Album Review: Britney Spears- Blackout (Jive Records)
Let me tell you something I've learned recently. Self Destruction + High Paid Producers + A Really Agressive Record Label = Success
"It's Britney bitch!" The ever so famous quote which has been lifted off her new single Gimme More opens her fifth full length studio album, Blackout. Not quite her Confessions On A Dancefloor (keep in mind she has PLENTY of those!), but its way more techno sounding ya'll! I'm not gonna sit here and trash this album just yet, because when you get down to the nitty gritty, the production value here is rather good. The beats, the snares, the synths, the bass drops are all very scrumptious. We are all aware she isn't quite the vocalist, but it's Brit Brit's voice that really spoils the fun here. Blackout unfortunately comes across as if the entire recording process took place during her "I'm still on it from the night before" mornings, or afternoons, and sometimes possibly even the following night. When you step back and look at the whole picture, it's really not as shiteous as the obsessed Perez Hilton would think it is.
On Piece Of Me, she chants that she's been the American dream since she was 17. I would imagine that these days. the American dream would exclude becoming a hot mess. Radar being one of the more catchy tracks but synthetic as ever, boasts a beat that is to the likes of George Acosta circa 1997. Heaven On Earth would be the winning track off Blackout. It's campy, cute, got a great melody, sounds a bit magical, but more importantly her voice soothes on this one rather than irritate. Get Naked (I Got A Plan) also another noteworthy track that makes the cut. Danja takes an enjoyable vocal credit on this one and does it justice. Freakshow is an all the way alternate to Swedish pop princess Robyn's Konichiwa Bitches. Funny that Robyn herself lent Brit Brit some backing vocals on this album, but I didn't expect her to let her copy her beats! Toy Soldier is the only other acceptable song in its entirety on this album, and it just so happens to be my favorite. In the spirit of her ex man's Sexy Back, this track seems as if it could also ride that wave of success. Solely because the vocals are processed and robotised beyond recognition, and I actually shook my ass.
Britney was once a pop sensation all over the world. She also once had some great tunes, e.g. Toxic. Now I am all about the tinsel town scandal, I love reading the celebrity shit talking, and I'm the first to let people pass me in the grocery line so that I can finish this month's Star magazine. I can say it does sadden me that this poor girl has fallen, and that's not to say that she shouldn't blame herself entirely for what has happened in her own life. Bitch needs to come clean with herself and admit she is kind of a whack job. Normally when people have reached that level of low, they take precautions (if they want) to better their lives. One would suspect that these people would go into hiding, take the time to analyize their situation, revive their so called careers, and comeback and do the damn thing. It's been done by many before.
This album may gloat with some radio friendly hits, but we all know that radio in America isn't exactly up to par on the cutting edge tip (except WVUM 90.5....yeaaaaa!). Basically radio stations have survived because of the kid's who can't afford IPods, and are being forced to enjoy these types of songs. Britney still made her money, the label still made their money, her fans got what they wanted, Chris Crocker is getting his own show, her dealer will now be able to purchase that jet ski he or she has always wanted, and the producers have the sure possibility of another hit record under their belts. It seems as if everyone was a winner with the release of this album, regardless of the mayhem caused by the entity that is Britney Spears.
It's just too bad winning never accounts for quality or good taste.
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don't you threaten me with a good time...
