Britney’s ‘Blackout’ unoriginal
Spears’ new album lacks depth, but partygoers will be pleased
By Matthew Gillespie
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I don’t care what the song says, Spears does not need a soldier; she has a pending divorce and two children to worry about.
Britney Spears’ fifth studio album, “Blackout,” plays out like your typical party album and shies away from being too serious.
“Blackout” is not terrible like other critics have been claiming, but the album is definitely the pop stars. For one, “Blackout” lacks creativity in following the same approach that 2003’s “In The Zone” did.
The club is packed and Spears is your stripper. This is especially true on the album’s first track, “Gimme More.” The pop star purrs, “I see you and I just want to dance with you.” “Gimme More” is as successful as her former hits, “Toxic” and “Slave 4 U,” in that it encompasses that same loud, barraging slide into the chorus that listeners end up anticipating.
Looking for jaw-dropping vocals? You won’t find them here. Like previous albums, Spears barely sings on any of the twelve tracks of “Blackout.” But it is Spears’ creative production team that masks her inability to sing with creative rhythm and beats, not to mention the cool electronic vocals that they set throughout the tracks.
Production-wise, “Blackout” is a success. This would be certainly true on “Piece of Me,” a track that speaks of Spears constant struggle with the paparazzi. Yes, Spears does refer to some personal issues on this album, but like in this instance she tosses the idea aside as a joke and refers to herself as the victim. Spears speaks, “I’m Mrs. Life & Style of the rich and famous (You want a piece of me) / I’m Mrs. She’s too big now she’s to thin (You want a piece of me).” Scattered electronic vocals cry out, “You wanna piece of me?” throughout the track, adding to the theme of the out of control stalkarazzi.
Spears production team pulls back on the special effects during “Radar,” but this proves to be a failure when listeners are able to hear the limitations in Spears’ vocal range. Her nauseating, nasally voice screams out, “You’re on my radar!” throughout the rave-driven synthesizer.
“Break the Ice” follows with a strong backbeat that will have listeners jamming in their seats. The catchy prelude and chorus launch off throughout the track, accompanied by a spacey electronic sound.
Spears best songs have spoken of love, and this rings true with the track, “Heaven on Earth.” Spears disguises herself as a love-sick poet and laments, “Tell me that I’ll always be the one that you want / don’t know what I’d do if I ever lose you.” The track is an interesting listen and sounds like an early Madonna hit.
The next four party tracks are duds, especially “Toy Soldier.” Spears’ bores us with rampant breathy orgasms and silly lyrics, such as, “This time I need a soldier, a really badass soldier.” I don’t care what the song says, Spears does not need a soldier; she has a pending divorce and two children to worry about.
“Blackout” gets back on track with “Ooh Ooh Baby,” a wild and fun party track that tastefully showcases Spears sultry side. The chorus is annoying, but the “Jock Jams” sounding beats are dance floor friendly. A middle-eastern flair plays from the guitars throughout the track.
“Perfect Lover” is another highlight on “Blackout.” The tribal beats and dancehall rhythm are irresistible. The seductive fast breathing in the chorus is ear candy, and Spears’ fast vocals play off the Timbaland-sounding backbeats. This song should come with a disclaimer: “Must Be Played Loud!” Better yet, the whole album should be marked that way.
“Why Should I Said” ends “Blackout” with a mid-tempo ballad. Spears speaks of her failed marriage to Kevin Federline, “My friends said you would play me / but I just said they’re crazy / While I was crying frantic, was it true?”
The problem with “Blackout” comes from the fact that Spears personal life has now moved on to adulthood. When listeners hear songs like “Toy Soldier” and “Hot As Ice,” they can’t help but think of how silly she sounds. Spears need a new, fresh sound. A good example of this would be Madonna and her 2005 album, “Confessions of a Dance Floor.” Madonna was able to creatively adapt her music to today’s Top 40 sound, and the change did not make her look immature. She actually turned out to be more of a legend from the result. Perhaps Britney should look to her old pal Madonna for some advice.



> Comments
Lisa Thompson on Nov 07, 2007 at 03:01 PM:
You obviously spent some time listening to the tracks of Britney's new "Blackout" CD! Where do you find the time??? You are a highly creative, artistic writer!!!
Dadio on Nov 09, 2007 at 01:41 PM:
The only thing I like about this new CD is her photo shoot with the GTO. Muscle cars and Britney. What a combo!