Circus (Album)

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Music
Genre:	Pop
Artist:	Britney Spears

Catchy, nasty, juicy, Britney – that’s how I will describe Pop Princess [now Queen of Pop according to Danja] Britney Spears’ sixth studio album. Undeniably, this is her best to date. Spears has managed to morph the pop-bubblegum side of Britney, the mature lyrics of In The Zone, and the dark, electro-pop beats of Blackout into one of the most anticipated albums of all time, Circus. Her collaborative efforts with producers Max Martin, Bloodshy & Avant, and Danja still proves how Britney’s music is in a class of its own. Spears’ Circus is comprised of memorable choruses, danceable beats, and haunting lyrics where most of the songs are a potential smash hit – even the bonus tracks. Here’s my power ranking (bonus tracks with separate ranking):

1. Circus
One of the strongest songs in her career – and probably her best ever (Piece Of Me now drops as my 2nd best Britney song). Circus incorporates the sexy, Asian beats of I’m A Slave 4 U and the concept of Piece Of Me. But this time, Spears tells everyone that she’s the ringleader and she always blasts her shows on fire. Clearly through this song, all eyes are set on her.

2. Womanizer
The intro and first few beats suggest weirdness – but wait till you hear the chorus! Womanizer’s catchy, addicting melody surely gets heads boppin’ and asses shakin’. The plus factor here is the lyrics which tell women empowerment, where Britney dictates that a certain lad is in no way of harming her feelings – don’t dare to front for she knows what you really want.

3. Kill The Lights
Danja plus Britney Spears is never a miss when it comes to insanely energetic tracks. Kill The Lights captures the nasty, lively beats of Get Naked (I Got A Plan) and the message of What It’s Like To Be Me. Though it's believed as Piece Of Me part two, this new Danja-Spears masterpiece is beyond the expectation; there’s more to her than what you hear – pure satisfaction.

4. If U Seek Amy
Probably one of the cleverest songs ever produced in the music industry. The tandem of Max Martin and Britney Spears is really timeless, and worth hearing as always. Addictive melody and catchy lines are the main course of this track, where Britney tells a two-sided story: one about Amy and one about her. Not convinced? Just read the title as fast as you could to decipher; I know you’re like all of the boys and girls begging to do that to Britney.

5. Shattered Glass
A killer track, the other side of Spears’ Everytime. The lyrics lets loose the revengeful side of Britney, as she tells the person that she’ll be haunting his dreams and everything they had before is now broken. Features a massive beat with the verse and transforms into an enticing one with the chorus – cool concept.

6. Unusual You
Bloodshy & Avant returns with Spears through this epic, sparkly ballad. The electro-mystical beats incorporates Britney’s vocals and gels well. It tells how Britney found an unusual kind of guy which she expected to break her heart. Sweet.

7. My Baby
Like Everytime and I’m Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman, this track reflects the woman in Spears. Her vocals are so smooth and sweet; it suggests how a loving mother she is to her two sons – for without them, how can she get through everything?

8. Out From Under
Though this is only a cover song, Spears still managed to nail it; this break-up song is like Shadow in a notch higher. Full of emotions and sincerity with her vocals saying “let’s just say goodbye forever”, you can tell that her rendition is better than the original.

9. Lace And Leather
Cute melody, mature lyrics – this song suggests how Britney is really close to Madonna’s music. This fantasy courtesy of her is undeniably a must-have!

10. Mmm Papi
Naughty, racy, sexy. Brings out the wicked side of Britney and her Toxic-ish attempt in vocals. Grab her tight and don’t let her go, she’s you “mami”, alright?

11. Blur
It’s like Early Mornin’ part two – a song about a date-rape incident. The Danja spark is not really in the right place here.

12. Mannequin
Insane beats, crazy drums, so-so lyrical content. Britney, what were you trying to say?

Bonus Tracks:

1. Trouble
Another Bloodshy & Avant masterpiece! Features dark, electro-pop beats that is in-line with Spears’ vocals; I think this should replace Blur instead.

2. Quicksand
Lady Gaga surely knows how to do right songs. The balanced beats and juicy words in this track suggest a possible hit, if not a bonus track. Should have been in the place of Mannequin.

3. Phonography
Spears’ lets out her nasty side here again with the help of Bloodshy and Avant. It has an insane beat and an addictive chorus which tickles everyone’s attention.

4. Rock Boy
Danja proves again that his chemistry with Britney is undeniably worth of listening through this up-beat track.

5. Rock Me In
Close to Do Somethin’, but slips a little bit when it comes to being catchy.

6. Amnesia
Weird beats like Mannequin, but has promising message and vocals from Spears.

Radar
I’m not going to rank this one because we all know that this perfectly fits in Blackout. Definitely one of the best Bloodshy & Avant and Britney collaborations; dark, sexy, addictive – and I still can’t understand why this is a bonus track here.