ARTSETC.
Spears gets tipsy on ‘Blackout’
Looking for a print version?
Simply choose ‘Print’ on your computer and a printer-friendly document will be generated.
Also by Jason Engelhart:
- Fish, fasting fuel tradition (February 27, 2008)
- Politicos push policy, pork (February 20, 2008)
- V-Day sweets awaken hunger, long history (February 13, 2008)
- Collection chronicles 'Revolutions' (February 11, 2008)
- Fatty food for thought (February 6, 2008)
Related Stories:
- Bill seeks to jail Internet movie-pirates (November 14, 2003)
- Britney vs. K-Fed: Who is the bigger Fed-Ex? (November 30, 2006)
- Guys' guide to Brit's Flick (February 18, 2002)
- 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson loses sizzle (October 31, 2001)
- Heralding beauty of live tunes (March 3, 2005)
by Jason Engelhart
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
With Tuesday’s release of the new album Blackout, Britney Spears reminded the world she still makes music. The head-shaving pop diva proved she is alive, well, and still churning out horrible albums.
Blackout was originally slated to come out Nov. 13, but due to “numerous unauthorized online leaks,” Jive Records moved the release date up two weeks.
However, the shifting release date was not the only controversy surrounding the album. Tuesday, Spears came under criticism for the photography on her album’s insert. Two photos show her provocatively posing with a Catholic priest, and according to MTV, these photos have already angered the Catholic League, an anti-defamation group. Spears has yet to make a public statement about the photos, which is likely due to the fact that they were merely intended to be ogled at rather than send any political or social message.
The new album is a continuation of Spears’ trend of releasing sexually provocative schlock. While some critics claim her racy songs are part of a post-bubble gum uprising, her new album’s lyrics show all the sexual maturity and sentimentality of a 14-year-old boy. On “Ooh Ooh Baby,” for example, Spears states, “You’re fillin’ me up with your love.” Once again, Ms. Spears has shown the world that subtle lyrics are not her strong suit.
In almost every way, Blackout is about sex, but, in an act of mercy to her audience, Spears included a few token songs that delve into other topics. “Toy Soldier” is a thinly veiled expression of Spears’ desire for a better lover in her post-K-Fed life, and “Why Should I Be Sad?” is a sentimental goodbye to her former companion. “Piece of Me,” a tirade against the paparazzi, is the one lyrical bright spot on an otherwise sophomoric album.
That said, the rest of the album is what audiences should expect from Spears: a vapid succession of poorly written but nevertheless catchy songs. While it is not exactly a triumph of the human spirit, Blackout is easy to move to. “Gimme More,” the album’s first single, is an upbeat song that is sure to keep club-goers on the dance floor. It is probably due to these catchy beats that critics have given Spears’ new album very good reviews.
However, in spite of its critical acclaim, Blackout is not for everybody. Die-hard fans, dance lovers with exceptionally high tolerances for bad lyrics and perpetually intoxicated individuals will probably enjoy bumping and grinding to the nearly pornographic tracks of Blackout. The other 99.9 percent of the population would do best to take the advice of the title of the album and simply forget that this awful piece of trash ever came into existence.
1 star out of 5
Anonymous (October 31, 2007 @ 9:32am):
Britney Spears .... nearly pornographic tracks of Blackout... I love It ! *****
Anonymous (October 31, 2007 @ 2:39pm):
LEAVE BRITNEY ALONE!!!!
Anonymous (October 31, 2007 @ 11:47pm):
I just simply wanna say that nomatter how you look at it, nomatter what Britney does - she's still here.. she's still making music.. and she's still LOADED. Alot more than myself so I can't say anything about the girl. Let her live and do what she does. And P.S. - everytime she recieves uncalled for jealous reviews from people like you she's just getting more attention. She told me to thank you :)
Anonymous (November 1, 2007 @ 1:31pm):
Who in their right mind would be jealous of Brittney Spears? She is a lost soul...She obviously doesn't have any true friends or family that cares about her. They are around her because of her fame...and that candle is about to go out. Let's not even discuss her parenting skills...that just makes me feel sad inside. I feel sorry for her and I feel really sorry for those kids.
Anonymous (December 16, 2007 @ 12:49am):
Ok...let's get 1 thing clear: Britney is not really talented,but she's commercially good,and was pretty obvious, but somehow smart to take advantage of the media attetion to put together a comeback album that either u think is good or bad, it's certeantly a success. Now 'bout her life, well she obviously needs help and we don't really know what's goin' on in her head, so we cannot based our opinions on what we read on magazines or listen from the tabloids. Yeap, the girl is troubled, but god give her a break, she's human...like any of us...i'm not even her fan, but sometimes i think people goes really hard on her... she's an artist, let her do her show and live her life the way she wants, just hoping the best 4 her and her kids
Add a comment
We welcome your thoughts, but please keep your feedback thoughtful, on-topic and respectful. Offensive language, personal attacks, or irrelevant comments may be deleted.
Login...
Not registered? Sign up now.
It's quick, free, and the email address you provide will not be sold or solicited.
