Britney Spears tops chart with new albums

McClatchy Tribune

Before there was Amanda Bynes and her troubling, highly-publicized mental breakdown, there was Britney Spears.

But, in the midst of all of the head-shaving drama, Spears managed to release two chart-topping albums, “Blackout” released in 2007, which debuted at No. 2 in the U.S. Billboard 200, and “Circus” released in 2008, which debuted at No. 1.

Both debuted at No. 2 and No. 1 on the US. Billboard 200 respectively.

After all of Spears’ mishaps and comebacks, she is still at it giving listeners another taste of pop with her new album “Britney Jean,” released Dec. 3.

The album is her first recording since departing with long-time label Jive Records.

Officially released singles from the album include “Work B**ch” and “Perfume.” It may come as a surprise neither one of these singles debuted in the top 10 in the Billboard Hot 100, given Spears’ chart-topping past. Instead the two singles earned No. 12 and No. 76, respectively.

The lead single “Work B**ch” is a heavily influenced by the popular electronic dance music sound. Over the perfectly-crafted club beat, Spears repeatedly advises listeners to “get to work.”

The track features mostly spoken lyrics by Spears as she teases listeners with desires of living in the lap of luxury.

“You want a Lamborghini? Sip martinis? Look hot in a bikini? / You better work b—- / You wanna live fancy? Live in a big mansion? Party in France?… / Now get to work b—-”

The track is not quite mind-blowing, but it serves its purpose in the club scene.

The album features three guest artists, adding a decent amount of variety for listeners.

Spears collaborates again with will.i.am, lead vocalist of the Black Eyed Peas, on the track, “It Should Be Easy.”

Instead of the duo creating a completely new sound, they disappointingly created a similar sound to their 2012 hit “Scream & Shout.”

“It Should Be Easy” has a dance club futuristic sound with loads of autotune assisting the two vocally, which makes them sound like robots. Once the hot DJ David Guetta‘s assisted beat makes an entrance for the chorus, the song takes a turn for the better.

The next song on the album – and probably one of the more suggestive – is “Tik Tik Boom,” featuring rapper T.I.

Spears sings “Better make me tik tik tik tik tik tik boom…not too slow and not too quick, baby make me tik tik boom.”

After thoroughly listening to the song, it seems like a little bit too much information, but the seemingly random collaboration of the two stars works out okay.

The last duo on the album is between Spears and her younger sister, former Nickelodeon star Jamie Lynn Spears.

“Chillin’ With You” is an ode to sisterhood; it is cheesy, but cute at the same time, to listen to the two sing about how comfortable they feel with one another.

Over a country-esque guitar strum, the two sisters reminisce on the good times of drinking wine and singing loud together.

“I’m feeling alright, cause I don’t got to worry about a thing …when I’m with you, I’m chillin – I’m chillin.”

Despite the fact this album has not been seriously promoted like some of Spears’ other albums. Although it has the potential to be just as good – or bad- as any of the other pop star’s albums – Miley, Gaga, Katy – released this fall.

“Britney Jean” is not super amazing by any means, but it is not completely terrible either. As someone who is not a die-hard Britney fan, I could only see a few tracks on the album being worth future listens on my playlist.

Anisca Miles can be reached at [email protected]