Review: Circus

"Womanizer" is an fire-cracker of a song from start to finish! Britney's vocals are both calm and sultry, and little fierce. A definite standout of '08 and of her career thus far! The second release off the album, "Circus", shows a different side from the previous track. Calling herself "the ring leader", Britney once again puts herself in a position of power, seducing you with her attitude and essence. Musically it strikingly similar to "Break The Ice", as it has an upbeat/futuristic sound, and showcases a sound that is very much her own! A sure fire club hit!

"Out From Under" introduces a more softer side to Britney. She speaks more personally, and unlike some of the higher-tempo tracks, she sings with very little digital assistance. This track that breaks expectations, and has a dreamy yet sophisticated pop feel to it. It gets even more addictive with every spin, and looks set to be her third release from "Circus". From the moment i heard "Kill The Lights" I loved it! It is Britney back at her sassiest, with rapper Danja proclaiming that she is now the "Queen of Pop"! A very catchy number which sounds like a club re-up of "Piece Of Me", but with a lot more aggression! Simply great!

"Shattered Glass" is a fun track which is once again all about "holding down the boys". Not quite as perfect as the other tracks, but does peak up at the chorus with her take on the word "gla-ass"! Not quite reaching album filler, but it does get daringly close (does get better with ever play though)! From one of the weaker tracks to the strongest by far, "If You Seek Amy" is very clever and very naughty track! Produced by Max Martin (responsible for "...Baby One More Time") this is one delectable track! The subject matter of the song Amy is a "naughty" girl who Britney is seemingly trying to find, but hidden behind this random subject matter is a very sinister chorus! You see, you think you're hearing "If You Seek Amy" but infact she is saying F.U C.K Me! Provoking? Yes! Releasable? Yes!

"Unusual You " is the definite find of this album, and threatens to take away the the title of the best track of the entire record! The song very smooth and very "Lazy Sunday" with a techno remix! What I love best about this track is that it is a soft dance track that encompasses a new and emerging style of dance music, which seems to be on the brink of major recognition. A very cool track and one that is a definite standout and ahead of it's time! "Blur" and "Mmm Papi" are two tracks on different ends of the spectrum. The first is a slow dance track with a flavour similar to "Early Mornin'" of her 2003 album "In The Zone". A very track with another "Lazy Sunday" feel. "Mmm Papi" is the second track that starts to feel like album filler! A fun and upbeat track that explores her relationship with the paps, yet it just doesn't seem to make a memorable statement like the other tracks. And the chorus is slightly annoying, but still a nice track.

"Mannequin" is a great track that definitely puts this record back on track! Britney once again reassured of herself, with this embracing a feisty side. It is a fun journey into the dance world that just seems to work! "Lace And Leather" is one of the tracks which definitely shows both past and future! A funky sugary pop track, with a great hook and catchy chorus, this track is nice. It steers us into the final stretch of the album which leads to the final track The simply sweey, "My Baby". This is a very raw and personal song that displays elements of "Everytime", and shows that first and foremost Britney is a singer! A touchy track that is beautifully crafted and leaves you with a complacent feeling afterwards! Stunning!

The only issue that I have with this album is that some of the Bonus Tracks are infact better than some of these tracks, but overall a solid album!

Score: 8.6/10