Search - Britney Spears :: In the Zone

Delicious pop delightfulness...

Andrew Ellington | I'm kind of everywhere | 01/20/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Okay, so I am not a diehard Britney Spears fan, but there was a time when she dominated the radio waves and really stood out as a relevant and fun pop star. Sure, she had her rough spot, but I'm really happy for her to be back on top. `In the Zone' is probably one of her better known albums, for it features a few of her biggest hits (`Toxic' still being one of the best things she's ever done). Upon reflection there is a lot to like here, and while it has a few mediocre tracks, and even two or three abysmal ones, the good far outweighs the bad.



With heavy beats, provocative lyrics and influences that range from hip-hop to reggae to rock, `In the Zone' represents some of the best of Spears.



The album opens with a smash. `Me Against the Music' is fun, catchy and memorable. Pairing Spears with Madonna was pretty ingenious, and they play off one another beautifully. The closing remix of this track is just as catchy and just as amazing. `Outrageous' is also a lot of fun. Britney finds good footing in the world of slick hip-hop beats and seductive vocals. She allows the Ying-Yang twins to grace her presence on `Boom Boom' and they give her a taste of southern hospitality. The pairing is inspired and it works gloriously.



Who would have ever thought Britney could hold her own like that?



I love the reggae influence on `The Hook Up'. It really has that `hook' that keeps you entertained. Her smooth chemistry with the rhythm is very enticing. I like the sensuality she layers on tracks like `Early Mornin' and `Breathe on Me', even if both tracks lack a little something. They have this undeniable caress, but there is also an air of stagnancy that leaves me feeling as though something were missing.



`Shadow' and `Brave New Girl' are fine, just forgettable.



And then we have the best and worst. The two worst tracks here are `Showdown', which is just plain dull, and `Touch of My Hand', which is so pointless it becomes somewhat trashy. I don't really like the construction either. It's uninspired and unflattering. But, then we have `Everytime' and `Toxic'. `Everytime' is probably the most emotional and personal song that Britney has done (she even wrote it herself). Couple that with the stunning music video and you have a shockingly sincere and touching song from Pop's princess. `Toxic', like I mentioned earlier, is honestly the best thing she has ever done. The beat is sic, the whole vibe is entrancing and absorbing and so much fun. This is one of those songs that just never grows old.



I'm addicted to that song!



So, in the end I have to say that this is a very solid pop album, one that would make any fan of the genre or the artist very, very happy."

*In The Zone!*

Alejandro Juarez | Buenos Aires, Argentina! | 12/20/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Amazing album... Good tunes...



My favourite songs are:



Toxic



Outrageous



Everytime



Shadow









Love U B!









XoXo









Alex!"