The obvious answer to the question of why some of us are still compelled to monitor the Britney Spears trainwreck as it makes it’s next possible destination, is that those who are indulged in this nonsense they call entertainment are wondering what will be the definitive end to this very bizarre spectacle.
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Britney Spears
|  Entertainment
 Art
"Circus"
(Jive)
Released December 2, 2008
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Throughout her breathtaking meltdown, it was quite apparent that the final chapter was going to include the time-old cliché ending that has befallen many rock stars. Yet, we were glued to her every sordid move as if we were observing the stock market for the possibility of a dramatic crash that could doom all of us. In all honesty the most depressing aspect wasn’t just the fact that a young woman was tragically killing her manufactured persona, it’s that we actually believed that saving “Britney” was almost akin to cleansing the world of hunger.
After listening to her latest album, the aptly titled Circus, it’s become increasingly clear that Britney Spears not only lacks artistic depth, but is devoid of any original thought. What’s quite apparent is that those in the Britney camp don’t seem to grasp this idea. They figured the logical way to siphon a few bucks from the causal music fan is to appeal to their ignorance. The hope is that the listener will feel some sort of sympathy for Spears as her life continues to unravel before our very eyes. The difference between Britney Spears of 2008 and oh, I don’t know, let’s say Bob Dylan during his Blood on the Tracks faze of 1975, is that Dylan touched on universal themes of love lost and loneliness. However, when Spears sings on the title track, “All eyes on me in the Center of the Ring,” the listener automatically foregoes any sympathy they might’ve had for Spears and has finally come to the conclusion that she’s not a victim but a willing participant in her drama.
The rest of the record ranges from unusual to just plain bad.
The pop ballads “Out From Under” and “My Baby” are at best, nauseating. “Blur” is a track about waking up in a daze after a one night stand. The lyrics are at best, sound as if it was written by an amateur. Turn the lights out/This shit is way too fucking bright/Wanna poke my eyes out/If you wanna mess with my eyesight/Just let me get my head right/Where the hell am I?/Who are you?/What’d did we do Last night?/Hey, yeah, yeah/Who are you?/What’d did we do Last night/Hey, yeah yeah/
“Mannequin” and “Leather and Lace” are self-indulgent tripes about being every man’s fantasy. “Mmm Papi “ is at best, very weird when you take in consideration the iron-fisted approach to which Spears’ father, Jamie has taken with his daughter after being granted legal control of her finances and affairs. You can take me away/There’s no pressure play all day/Hold me tight and don’t let go/Mmm Papa love you/Mmm Papa love you/
If there is such a thing as a stand out track on this record it would have to go the opening number “Womanizer.” While it’s true that Spears lacks the capacity to sing, she carries an adequate tune to at least make it feasible for the track to be a fixture on the club scene in the coming future. The objective for Ms. Spears’ handlers is to make her sound catchy enough that someone will at least give her a second thought as a legitimate vocalist. But when you hark back to the pop ballads on Circus, it’s quite evident that Britney’s only salvation as an artist is to play the role of exasperated pop tart.
Surely, there are those who will dare claim that Circus is the album that solidifies Britney Spears’ place as the Queen of Pop. But what Circus really says about Britney is that her truest credentials were of being the empress of illusion at a time when it was chic to package fantasy with a wink and a smile. Nowadays it seems you can’t get by on illusion anymore. Too bad no one told Britney Spears that.
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Written by Guest on 2008-12-03 19:59:13
you think it's all about her but music is about the shared experience. the whole POINT of "circus" is to get people moving on the dance floor TOGETHER and EACH person feels like they are the center. That's why people love her: she is them; they can be her. it is the EXCHANGE of love. |
Music
Written by Guest on 2008-12-06 00:08:04
Britney Spears is a genius. She utilizes her strengths in a way that sets her apart from many other artists. After watching the interview on MTV with Britney, it is crutial that we continue to stay positive about her, not only musically but as a person, too. She is real, and represents the fragility and beauty of this generation. It pains me when critics speak so harshly for artists that they have never met personally, nor have they spent time listening to their music. Britney Spears is a pro, music is her profession, not her life. She expresses herself beautifully through her profession. Perhaps all those critical people out there should try producing an album sometime... It is close to impossible to get the quality that she achieves not only with her voice, but the masters who produce the album. By the way, tell me an artest who has a great voice and is popular in everyone's eyes-there isn't anyone who can make everyone happy. I am not a fan of pop music, but her stuff makes me want to dance. Her music rocks, and she seems like a pretty awesome person too. Maybe critical people should try looking at life positively and they would live happier, healthier lives instead of rotting from the inside out like festering goo. God Bless everyone, even the nasty critics who don't support hard working single moms! |
You are an idiot if....
Written by Guest on 2008-12-07 17:38:09
....you make an agrument that Britney Spears is a genius. Give me a break. She is a freaking moron and it seems that you are too. |
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