Britney Spears - 'Circus'
Post categories: Reviews
| 12:46 UK time, Wednesday, 11 February 2009
For a while now, I've believed I could be best friends with Britney. And I'm not just saying that because she is my all time favourite pop sensation ever (she is) and I'd give my right arm to meet her (I would), but because I think I'd be a Really Very Good influence on her.
I've got it all figured out: we'd drink frappuccinos two at a time, gossip about which paparazzi is fittest, do interviews with me going "a lot of people don't see the zany side of Britney", and then, after we've had our fun, I'd get down to business and convince her to release more songs like '...Baby, One More Time'. And BAM! Just like that I'd be the best friend ever to exist and single-handedly responsible for reviving Britney's career as a dazzling songstress.
Now she's released 'Circus' though, I'm wondering if I'd be a bit redundant. 'Circus' is Britney's 23rd single (yes, 23rd!) and, while it's certainly no '...Baby One More Time', it is good. Very good. In fact, it's much better than anything we've seen from her in a long time (including 'Womanizer' which, though it's a grower, is a bit of a non-song really) and for the first time in two years makes me question if she really needs me in her life. Yikes!
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Despite the fact that Britney's been back more times than K-Fed's had babies, with 'Circus' it feels like she is actually having a proper go at regaining her crown. As a song it has some of that early Britney spark. It has attitude, it's less 'dirty' and soulless than the whole of 'Blackout' and, compared to everything else that's in the charts right now, it's a seriously refreshing change and something to actually get a bit excited about.
However, compared to 'Oops!', 'Crazy', 'Stronger' and 'Toxic', 'Circus' still falls short. And this is where I'm having a bit of a problem rating it: it's brilliant, but is it Brit-liant?
To help me decide if the song is worth five stars or not, I've decided to do a very scientific pros and cons list:
As I was writing (and drawing) up this list, I had a bit of an epiphany: I may not be convinced that 'Circus' has 100% of Britney's heart and soul in it, but musically it's a huge leap in the right direction. Therefore, I'm really not needed as her best friend. *Sob*
Download: Out now
CD Released: February 16th
(Vicki Lutas)
NB: I'm the only one allowed to say bad things about Britney because, as anyone I know will tell you, I can get fiercely defensive (don't get me started on her X Factor performance)...
Comment number 1.
At 12th Feb 2009, Daniel wrote:I'd like to hear you start on the X Factor performance actually!
I mean, yes, she performed well, I enjoyed the performance and I forgive her miming. You can't sing and dance properly anyways, I don't think!
But I don't forgive her ignorance in not being able to answer 'R Dermot's questions...and the fact she didn't even watch them perform!
I appreciate this is old news now, but, you brought it up!
:)
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Comment number 2.
At 12th Feb 2009, Vicki wrote:Hahaha! Old news, but nevertheless Very, Very Important!
TBH, I feel mostly the same as you: it was a fun performance and she looked amazing! But I think we're in the minority with this. A lot of people are all like 'but she was miming!', but she pretty much always mimes?! Plus the song has heavy vocal effects, so it'd be hard to sing live.
And as for those who talk about the X Factor being a live show about talent? Well, I know if it was a choice being seeing Britney or Leona perform, I know who'd put on a better and more fun show…
Is it naive to think she didn't know how to answer Dermot's questions because she was overwhelmed with being back on the stage? Probably. But I reckon it was a combination of that and the fact that she'd been briefed on what she should say. It just so happens her answer didn't, err, fit the question...
I'll totally stick up for her any day. She might not have made a lot of sense, but she looked great and last time we saw her in the papers she was shaving off her hair. I don't get why more people weren't celebrating that. I, for one, am VERY excited to have our Brit' back!
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Comment number 3.
At 12th Feb 2009, Vicki wrote:Omg, longest comment ever. I'm sorry! But it's your fault DannyBoy... I told you not to get me started!
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Comment number 4.
At 12th Feb 2009, Daniel wrote:Haha! I agree, Leona is such a boring performer!!! Yes the girl can sing, but she can't perform. When she's on stage you might as well shut your eyes and just imagine the video.
It's DannyBoy and VikiLutas against the world! We'll take 'em on!
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Comment number 5.
At 12th Feb 2009, CurtainJerker wrote:"She might not have made a lot of sense, but she looked great and last time we saw her in the papers she was shaving off her hair. I don't get why more people weren't celebrating that."
Perhaps because they were sick of the wall-to-wall coverage of her every meaningless, inane movement; and when she had one chance to remind people why she was ACTUALLY famous, on a show about singing, she turned up and basically danced.
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Comment number 6.
At 12th Feb 2009, Fraser McAlpine - wrote:She went on a show about singing after the X Factor, did she? ;-)
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Comment number 7.
At 12th Feb 2009, Daniel wrote:I think it's clear:
Any story about Britney Spears WILL stir up controversy. As we have proved.
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Comment number 8.
At 12th Feb 2009, radiochris_2009 wrote:VickiLutas I love you...what you said about Britney I completely agree with every word. Couldnt have put it better myself!!! :o)
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