“Britney Jean” is the eighth studio album Britney Spears has recorded. The album features 10 tracks, including the single “Work, B**ch” and “Perfume.”
I find it hard to believe Britney Spears has been on the map for more than a decade. The solo artist has been performing since childhood, and the hit “…Baby One More Time” shot her straight to the top of the charts in 1999. It also caused a lot of controversy.
Spears’ personal life made headlines for months straight in 2007, when her near mental breakdown resulted in a bald Britney. Despite all the drama, Spears made a comeback.
Spears said her eighth album, “Britney Jean,” would have more personal meaning than her previous party pop albums. This excited me, but when the album dropped Tuesday, I was severely disappointed.
The first track on the album, “Alien,” sends me into a catchy beat with simple words. It’s catchy and I have to admit I was singing it the second time I went through the album. OK, Britney you got me with the first track, what’s next?
I went through the next two tracks without even noticing I was supposed to be listening. I completely blocked out both “Work, B**ch” and “Perfume.” The change between the sounds and tempo of the two songs should have drawn attention, but these songs were nothing more than bad background.
However, I found hope with the track “Til it’s Gone.” The melody and lyrics mesh. It had me at the first line, “I’m blind from the tears that fall like rain.” It’s refreshing to see that kind of vulnerability from Spears, but I have trouble believing it.
By the end of the album, I’m equally satisfied and dissatisfied. But things got weird on the bonus tracks.
Spears’ track “Brightest Morning Star” is not only titled like a Jesus song, but sounds like she is singing about her faith. I’m really cool with that, until the next track, “Hold on Tight,” goes into the same idea. Moreover, I’m confused whether this is another faith song or if she is likening her love life to Jesus. And the confusion continues with the final track on the deluxe version, “Now that I Found You.”
Spears, though a pop icon, should stick to what she knows best. Her comeback was short-lived. The album lacks the catchy hooks and sex appeal the young Spears coined.
Story by Hunter Harrell, Features Editor
