Now ive let it all sunk in, ill give my updated review of the album
Alien - is indeed the best track on here. and one of Britneys best full stop. Its mesmerising, melancholic and must be the next single if RCA has any sense..
Work Bitch - is the next best track - Britney at her club banging best, its sad that a song we've had for months now is one of the best on the album.. We certainly needed more tracks like it. Perfect lead single.
Perfume - Its still a beautiful song. Great vocals from Britney, and i think one of the best choruses on a song. Its understated, haunting and ultimately Britney..
It Should Be Easy - I WANT to love the song, but i don't.. Will.i.am obliterated any credibility Britney could have gained on this song (and album), with David Guetta not doing much to help Britney shine, instead giving her a reused, recycled instrumental that comes off as terribly dated and dull. Also why does Will.I.am sing the main hook?
Tik Tik Boom - An absolute highlight and a must hear for anyone that likes urban Britney. Its brash, in your face and satisfyingly ratchet while still being fun and dignified. T.I adds a simple verse, which COULD of been better but whats there is enough to enjoy and appreciate. Just wish it was a bit longer..
Body Ache - Whoever decided to put Myah's vocals in the second verse needs to be shot, fired, maimed.. Whatever. Again i want to like the song, and i maybe would of if it was on Femme Fatale and in parts, wasn't sung by someone other than Britney - but the chorus is delicious and could of been a highlight.. Originally by the title i was expecting a smooth, seductive, sexy midtempo.
Till Its Gone - Again i WANT to like the song but i really hoped for less Dance euro beats and something more classy, age appropriate and credible. These dance songs could of all come from Femme Fatale, or David Guetta's album from a couple of years ago.. At least this is the best out of the predictable EDM bunch.
Passenger - One of the albums true highlights. Immaculate vocals from Britney who slays every verse and every chorus.. I used to be undecided on if Myah provided vocal assistance on the track, but on my beats its unmistakingly all Britney, I'm sure of it. The song is one of Britney's best.
Chillin' With You -
- Still not feeling it much. It's ok. But is this what Britney needs on her album?
Don't Cry - Its not bad, but isnt good enough to close the album.. Its skippable.
Deluxe Tracks:
Brightest Morning Star - Should of been swapped with Don't cry to close the album its a slice of perfection and an unexpected contribution from Dr Luke..
Hold on Tight - Another track that should of made its way onto the album. Its haunting fits in with the 'personal theme' of the album yet its a highlight and a bonus track. Doesn't make sense..
Now That I found You - Britney outdid herself with this. The vocals, instrumental, melodies.. Its an amazing song, and again a bonus track..
- a clever, mature dance song. What Britney needs in every essence.
Final thoughts:
Overall it really is quite hard to sum up Britney Jean in a review. Parts of me really love the album for its throwback vibe, the haunting presence at times and its almost completely ruined by its generic, mindless throwaway Femme Fatale leftovers. The EDM tracks are not BAD songs by any means. (its Britney..
hello?) But even by her standards they are dull, throwaway and terribly generic. What comes as the albums saving grace is what appears to be Britney's own input. She has desired to put together an album far away from the forced sex kitten character she is doomed to play forever and deliver a focused, melancholic album reminiscent of her life, thoughts and feelings. Some of which can be heard on Alien, Perfume, Passenger, Hold on Tight, Now I Found You and Brightest Star - all of which are the best songs on the album, and some are amongst her best.. I hope the labels and management allow Britney some time away from recording, and in this time Britney writes, records and maybe be allowed to release something which reflects the person she truly is. Not this plastic, mindless, emotionless robot we are forced to endure by the greedy execs and management, who continue to milk the star for all she's worth. Its evident now more than ever, that Britney's heart is NOT in any of this and she wants out, so much so she's not even singing her own song anymore.
REAL TRACKLISTING
Alien
Work Bitch
Perfume
It Should Be Easy - re-produced, eliminate will.i.am
Tik Tik Boom
Body Ache - second verse actually sung by Britney and less EDM - more midtempo and seductive.
Till Its Gone - less EDM, less generic, more inventive - like Work Bitch
Passenger
Now That I Found You
Hold on Tight
Brightest Morning Star
2-3 Deluxe Tracks
Perfume (Remix)
6.5 -10