YC Review: Britney Spears - Britney Jean

For those who don't know, I am a massive fan of Britney Spears, so here is my review of her last album (released December 2nd in the UK).

It's been labelled as 'her most personal record yet.' It has been named after what she is called by her family at home. It's a fresh sound for Britney but it's not breaking any barriers like the pop moulding Baby…One More Time, the genre defining In The Zone, or the dubstep influenced Blackout or Femme Fatale. However, there are some great tracks and some wonderful lyrics. Throughout we hear much stronger vocals than previous entries and a lot less auto-tuned vocals (with the exception of her Will.I.Am collab 'it should be easy'). Its probably the most electronic album she's created, with dance, synth, and almost trance elements. Here's a countdown of my top 5 songs from the album.

5. Now That I Found You

Now That I Found You is a light dance song about being so happy to find the perfect person. With credits to Spears herself, Danny O'Donaghue and Will.I.Am, it has a early Calvin Harris kind of feel, a little bit like 'We Found Love'.

4. Alien

Alien is perhaps the most personal delve into Britney's life apart from Perfume. It was one of the most anticipated songs and whilst it is a great track, there is a slight disappointment. You expect something more. The beautiful lyrics 'the stars in the sky feel like home, take me home' and 'and the light in your eyes let me know, I'm not alone' are a great build up, but then we're left with her repeating not alone. However, the music is at it's best when it's in it's dreamlike spacey mindset, and it's a great opening to the album.

3. Work Bitch

I have to admit when I first heard this as the lead single I was disappointed, but by god is it catchy!! Her british accent when she sings about the governor may not be a good british accent, but it's such fun and catchy. The lyrics are punchy and the music matches, it makes you really want to work!!!! It's a great dance track that would be booming in a club and the performance is definitely forward-thinking for Britney who said she wanted to develop in rapping with Nicki Minaj. And a definite KUDOS on the video!

2. Perfume

Definitely the most personal song. The vulnerable lyrics match her vulnerable voice. Using the imagery (or the smellagary) of perfume works incredibly well to show her insecurity of losing the one she loves. It's definitely the lyrics you see have come from the heart. The song is considered a ballad, and I think it would have worked a little slower, but I love the music too. Her voice is as raw as it can be, which I think is great considering her last few albums have been auto-tune heavy. I think there definitely needs to be more like this coming from Britney!


1. Tik Tik Boom

This song is described perfectly by the lyrics. Not to slow, not too quick, TIK TIK BOOM! Now this is an amazing dubstep influenced pop club track. Makes me wanna get low just listening to it. The addition of T.I. works perfectly. The lyrics are dirty, suggestive and raunchy, one of the best Britney personas. THIS.SHOULD.BE.THE.NEXT.SINGLE.

Overall, I give the album 8 Yellow Chocolate slabs out of 10. It's definitely not Britney's best, but she's still telling us she's still got it.