Some basic stuff: Released on October 26th, 2007, almost 4 years after her last studio album. Debuting at #2, her only studio album to do so due to a last minute rules change, it sold 290,000 copies on the U.S. it's first week To date, it has sold just under a million copies in the U.S. and over 3 million copies worldwide (source).
Tracklisting as it appears on the Japanese edition.
1. Gimme More - Most everyone knows this little number, probably due in part to her infamous performance on the VMA's, but also in part because the song is hot. Written by Jim Beanz, who appears on half of the writing credits on this album, Marcella Araica, Keri Hilson and Nate Hills, a.k.a. Danja, who also produced the song. Let's break it down, musically, there are some cues taken from "In The Zone", the song has a hip-hop flavor, and it also has an electro-twist, combining a stomp-clap beat with a digital xylophone melody over buzzing synths, with the occasional strings and video-game bleeps sprinkled in. The spoken intro complete with a slightly creepy Britney-laugh is almost as infamous as her performance of the song; "it's Britney bitch". Vocally, she glides from her higher register, near falsetto for this girl, and her natural lower register, and the highlight; 2:22-2:50 where she flits over the notes. "They want more? Well I'll give 'em more", the song is clearly about her relationship with the public at the time, and this awas a great way to come back; the song peaked at #3 on the Hot 100 and has been certified Platinum in the U.S., selling 3.5 million copies worldwide. - 10/10
2. Piece of Me - This song is one of my all time favorite songs because 2 seconds into the song, you know it's gonna be better than good. In my opinion, this would have made a better first single; Written by Klas Åhlund and Bloodshy & Avant, with the latter producing, this song is miles ahead of anything they'd done with her previously (Toxic who?), combining an echoed hand clap beat with electro booms and Britney-moans, it's gold. Her first single was a "Britney's back" song and this emphasized the fact, while also taking a different approach to the paparazzi situation, dually making fun of them and taunting them "you want a piece of me?". Fun fact: Swedish pop singer Robyn was credited for background vocals for the song, however it wasn't the usual harmonies on the chorus, it's the chorus itself; "You want a piece of me" traded back and forth between the girl and guy (not really a guy, just Robyn's voice lowered) was taken from Robyn's demo of the song. This single outsold her first: 4 million copies worldwide. There's not really any singing to be found on this track, but does it matter? Naw. - 10/10
3. Radar - Another one of my favorites, for the same reason, 2 seconds in, I've got goosebumps. Produced and written by the members of Bloodshy & Avant and The Clutch, a group of songwriters based in Atlanta, the song was originally scheduled as a 4th single from the album, the plans were later scrapped with the re-release as Britney moved forward with her next album, but promo CD's were sent out to radio stations, you can see the disc here. This is B&A at their best, crafting another hand clap driven beat supported by heavier, industrial synths and a harp-plucked melody that makes you feel curious (not a fragrance reference). Note: there is an unmastered demo that has leaked, listen here, as well as a demo from The Clutch member Candice Nelson, listen here. Again, not a lot of singing, and when you think of Britney + AutoTune, this is undoubtedly one of the songs that comes to mind, but hey, she did it first, this was 2007. Props. - 10/10
4. Break The Ice - The fourth sing off this album is another Danja produced track, co written with the same writers from "Gimme More". This is one of my favorite Britney songs, and in my opinion, the best production from Danja, tied with that done on "Perfect Lover"; the song has a dark tone, but it's not heavy, he lightens it using Asian-inspired strings and atmospheric swooshes combined with the hefty synths. And don't even get me started on the intro, perfection. Lyrically, the song talks about seeing a guy and breaking the ice when you first meet. The song has some decent singing from Britney, and Danja brings out the best in her natural register, contributing some "ooh"'s on the track. Note: There is a raw vocal demo from Britney that leaked that was an initial take done in her higher register, listen here, and a demo from the songwriter and background vocalist on the track Keri Hilson, featuring a different bridge, listen here. Though it barely missed being a Top-40 single, it was a #1 Dance Club Play song, and understandably so. - 10/10
5. Heaven on Earth - The first of two quasi-ballads, the song was written by Freescha, a duo comprised of Michael McGroarty and Nick Huntington, and Nicole Morier, with the duo producing with Kara DioGuardi. Clocking in at 4:53, it is the longest song on the album, but it's a nice indulgent break from the sexually charged majority. Singing about love on this track, Britney combines moaning and singing as only she can, and the effect is sensual, her breathy vocals combining with the euro-trance beat and distant "boop"s. Danja keeps the beat rapid on this number, only taking off the high-hat beat during the song's chorus, where Britney unintelligibly murmurs sweet nothings. Note: A demo of the track leaked which you can hear here. While not a single, it's 3 steps above a filler track, so I'll designate it an album track. - 9/10
6. Get Naked (I Got a Plan) - In case the title didn't tip you off, this song is about sex. Written by Corte Ellis, Marcella Aracia and Danja, this is one of the least exciting tracks on the album. While Danja does a bang up job at producing a great, dark, synth-y romper that sounds quite like a carnival fun-house mirror, it might as well be labeled "featuring Danja" as he dominates the chorus. This is a week point in the album is the prominence of black-male background vocalists; it's not quite in the background is it, though it is called "Blackout". And don't even mention his robotic spoken-word bridge, ever. Note: A demo of the song has leaked and features slightly different vocals, listen here. The song is so-so, not horrible, not amazing. - 7/10
7. Freakshow - Co-written and produced by Bloodyshy & Avant and The Clutch, this mid-album song opens with a typical B&A pulsing beat, which is soon accompanied by a clapping beat and Britney rapping. It's also one of the few songs on the album Britney is credited for songwriting. The vocal production on the chorus is a highlight of the track, reminding me a lot of a freakshow, but of the circus variety, it seems like she was already on that wavelength, but an album early. The song is about letting your inhibitions go and allowing yourself to be a spectacle, much like anyone who's in the public eye as much as she is. The verses of this song are another highlight, Britney really can pull off rapping "thought you knew before, but if you don't now you know". - 8/10
8. Toy Soldier - This track seems like it would be the one on the album that it love/hate with people, minily because of Britney's baby-doll vocals on the track; it can be a bit grating at times. The sole Sean Garrett track on the album was produced with album regular Bloodshy & Avant, with both co-writing as well, however it's Garrett who is clearly proud of the production; "smash on the radio bet I penned it". A military beat (what else) drives the track, rapid drum work paced with equally rapid synth-y beeps and sizzling bass. Note: Sean Garrett's demo of the track has leaked and you can listen to it here. It definitely took me a while to warm up to, but it's one of those songs that when you start singing it, you have to sing it with the same attitude and affliction she does; it's a memorable song to say the least. - 7/10
9. Hot As Ice -T-Pain co-wrote this track with the producer Danja and album regular Marcella Aracia. This track has an electro-rock feel to it, opening with a hard-hitting drum/high-hat beat and modified electric-guitar-imitating synths, but still retaining the albums one constant, spacey "boop"'s. Another rap-singing song, with perhaps more emphasis on the singing than others (favorite Britney-moment: 1:20-1:22). She really builds herself up on this track, "I'm just a girl with the ability to drive a man crazy" and starts in with the mama/papa-sexual lyrics that also appear on her album after: "make him call me mama, make him my new baby". Note: A raw-vocal demo of the song has leaked and it's almost unrecognizable, but not as bad as you might think, it's clearly an initial take much like her "Break The Ice" demo. You can listen here. Is being hot as ice a good thing? If this song is any indication, yes. - 9/10
10. Ooh Ooh Baby - "You know I have an appetite for sex things"; this song is one of the more sexual ones on the album, with Britney saying "I can feel you deep inside...you're filling me up with your love". Right. Love. The only other song on the album Britney received writing credit for, she worked on it with Kara DioGuardi, Fredwreck Nasser, the both of whom produced the song, and Eric Coomes. The escalating guitar melody that opens the song is a standout in the production, as is the simple-yet-effective combination of bass synth and 4-note harmony on the chorus sung by Brit herself. Highlight of the song; 2:05, where Britney's trademark sensual, nasal lilt is in full effect. A demo of this song has leaked and is unfortuantely not on YouTube, but you can hunt it down if you really wish, the only difference is that it is unmastered. This track is one of the better ones on the album, hard to accomplish on an album of this caliber. - 9/10
11. Perfect Lover - It's the age old question, how can an album-dominating producer avoid giving more of the same as the album nears it's end? The "Gimme More" writing team joined forces again to give another piece of dark-synth-y hip-hop-club-pop that's not entirely unfamiliar. As an album track, cohesive, however on it's own, it pales in comparison to the other tracks. It's hard to keep up the pace so I don't begrudge him because the track is still better than most album fillers. Note: A demo of the track leaked, with no major differences, just unmastered vocals, listen to it here. - 7/10
12. Why Should I Be Sad - This song features my favorite production on the album, and comparing it to her previous work with The Neptunes, "I'm a Slave 4 U", "Boys", it's initially surprising that they share the same producer because vocally, it's a different change of pace; right from the get-go, she starts off in her high register, something songwriter Pharrell Williams shied away from in the past, and long gone are the breathy, barely-there, sensual vocals, she has a stronger tone on this number. This track is one that is for sure written about her relationship with K-Fed; "Exchanged my vows and said it all...my friends said you would play me, but I just said they're crazy". It's a different approach to the breakup-song, which is not unexpected as it was an end to a relationship, but it's an effective one, not wallowing in sadness, but rather quite the opposite "it's time for me to move along". A great way to end the album. Note: A demo exists, but not to be found on YouTube, so feel free to Google. - 9/10
12. Why Should I Be Sad - This song features my favorite production on the album, and comparing it to her previous work with The Neptunes, "I'm a Slave 4 U", "Boys", it's initially surprising that they share the same producer because vocally, it's a different change of pace; right from the get-go, she starts off in her high register, something songwriter Pharrell Williams shied away from in the past, and long gone are the breathy, barely-there, sensual vocals, she has a stronger tone on this number. This track is one that is for sure written about her relationship with K-Fed; "Exchanged my vows and said it all...my friends said you would play me, but I just said they're crazy". It's a different approach to the breakup-song, which is not unexpected as it was an end to a relationship, but it's an effective one, not wallowing in sadness, but rather quite the opposite "it's time for me to move along". A great way to end the album. Note: A demo exists, but not to be found on YouTube, so feel free to Google. - 9/10
13. Outta This World (Bonus Track) – Written by James Washington, Marcella Aracia and Keri Hilson along with Danja, who solely produced the track, this song was available in the U.S. as a bonus track on the Target exclusive release of the album, check the back cover here. The song is the only real ballad officially released, and it's no "Everytime", but it is a great addition, and a nice change of pace, where "Heaven on Earth" tried and failed, this similarly space-themed track succeeds, fully committing to the innocence of a ballad and leaving all hints of club-romping sexuality behind. The production is comprised of appropriately spacey synths and filtered strings, never dropping the opening beat of snaps and high-hats nor the techno melody. The breathy vocals on this track create a very soft, calming atmosphere and it reminds of "Touch of My Hand" meets "That's Where You Take Me". Note: A demo version featuring some vocals from Keri Hilson and slightly different vocals from Britney has leaked, and can easily be found online. I consider this one of her better bonus tracks, and distinguish the album from all the others for having all the bonus tracks be high-grade productions.- 10/10
14. Everybody (Bonus Track) – Originally listed on J.R.’s website as a track for Rihanna, the track has also been linked to the Cheeta Girls , and a demo of their recorded version has leaked. Middle Rap bridge written entirely by Britney, confirmed by the producer, though she didn’t receive any writing credit for the track. Evan Bogart co-wrote the track and Annie Lennox received credit as the track sampled her #1 hit "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)",
15. Get Back (Bonus Track) - The final Danja production on the album was assisted with co-writing from Marcella Aracia, Corte Ellis and Nigel Talley and was originally a contender for a first single, which is a little bit of a head-scratcher because while it is a crazy, go-hard song, it is not a comeback song, but try saying that to the lyrics; "if you can't take it then get back" Britney chants on the song, which is a true thumper with some elements of a rock song; heavy electric guitar on the intro, high-hat beat throughout, though it is a Danja track and wouldn't be complete without some space-y synths at some point, humming like bees on the verses and zinging on the chorus. One downside, nearly 30 seconds of spoken-word intro from Danja. Sigh. Note: There exists both an unmastered Britney demo as well as one featuring Keri Hilsons vocals. Go Google. - 9/10
Gimme More (Junkie XL Dub) (Bonus Track) – As I've said before, I don't usually review remixes included on albums, however this track is a standout, utilizing the vocal track abstractly to create something I can only describe as a holograph; bright and shiny as a whole, and when you really move it around in the light, it's blazing.
Kiss You All Over (Outtake) - The opening to this track is a little funny, a little creepy, a combination of a baby and Voldemort. The song is... well it's unfinished for sure, there's potential there, but it's just... not. The track was written by Sean Garrett and Brian Kidd and hasn't leaked in full yet, but the snippet has been fan-edited to be longer, you can listen to it here.
Hooked On (Sugarfall) (Outtake) - Written and produced by Pharrell Williams, the track opens with a harp melody over a soft beat made up of breaths and taps and bears some similarity to his other song on the album "Why Should I Be Sad", but this song is about being hooked on a guy's love, and is the first time she directly references herself in a song; "hit me one more time and trust me I'll be okay". Not the best song, but the leaks are nice in that you get to her her natural voice without any AutoTune or processing, you can listen to the song here.
State of Grace (Outtake) - This is hands down the best outtake to leak, helped by the fact that it's a complete song that sounds like it just needs mastering. A likely reason it didn't make any tracklisting is it's similarity to "Outta This World"; produced by Steve Anderson ("Breathe On Me"), the song opens with an "In The Zone"-reminiscent, Middle Eastern melody and drifts along accompanied by wind-chimes and a soft drum brush beat. Britney's voice is in fine form on this ode to love, you can listen to the song here. French singer Christophe Willem has since recorded the song for his debut album, in both English and French listen to his version here.
(To Love) Let Go (Outtake) - Another leaked ballad, this one was written by Britney Spears, Tom Craskey, and Devo Springsteen (source). Britney's voice is at it's rawest here, she really pushes them in a way not seen since her first album, it shows that she's still got it. The song consists of a pulsating beat over tinkling piano and this is one of the rare cases where her voice leads the music, the building and emotional pace. The song talks about having to let go to truly love someone, you can listen to the ballad here.
Baby Boy (Outtake) - William Anderson produced and co-wrote the demo with Britney, registered as "Untitled Lullabye", check it. It opens with the sound of a children's toy and has some fancy guitar work, but Britney's throaty singing is in the forefront. Here, she sings about being in a daze, hoping for someone to come and show her love and features a spoken word verse that seems to be about K-Fed's lack of presence in their relationship.
All That She Wants (Outtake) - Speculated to have been produced by J.R. Rotem, which would be fitting as the song opens with the chorus from the Ace of Base song of the same name, thought it's sung by Spears, not sampled. The song is speculated to have been recorded sometime in late 2006 as the second verse is taken from a poem posted on Spears' website titled "Remembrance of Who I Am", suggesting that Britney is a writer of the song. Production-wise, the song doesn't sound like anything from J.R., it reminds of "Rebellion", with strings, a guitar melody, electric guitar strums and "Baby Boy"-style toy-piano clinking. The one constant with all the leaks is that Britney uses great natural vocals untouched by AutoTune, you can listen to the leak here.
Rebellion (Outtake) - A snippet of the song streamed from Britney's official website, however the full song has not leaked as of yet, though not for lack of fan's desire that it do so. It's speculated that the song is likely at least co-written by her. The writing on the track is poetry itself, when read separately, "in rebellion, there's a sparkle of truth, don't just stand there, do what you've got to do". They show a hurt and betrayed Britney, which can be speculated to be about her ending marriage, or perhaps about something deeper. The track is a dramatic one, opening with deep strings and what sounds like cannons firing and Britney's deep vocals lilt over the production, packing a powerful punch on the layered chorus, you can listen to the track here.
Pull Out - This song is a collaboration between Sean Garrett and Lil' Jon and the production done by the two is pretty good, and would definately fit in with "Blackout", with it's rapid drum and hand clap beat, "Toy Soldier"-esque attitude and rapping and voice overs by the duo. I just cringe at the thought of anyone releasing a song called "Pull Out", if Jive was behind leaving the track off the album, then it's a decision I support, a rare occurrence. You can listen to the good quality demo here.
Dramatic - I'm not gonna even mention the Heidi Montag situation with this song, except to say that it's better without her on it. The intro to this song SO sounds like a circus, this girl was clearly headed that direction. No producer or writer is know for this track, and I'm not sure how many would want to claim ownership of it. It's an okay song, it has Britney droppin' the F-bomb, which I'm always a fan of; "baby fuck you". The song has an "In The Zone"-breathy-sexy-dirty vibe to it so it could have possibly been an earlier recording as a transition of her sound. Even with mastering, this track wouldn't be much, a you can listen to it here sans-Montag.
Sippin’ On (Outtake) - The writers of this mid-tempo song, Penelope Magnet, Thabiso Nikhereanye, Britney Spears, Christopher Stewart, were the same people behind "Me Against The Music", meaning the song is almost certainly a Tricky Stewart production . Rapper "AC" opens the track, including a verse making it clear which album it's from, "I'm with Brit while K-Fed watchin' the kids", and in the background of the chorus he re-spits lines from "Early Mornin'". The song's instrumentation is a hip-hop mix of "Anticipating", with a light, plucked harmony that calls to mind a light rain falling; combined with Britney's deep to airy vocals, the overall effect is nice, you can listen to the track here.
Just Yesterday/Little Me/For My Sister -
Just Yesterday/Little Me/For My Sister -
Overall: This album is near perfect. For one, album literally tells a story, possibly the story of her and Kevin's courting; On "Gimme More", she decides to put it all out there; "they want more? I'll give em more", and catches the eye of someone, where she again asks "do you want a Piece of Me?". Then, the guy's on her "Radar", so she needs to "Break The Ice". Once that's done, she finds out the guy is "Heaven on Earth", and with love comes sex so they "Get Naked". However, dating a public figure makes you subject to the public eye and you end up being a spectacle (Freakshow). She realizes she needs a real man, no more "Toy Soldier"s, but she stays cool and confident "cold as fire, Hot as Ice" and has more sex (Ooh Ooh Baby) where she compliments the guy "you're the Perfect Lover", but then comes the break, where she realizes he wasn't what she wanted or needed, but there's no sad songs, "Why Should I Be Said" she says. That may just be in my head, BUT it's also a pretty good (and accurate) story. When you look at some of the unreleased songs, "All That She Wants", "Rebellion", "Baby Boy", those fill some of the gaps.
I always joke that the album is called "Blackout" cause there's a black guy on every song, which is not true. Only on more than half of em. And in all seriousness, it took away from the music. Whether it was background singing that was more prominent than it should have been, or a contrived voice over by one of the song's producers, it took away from the music. And maybe they stood out more because typically, Britney's background vocalists are a. female and b. have a similar tone to their voice so the layering is hardly noticeable. So. The album is top-notch and shows quite clearly how innovative Britney can be when she lets loose/loses control; this album is probably as close to a portrait-of-her-life-at-the-time as she's gotten, but it doesn't read as a pandering nor inviting, but rather "take it for what it is". - 9.5/10
I always joke that the album is called "Blackout" cause there's a black guy on every song, which is not true. Only on more than half of em. And in all seriousness, it took away from the music. Whether it was background singing that was more prominent than it should have been, or a contrived voice over by one of the song's producers, it took away from the music. And maybe they stood out more because typically, Britney's background vocalists are a. female and b. have a similar tone to their voice so the layering is hardly noticeable. So. The album is top-notch and shows quite clearly how innovative Britney can be when she lets loose/loses control; this album is probably as close to a portrait-of-her-life-at-the-time as she's gotten, but it doesn't read as a pandering nor inviting, but rather "take it for what it is". - 9.5/10
Highlights: Piece of Me, Break The Ice, Hot As Ice, Ooh Ooh Baby, Why Should I Be Sad, Outta This World, State of Grace, Little Me
Fun Facts: There was a planned re-release of the album, with 4 new tracks reported to have been added, however Britney started work on her follow-up album so the release was scrapped. There were several songs originally intended for this album; Rihanna’s “Umbrella”, “Question Existing”, “Good Girl Gone Bad” and “Push Up On It”, Nicole Scherzinger's "Save Me From Myself and Happily Never After, Beyonce's "Flaws and All" and Bryan Rice's "Confessional". "Get Back", "Hot As Ice" and "Toy Soldier" were all contenders for a first single according to their respective producers. The album was confirmed by Jive to have originally be titled "Black", "Black Curtain" and "Piece of Me". "Hot As Ice" was originally titled "Cold As Fire". The album started to ship with the booklet reversed and with the albums' title on the side, meaning there was extra printing done to make changes, possibly because the label or Britney was unhappy with the album's cover, as were many fans, you can see a side by side comparison here.
Sources: Album booklet, single back covers, YouTube and Unreleased Britney Spears.
No comments:
Post a Comment