Britney Spears is back -- finally. We all know Britney is not the strongest vocalist when compared to Christina Aguilera or Mariah Carey, but strong vocals is not what "Blackout" is about. "Blackout" is fresh, modern, and edgy. Synthesized vocals and phenomenal beats support the album's base. Every track on this album is hypnotically produced to create a sound that listeners and critics would expect to hear in 2020; it's incredible.
The songs on this album are all phenomenal. The album starts out with the chart-topping "Gimme More," which is just a tease compared to the rest of the album. The second song, and reportedly the second single, is "Piece of Me," a rock/dance/pop hit where Spears addresses her critics. She sings, "I'm Mrs. Bad Media Karma, another day another drama ... I'm Mrs. Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, I'm Mrs. 'Oh My God That Britney's Shameless."' The album continues with pop/dance songs that are less than forgettable. They are just the opposite with beats that stick in listeners' heads for hours and hours. "Toy Soldier" is an energetic and tantalizing song produced by Danja, who worked with Justin Timberlake on his latest album. Britney refuses to hold back on this album especially during the mesmerizing, "Get Naked (I Got a Plan)." She teases the listener asking, "What I gotta do to make you move my body?" and finishes it off with, "take it off, take it off, take it off." Britney closes the album with the one and only ballad in the entire album. Britney's last and most personal song is "Why Should I Be Sad?" where she confronts her recent heartbreak, but refuses to let it take over her life. Britney shows that even with all the stress and struggles of life, she is not going to let any of it bother her. She plans to move on. A perfect ending for an unbelievable album.
It is not just the hardcore "Britney enthusiasts" that rave about this album. The Associated Press calls it, "... not only a very good album, it's her best work ever - a triumph, with not a bad song to be found on the 12 tracks." The New York Times refers to the album as "incredible!" Entertainment Weekly gives it a "B+" The highest rating Britney has ever received from EW, and better than Justin Timberlake's "FutureSex/LovSounds." Some reviews have been harsh, saying Britney "is not ready to release an album." But forget about Britney's past mishaps and troubles, and listen to the album for what it is. If you have to -- forget it is Britney Spears completely, you will see that this album is extraordinary. It will have you dancing and singing along within the first listen.
Download: "Piece of Me" "Break the Ice" "Get Naked(I Got A Plan)" "Freakshow" "Toy Soldier" and "Perfect Lover"
Also don't miss "State of Grace." (Search for it on YouTube) The song did not make it on the album, but it showcases Britney's real vocal talent.
