I have often seen the word generic thrown around when describing Ms. Spears' music. But it would appear as if those that propagate this argument do not quite understand the meaning of generic or its usage when referring to music. By tagging a song with the "generic" label, you are effectively saying that it has no distinct qualities, does not stand out from the pile, and cannot be linked directly to the artist, or in other words, "could have been done by anyone". Does Britney's music meet this criteria? To assess this, let us take a look at her lead, and follow up singles since her sophomore album Oops!


How many of these would you describe as generic, and could be pulled off if recorded by someone else? Do the majority of these songs not have individual aspects, sounds and characteristics that will stand out to the average listener when heard on the radio—and provide more than just a noise sound to fill the empty air?

Couldn't it be said that Britney's music is successful because of well produced, creative details (although risks minimized to keep it friendly enough to appeal, it is pop after all) rather than a highly formulaic approach to music with her peers going as far as to intentionally create songs sacrificing quality and a musical identity with nothing but #1 in mind?

Even if we were to look at her most recent singles, among the most safe in her entire career we can see the use of unorthodox structures, elements, and styles that has allowed Spears' music to be delivered in a package that doesn't just blend in with the other products on the shelf. Keep in mind that not all pop/electro music is generic, not all non-pop songs are unique, and if by chance other artists are inspired to follow similar patterns after you have published your music that does not in turn make your work generic.

How long until this is reported... hmm

the title

None of those songs you listed are generic, she is not generic and her albums aren't generic.

And mods, please let this stay open. The girls are gonna get educated today.

EDIT: The OP is written very nicely.

I don't think she's generic at all.

Gurl, what are you thinking with that title? This thread ain't gonna last.

And no, her music is far from generic. The only album which I could call 'generic' is FF, even though it does have a quite a few unique tracks like Inside Out, Criminal, How I Roll, He About To Lose Me.

she is really not

She doesn't have the most generic music out there, but let's not act like she's some sort of musically versatile risk-taker.

Clearly people like her music. It's well known she can't sing or perform live very well anymore, so I think the fact that people still like and buy her music is a testament to her music not being too generic.

No, but Femme Fatale wasn't pretty.

The only album she has that is generic is Femme Fatale. Other than that, no.

Britney is a goddess, deal.

Britney Spears is not generic. Yeah, some of her album tracks are a bit generic but overall she's not. Back in her peak, Britney was releasing some of the best music in pop (In The Zone, Blackout, etc). And she's released material that's not generic at all like Gimme More and Break The Ice.

Britney doesn't necessarily have the most innovative pop music but she most certainly does not have an entirely generic catalog.