The Independent's journalism is supported by our readers. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. 

Album: Britney Spears, Circus, (Jive)

Send in the clowns: Britney's back on top

Reviewed
Sunday 30 November 2008 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Amid the hypocritical, hysterical and covertly misogynist uproar which surrounded Britney Spears' meltdown, it would have been hugely satisfying if she'd somehow delivered a killer album. Sadly, 2007's 'Blackout' didn't fit the bill. 'Circus' is a lot more like it.

Kicking off with "Womanizer" – which makes Britney the umpteenth mainstrean artist this year to borrow that Goldfrapp electro-glam sound – 'Circus' judders and thwacks with a state-of-the-art pop production courtesy of Scandinavia's finest mercenaries (including Max Martin, who launched her career). Pleasingly, Spears embraces her new badass reputation. "There are only two types of guy out there: the ones that can hang with me... and the ones that are scared" is a typical line, and I counted at least two "fucks". There's still room for maudlin rubbish such as "Out from Under" and "My Baby", but it's obliterated by the sex-funk of "Lace and Leather" and "If U Seek Amy". 'Circus' will have the haters blushing in shame and Chris Crocker punching the air.

Pick of the Album : Glorious swansong: 'Kill the Lights'

Click here to purchase this album

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in