It fits Britney’s goofy personality actually. “Oh Papa Love you, papa love you“.

“Mannequin” (by Britney Spears, Harvey Mason Jr., Rob Knox, & James Fauntleroy II) is the typical upbeat and energetic sound that Britney is known for. It would probably be the next single out because of that. I’m hoping not though because while it’s a good dance club song, I’d rather pick a mellow song like “Out From Under” or “Unusual You” to get the recognition they deserve.

“Lace and Leather” (by Lukasz Gottwald, Benjamin Levin, Frankie Storm, & Ronnie Jackson) has a Las Vegas showgirl kind of style. Pleasure, shows, putting on ‘lace and leather”. Alrighty then. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is her next single too.

I Love “My Baby” (by Britney Spears, Guy Sigsworth). It’s very self explanatory what the song is all about. It’s about Britney’s children, Sean and Jayden. It’s very heartfelt. The melody and music matched Britney’s voice and message. It could almost be a lullaby. Any woman who has children would love this song.

BONUS TRACKS :

“Radar” (by Christian Karlsson, Pontus Winnberg, Henrick Jonback, Malewa Muhammad, Candice Nelson, Ezekiel Lewis, & Patrick “J. Que” Smith) was from Britney’s Blackout album. I don’t know why it’s included in CIRCUS but I’m not complaining since I actually like it.

“Rock Me In” (by Britney Spears, Harvey Mason Jr., Rob Knox, & James Fauntleroy II) is a great song for the clubs. It’s got a chorus you could really get into. It’s a fast tune but if you listen closely you’ll hear an 80’s club vibe into. I like this one as well.

“Phonography“  (by Christian Karlsson, Pontus Winnberg, Henrick Jonback, Malewa Muhammad, Candice Nelson, Ezekiel Lewis, & Patrick “J. Que” Smith) is about being too attached to one’s phone. With the element of a hot guy on the other line. But of course. I’ve never heard of the term actually. Maybe because I’m not that obsessed with phones, heh. The track title has a potential of being on everybody’s mouth if and when Britney releases it as a single with a kickass video to boot.

You can add “CIRCUS” as another hit among Britney’s album collection. True to Britney’s style, the songs are catchy, something to dance to with a few mellow endearing songs. Dubbed as her “comeback” vehicle, it’ll definitely put her back into the high platform she left (not really) in the music business. While her personal life is intoxicatingly chaotic at times for some people, CIRCUS doesn’t miss the beat as well. Having said that, I still think her previous album “Blackout” is by far her best album ever. Circus will probably outsell Blackout though. It’s gearing up to be an instant gold on it’s first week.

So from Pop Music Scene, Welcome Back Brit!

(Images : Total Assault Press)