Britney Spears
Circus

THE REVIEW

"Ladies and gentlemen, we interrupt our Dance Music program to bring you a special bulletin from the intercontinental radio news. Our Princess of Pop, now Queen of Pop, has a special announcement to make."

Excerpt from "Kill The Lights."

If "Circus" was supposed to bring Britney Spears' career back to life, well... I think the album succeeded in its intent. "Circus" comes out after a difficult period in Britney's life, and the lyrics inside recount (almost all) the emotions and events of this time.
"Womanizer," the first single, is a typical Spears song; it gets stuck in your head with a decidedly catchy chorus and also tops charts worldwide. In the same vein, the following two singles follow: "Circus" and "If You Seek Amy" (spelling out F.U.C.K. ME).

Love me hate me so what you want about me
All of the boys and all of the girls are begging to If You Seek Amy

Love me, hate me say what you want about me,
but all the boys and all the girls beg to fu-nd-me

"Shattered Glass," "Kill The Lights," "Unusual You," and "Mannequin" experiment more, much more.
The first, considered among the best in the album, recalls 90s sounds; closing with Miss Spears' distorted voice repeating the song's title. "Mannequin" is one of the album's best experiments, with a decidedly modified voice, male background choirs, and guitars.

If you want, scream with all the air you have in your lungs
Stop crying, this is why I went crazy
Honey honey, I don't care, I don't care, I don't care, I don't care
The love I don't want to give you is as strong as pop and is like a model.

"Lace and Leather" and "Mmm Papi" convince less. Mmm Papi is a dedication to her "dear" daddy (a joke?)

Who can take me away?
We can play all day
Hold me tight and don't leave me
Mmm papa I love you
I love when you go crazy
Things get bad and there's no doubt
You will always be there for me
Mmm papi I love you

There are only two ballads that find space in the album: "Out From Under" (touching, sweet, and romantic) and "My Baby" (whiny).

A small note of merit also goes to the Bonus Tracks like "Amnesia," "Rock Me In," "Phonography."
In short... if Circus wanted to elevate Britney's image again, it certainly succeeded (selling about 3 million copies in two months); however taking a step back from what was started with "Blackout."