By Daniel Christopher Preda, News Staff
With a career spanning over 15 years, current reigning queen of pop is once again ruling the charts with her eighth studio album, “Britney Jean.” Released under RCA Records yesterday and posed to be Britney Spears’ ‘most personal album yet,’ “Britney Jean” is a perfectly diverse record, boasting co-written song credits to Spears herself. The album combines classic Britney ballads, electronic dance music (EDM) heavy club bangers and mid-tempo songs that, when incorporated together create another sure-hit for the worldwide pop superstar.
Kicking off “Britney Jean” is a mid-tempo ballad produced by William Orbit, “Alien” – “I tried but I never figured it out/why I always felt like a stranger in a crowd,” Spears sings. A personal favorite, “Alien” shows Britney’s personal side, as she battles to remain true to herself in the midst of being the biggest superstar in the world.
In stomps Spears’ lead single, “Work B**ch” produced by Swedish House Mafia’s Sebastian Ingrosso. “Work B**ch” is a bass-heavy, club track with lyrics such as “You want a hot body, you want a Bugatti, you want a Maserati?/You better work b**ch!” – which upon single release in September (during the government shut down), seemed to hit home with Congress, all credit due to Miss Britney Spears for our nation’s continuous prosperity.
In spritzes “Perfume,” Britney’s third track and strongest ballad off the album – which is set to be Spears’ next radio single. “I’ll never tell, tell on myself, but I hope/she smells my perfume,” confesses Spears, a possible record about ex-fiancé Jason Trawick. Or is it a warning to future suitors? Next play, “It Should Be Easy,” features a chorus from Will.i.am, former front man of The Black Eyed Peas, who also stands as executive producer of “Britney Jean.” This track is not my favorite, mostly due to its overproduction and heavy auto tune (Will.i.am’s forte) but the track has potential to become a club hit.
“Tik Tik Boom,” another personal favorite, features a rap verse from T.I. In the over-sexualized track, classic Britney is evident, with her vocals riffs and temp raising lyrics “Not too slow, not too quick baby/make me Tik Tik boom,” Britney is at her prime in this fan favorite. “Body Ache,” another double-entendre full track, had potential but was lost in producer Will.i.am’s obscure mixing skills. However, it still has the chance to be remixed for the club scene.
The crown jewel of the album “Til It’s Gone,” is another fire starting hit, and future number one. The track is an EDM powerhouse and the perfect company for a late night gym session. Penned by Katy Perry, SIA and Britney Spears, “Passenger” makes its mark as another personal hit for Britney – the songstress belts “It’s hard to jump with no net/but I’ve jumped and got no regret,” referring to the singers’ tumultuous love life. Rounding off the album is “Chillin’ With You,” a sister act, with Jamie Lynn Spears, who makes her musical return in this adorable mid tempo tack. It’s a filler, but adorable in nature.
The deluxe album features four more tracks, including “Brightest Morning Star,” an ode to Britney’s two boys, Preston and Jayden James. Another gem of the deluxe edition is “Now That I Found You,” which is another musical standout. “Lived a wasteful life in a hateful city/the world’s no love just pain and pity/till I found you,” croons Spears. With a heavy banjo synth and melodic bridge, it’s a feel-good ode to true love.
Possessing its various tones and personal touches, “Britney Jean” delivers just the right amount of pop perfection her fans have been craving. What’s next for the queen of pop? Britney is headed to Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas this December to embark on a two-year residency show, not to be missed. You better work, b**ch!
