One more time, Britney Spears has caused a circus-like frenzy ahead of a new album.
“Work B**ch!,” which introduces Spears’ eighth studio set (due Dec. 3), enters Mainstream Top 40 as the Greatest Gainer (up 2,730 plays, according to Nielsen BDS) at No. 25. (Aiding its start, participating Clear Channel-owned chart reporters played “Work” hourly on Sept. 16.)
The song marks Spears’ 31st entry on the list, pushing her past Mariah Carey (30) for the second-most visits dating to the chart’s Oct. 3, 1992, launch. Rihanna leads with 36 charted titles.
While “Work” is off to a fast start, its title and lyrics are causing some programmers concern, leading to airplay for a label-issued lyrically edited version. RCA has serviced stations with two versions: the original “Work B**ch!” and a seemingly safer “Work Work” edit. RCA executive VP/GM Joe Riccitelli says that so far, “it feels like a 50/50 split” as to what version stations are deciding to play.
Work Bitch
