[boyroder]

Second Spears comeback almost as good as the first...


By NEKESA MUMBI MOODY, AP Music Writer

Britney Spears, "Circus" (Jive)

It's time for another Britney Spears comeback: Call this one the remix version.

It was only last year that our damaged diva attempted to put the focus back on her once spectacular music career with "Blackout." A tight collection of sexy club-oriented grooves, "Blackout" was a delight, and had so much hit-worthy material even Janet Jackson could have been resurrected with it.

But "Blackout" never had a chance at success because its star wasn't as well put together as the album. (It's hard to generate hits when your personal life is in turmoil.)

Now Spears — while still very different from her previous superstar incarnation, circa 1998-2003 — seems on the road to recovery, thanks to court-appointed guidance from her dad and other positive developments. She seems ready for a rebirth, so it's fitting that "Circus" — her sixth studio album — makes its debut as she celebrates her 27th birthday.

And like any good circus, Britney's version will leave you thoroughly entertained. Though "Blackout" was a gem, it seemed like the album was mainly due to the creative and technological wizardry of its producers, with minimal vocal effort from Spears. This time around, her pleasant yet thin voice comes through more clearly, not aided by as many layers and studio manipulations. She is also credited with co-writing two tracks.

Spears spends much of her energy trying to get people in the mood to groove, and it works on fun disco tracks like "Womanizer," "Shattered Glass" and the cleverly titled "If U Seek Amy" (say it fast and you might need your mouth washed out with soap). She teams up with former collaborators like Max Martin (who wrote her career-making hit "... Baby One More Time") and Nate "Danja" Hills, who was responsible for some of the best music on "Blackout." But newcomers also help out, like the Outsyders (on "Womanizer").

A few songs hint at the media circus her life has become, including "Kill the Lights," where Spears takes on the paparazzi.

But she strikes the most personal and emotional chords on the slower tracks, most notably on the dreamy, synth-centric "Unusual You," on which she coos, "Baby you're so unusual, didn't anyone tell you you're so s'pposed to break my heart, I expect you to, so why haven't you?" Though she didn't write the song, it's hard not to wince in empathy when you think about the string of users who have filtered in and out of her life.

The most poignant track is the ballad "My Baby," co-written by Spears. On it, she sings to her "precious love." It's an ode to one of her sons, with lines like, "How did I get through all of my days without you?" Considering she doesn't have full custody of her two boys and is trying to strengthen her parental bond after a period of turmoil, it's especially touching — so much so that we can forgive the song for being just a little bit sugary. After all her recent drama, Spears deserves something sweet in her life.

[julieafan]

Oh I have felt so sorry for her!! And I have to say I really like her new album too! And I am so happy that things is looking brighter for her now! They are going to air a intermat intereview about Britney here in Denmark tomorrow Thirstday, where she tells her side of the story and I am looking forward to see it! I have never been a huge fan of her! But I do admire her for what she have been trough, as I myself have been in psychiatric hospital and is stilling trying to find the good thing about life.

[boyroder]

I totally agree. I saw the MTV documentary this past weekend on her. It was interesting. I feel sorry for her as well. She does seem very fragile. I think maybe she does need to take a little break, but maybe music & danicing is what keeps her going & saves her. I'm sure it is an outlet & great therapy. Her priority should be her children & then let everything else fall into place, but who I am I to judge. I just hope & pray she does well. That is the least any of us can do is to wish each other well. I do like the new album though. It is very danceable & fun. I am also very excited that she is touring & that my city (Pittsburgh, PA) is one of the stops. She will be here at the Mellon Arena on 3-27-09. I'm so excited!!! Thank you for your reply & please take care of yourself. Everyone has been through various hard times in their life. I myself am no stranger to them. I hope you find light at the end of your tunnel. I do believe life is good, even when it's bad. Look for your inspiration & an outlet. You can find good & inspiration in the plain everyday, from the most unlikely people, in the most unlikely places. There is a great line from the series "Anne Of Green Gables", "Tomorrow is fresh without any mistakes in it"...Don't lose faith or heart. Take care...