It was as if she was destined to become an entertainer. From a very young age, BRITNEY JEAN SPEARS has captivated audiences everywhere. After appearing on Star Search and the Mickey Mouse Club, SPEARS landed the opportunity to sign a recording contract with Jive Records in 1997. From her official introduction to the music world in 1999 until her present status a decade later, SPEARS has been the talk of almost everyone who feels the need to voice their opinion. She may often be the victim of bogus tabloid exposure or ridicule, but one should never forget the mark SPEARS has made during the past several years.
She has sold millions upon millions of albums worldwide making her one of the best selling female artists of our time. She broke records by being the first female artist in Nielsen SoundScan history to have her first four albums debut at Number One. She is also considered one of the most powerful celebrities of this year (by Forbes magazine).
Forget about the Kevin Federline debacle...forget about the apparently dismal MTV Video Music Award performance of "Gimme More". It's now time to celebrate Ms. BRITNEY SPEARS' ten -year anniversary of being in the music industry. On November 10th, 2009, SPEARS will release her second "greatest hits" compilation entitled "The Singles Collection". "The Singles Collection" will be released in multiple forms including the STANDARD version and the ULTIMATE FAN BOX SET (available November 23rd). The STANDARD version will contain sixteen of her singles, as well as the newly released track "3". The ULTIMATE FAN BOX SET will include ALL TWENTY-NINE of SPEARS' singles on individual CDs that contain a B-Side or remix to the song. The BOX SET will also feature original artwork, a booklet containing images and facts about each song, and a DVD compilation showcasing ALL of SPEARS' music videos in chronological order (excluding the album/international version of "Overprotected" and "Boys (Co-Ed Remix)").
So here's how this review will work...I will be giving an in-depth look at every single ever released by SPEARS starting with 1998's "...Baby One More Time" all the way to 2009's "3". Each song's description will include release information, writing and production credits, Billboard chart information, and additional information on the remix or B-Side that's included. At the end of the review, you'll be able to view my twelve favorite music videos from BRITNEY SPEARS. I will also make mention in a "side note" what songs will appear in the STANDARD version album. (Keep in mind that the review is pretty lengthy so it will be divided into several parts.)
FROM the 1999 ALBUM "...Baby One More Time"
RELEASED on JANUARY 12th, 1999
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on ALBUM: #1 (Billboard 200 and Canadian Albums chart--01/30/1999)
"...Baby One More Time"
Written and co-produced by Max Martin
Also produced by Denniz PoP and Rami Yacoub
Released on October 23rd, 1998
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #1 (Hot 100--01/30/1999 and Pop Songs chart--
02/20/1999)
(Will appear on the STANDARD VERSION)
I simply have to laugh whenever I hear this song. Her most successful single of ALL time triples as a hilarious departure for many outlets who wanted to make a parody out of the song (i.e., MadTV), as well as one of the most controversial track ever released by such a young girl. (Jive Records executives were afraid the song would condone domestic violence so the title was slightly changed.) The video to this song didn't make matters better, considering that it featured SPEARS in a very provocatively-worn Catholic school uniform. Either way, the song has plenty of memories for me. From the moment I first heard it at a department store to having to choreograph a dance to it in eighth grade, "...Baby One More Time" quickly became one of my favorite songs in the beginning of SPEARS' career (and I'm not afraid to admit it). Little known fact...the song was originally written for TLC's "FanMail" album but was submitted after the album had been completed. I wouldn't be able to forget this song even if I tried.
B-SIDE/REMIX
"Autumn Goodbye"
Written and produced by Eric Foster White
This is the highlight of this review for me...I guarantee you that I have not heard the majority of extra tracks and remixes to songs offered from SPEARS. So, I'll be doing my best to give you an honest answer as to what I think. This song is cute...definitely impressed by her vocal strength on it.
"Sometimes"
Written by Jörgen Eloffson
Produced by Per Magnusson and David Kreuger
Released on June 14th, 1999
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #21 (Hot 100--07/24/1999); #11 (Adult Contemporary Songs
chart--08/21/1999)
This song is definitely one of my guilty pleasures...and one that really emasculates me at the same time! I guess when wanting to love someone so badly...any music that depicts a story about love and the feelings that go along with it appealed to me. "Sometimes" is one of those songs. I will go out on a limb and say this is one of the very few "sweet and innocent" songs SPEARS has ever released. This song is also the ONLY ONE that fared well as an Adult Contemporary single. "Sometimes" will forever hold a special place in my heart...especially the music video that was filmed on location in Malibu. Definitely one of my favorites.
B-SIDE/REMIX
"I'm So Curious"
Written and produced by Eric Foster White
I somehow vaguely remember this song...but I don't know where I heard it. It's alright...although her voice sounds a little strained, it's classic Bubblegum Pop at its best.
"(You Drive Me) Crazy (The STOP! Remix)"
Co-written and co-produced by Max Martin,
Also written by Jörgen Eloffson, Per Magnusson, and David Kreuger
Also produced by Max Martin
Released on September 13th, 1999
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #10 (Hot 100--11/13/1999); #4 (Pop Songs chart--11/13/1999);
#6 (Radio Songs chart--11/13/1999)
(Will appear on the STANDARD VERSION)
A special remix of this song was recorded for the movie soundtrack belonging to "Drive Me Crazy" featuring Melissa Joan Hart and Adrian Grenier. Both make cameo appearances in the music video for this single. Yet another personal favorite of mine, "(You Drive Me) Crazy..." was one of those songs that inspired me to want to become a dancer. I've always had this thing when it comes to "chair routine"-driven choreography...so right off the bat, this video helped propel the excitement I had for the new version of this song off the ground. The video for this song was the longest running on TRL (Total Request Live), as well as the longest running by a female artist, staying in the Top Ten for close to three months.
B-SIDE/REMIX
"I'll Never Stop Loving You"
Written by Steve Diamond and Jason Blume
Produced by Per Magnusson and David Kreuger
This song is really nice...and again, I heard it somewhere before. I really feel that "I'll Never Stop Loving You" should've been put in on the main album. Glad to see it being part of the compilation.
"Born To Make You Happy"
Co-written and produced by Kristian Lundun
Also written by Andreas Carlsson
Released on November 27th, 1999 (in Europe and other territories)
Never charted in the United States
(Will appear on the STANDARD VERSION)
Without a doubt ,my most favorite BRITNEY SPEARS song of ALL TIME. "Born To Make You Happy" (among other songs on her debut album) really showcased the singing ability that most people don't believe she had. What people may not know is this...the song had an original sexual overtone that made SPEARS uncomfortable to record it at the age of sixteen. So instead, it was re-written into the mid-tempo ballad we know today. "Born To Make You Happy" skyrocketed to the top of the charts in countries like the United Kingdom and Ireland. I truly believe it deserves to be on this compilation even though it wasn't released as a single here in The States. Regardless of that setback, "Born To Make You Happy" is one of SPEARS' most successful songs.
B-SIDE/REMIX
"Born To Make You Happy (Bonus Remix)"
Remixed by Kristian Lundun
WOW! This remix has a slightly different composition than the original...but it's equally amazing. There's more guitar instead of piano...and some of vocal score has been changed as well. Really impressive.
"From the Bottom of My Broken Heart"
Written and produced by Eric Foster White
Released on February 1st, 2000
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #14 (Hot 100--02/26/2000); #17 (Pop Songs chart--02/12/2000);
#53 (Radio Songs chart--02/12/2000)
Again, another favorite of mine, "From the Bottom of My Broken Heart" is the perfect song to show SPEARS' vocals when she was younger. A song about losing a "first love", "From the Bottom of My Broken Heart" seemed to be a perfect example of how SPEARS' career was going to go. Release a couple dance hits and simmer it down with a ballad before debuting the next project. This formula would only be used once in her career. The video was definitely sweet too as it shows SPEARS lamenting over her lost love.
B-SIDE/REMIX
"Thinkin' About You"
Co-written and produced by Eric Foster White
Also written by Mikey Bassie
"Thinkin' About You” was originally part of the "...Baby One More Time" album. I can't really complain about this song, especially since it had me bopping my head along to the beat.
At this point, it seemed SPEARS had made a good impression on everyone. She definitely made history with her debut album after it having gone multi-platinum in several countries due to the aforementioned five singles that paved the start of her career.
FROM the 2000 ALBUM "Oops! ...I Did It Again"
RELEASED on MAY 16th, 2000
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on ALBUM: #1 (Billboard 200 and Canadian Albums chart--06/03/2000)
"Oops! ...I Did It Again"
Written and produced by Max Martin and Rami Yacoub
Released on March 27th, 2000
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #9 (Hot 100--06/10/2000); #1 (Pop Songs chart--06/10/2000);
#39 (Latin Songs chart--06/17/2000); #8 (Radio Songs chart--06/17/2000); #16 (Latin Pop
Songs chart--06/17/2000)
(Will appear on the STANDARD VERSION)
Back in the day when an artist could sell a million copies in one week (this sophomore effort from SPEARS sold over 1.3 million units...approximately 500,000 in the first day of release), SPEARS managed to do alright for herself. This song, however, quickly became incredibly annoying to me. It was being played EVERYWHERE and it sounded so reminiscent of her lead single that it marked a continuance in the type of music she was going to be releasing. Max Martin has always been the one producer who imprisons SPEARS by making only ONE type of sound for her music...that doesn't exactly allow her to properly grow as an artist. But anyways...I digress...back in 2000, this song was a definitive highlight in her career. The lead single is part of the reason why the album "Oops! ...I Did It Again" received Diamond certification in reference to how many units it has sold so far (over twenty million).
B-SIDE/REMIX
"Deep In My Heart"
Co-written and produced by Per Magnusson and David Kreuger
Also written by Andreas Carlsson
This song ABSOLUTELY reminds me of CECE PENNISTON's "Finally"! The style in "Deep In My Heart" is really similar. Decent track.
"Lucky"
Written and produced by Max Martin and Rami Yacoub (alongside Alexander Kronlund)
Released on August 14th, 2000
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #23 (Hot 100--09/09/2000); #9 (Pop Songs chart--09/09/2000);
#18 (Radio Songs chart--09/09/2000)
At this point, I wasn't really impressed with the choices being made for what singles would appear on the radio. After the release of this song, I became frustrated because it was being played in heavy rotation...for no apparent reason. In my opinion, "Lucky" isn't one of SPEARS' strongest singles. I would've opted to release "What U See (Is What U Get)" instead.
B-SIDE/REMIX
"Heart"
Written by Eugene Wilde and George Taren
Produced by Steve B. Lunt and Larry Campbell
This song is okay. "Heart" is a personal conversation SPEARS is having with her...heart...literally. Really good singing on the track!
"Stronger"
Written and produced by Max Martin and Rami Yacoub
Released on November 13th, 2000
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #11 (Hot 100--01/27/2001); #17 (Pop Songs chart--12/30/2000);
#53 (Radio Songs chart--12/30/2000)
(Will appear on the STANDARD VERSION)
THIS song is my favorite single released from "Oops! ...I Did It Again". Containing a storyline about being deceived by someone you loved, "Stronger" was one of those powerful songs that easily evoked a forceful emotion out of me. The video is for sure one my favorites and includes SPEARS in a solo dance routine (with a chair, nonetheless). I can honestly say this is the song that proved SPEARS being "not that innocent" ...as well as proclaiming that her "loneliness ain't killing [her] no more". She embraced her sexuality and showed it in an amazing way in the video. I was really impressed by the dedication that was put into it.
B-SIDE/REMIX
"Walk On By"
Co-written and co-produced by David Kreuger
Also written by Jorgen Eloffson
Also produced by Per Magnusson
This song sounds reminiscent of "Sometimes". At this point, all the extra material is pretty good...makes me wonder how some of these tracks never made it on the U.S. release of the albums they belonged to.
"Don't Let Me Be the Last To Know"
Co-written and produced by R.J. "Mutt" Lange
Also written by Shania Twain and Keith Scott
Released on March 26th, 2001 (in Canada and other territories)
Never charted in the United States
I was completely surprised when I first read the credits for this song to see that Shania and R.J. had written it. Aside from the fact that it wasn't released commercially in the U.S. (and also never charted), it still carried the same sentiment as the previous ballad released by SPEARS the year before ("From the Bottom of My Broken Heart"). It's a shame...I really felt this song could've been a hit here in The States.
B-SIDE/REMIX
"Don't Let Me Be the Last To Know (Hex Hector Radio Mix)"
Only Hex Hector can make an unbelievable remix to a song! Never heard this before...and I must say, I love it!
SPEARS' sophomore release contained a cover of the song "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction". Good effort...but one could tell how involved her music was when it came to Pop. It wasn't until the release of her third album that things changed...only slightly.
FROM the 2001 album "Britney"
RELEASED on November 6th, 2001
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on ALBUM: #1 (Billboard 200 and Canadian Albums chart--11/24/2001)
"I'm a Slave 4 U"
Written and produced by Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo (The Neptunes)
Released on September 24th, 2001
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #27 (Hot 100--12/01/2001); #85 (R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart--
12/22/2001); #15 (Pop Songs chart--12/01/2001); #4 (Dance/Club Play Songs chart--
01/12/2002); #30 (Radio Songs chart--12/01/2001)
(Will appear on the STANDARD VERSION)
SPEARS' third studio album was immediately compared to Janet Jackson's third studio album "Control". And I can understand why...this was the first album where SPEARS took control of the production and some of the writing as well. The lead single "I'm a Slave 4 U" is definitely one the sexiest singles she has EVER released. The video itself is stimulatingly flawless. Yet another song I had to endure the choreography to, this Neptunes-produced track is by far one of SPEARS' most notable songs...and it definitely had very mixed reviews. Most people praised it...others hated it because it was too sexual and a blatant departure from the bubblegum pop she previously released. (Little did they know the album was going to sound just like the others...more on that later.) What was most memorable about this particular song is the performance she did at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York back in 2001. Her inclusion of exotic animals was deeply frowned upon by animal rights group PETA. Whatever the case may be...this song has always been one of my favorites...and will remain so for a very long time.
B-SIDE/REMIX
"Intimidated"
Co-written and produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins
Also written by Britney Spears, Josh Schwartz, and Brian Kierulf
I definitely HEARD this song a long time ago...and I absolutely LOVED it! SPEARS really brought it hard with this track. One of the better tracks that Darkchild produced for her.
"Overprotected"
Written and originally produced by Max Martin and Rami Yacoub
Released on December 8th, 2001
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #86 (Hot 100--05/04/2002); #37 (Pop Songs chart--05/25/2002)
I don't even recall this song being played on the radio, to be quite honest...and judging how low it peaked on the Billboard Hot 100, I can understand why. "Overprotected" was one of my favorite tracks from the album...but in this scenario, I don't feel that Darkchild did anything to help elevate this single off the ground. This will be the only time you'll hear me say this...but the original production by Max Martin and Rami ended up being WAY better than the remix. Two videos were made for this song...for "The Darkchild Remix" video, controversy arose when people started saying there were similarities between it and Janet Jackson's video for "Son Of a Gun...". Either way, SPEARS' video became more memorable than Janet's, having been heavily requested in Latin American countries. I think the message portrayed in this song truly indicated SPEARS becoming fed up with the rumors and criticism that were amounting during the release of this album.
B-SIDE/REMIX
"Overprotected (The Darkchild Remix)"
"I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman"
Co-written and produced by Max Martin and Rami Yacoub
Also written by Dido
Released on February 5th, 2002
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #2 (Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart (#102))
Another perfect example of how SPEARS' musical choices made her the victim of extreme laughter and jokes. "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman" was also parodied by many media outlets. The song failed to break onto the Billboard Hot 100 charts, but it managed to do well in countries like Australia and the United Kingdom. This song was never my favorite.
B-SIDE/REMIX
"I Run Away"
Written by Brian Kierulf and Josh Schwartz
Produced by Steven Barkan
Okay...so I love the violin...and this song's mysterious melody is driven by one of the deepest violin solos I've ever heard. "I Run Away" is a new favorite of mine...! Definitely should've been released as opposed to "I'm Not a Girl...".
"I Love Rock 'n' Roll"
Written by Alan Merrill and Jake Hooker
Produced by Rodney "Darkchild "Jerkins
Released on June 1st, 2002 (in Europe and other territories)
Never charted in the United States
Darkchild's production expertise might as well be absent on this album because his contributions are largely forgettable. "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" was originally recorded by The Arrows in 1975 and later performed by Joan Jett in 1982 with the Blackhearts. SPEARS never released this song in the United States but it was featured in her 2002 movie debut "Crossroads". The single became a Top 20 hit in virtually every country it was released...but it still lacked originality. Darkchild's production on this album seriously didn't break any barriers. It was just simply boring...and, in my opinion, could've been done way better.
B-SIDE/REMIX
"I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman (Metro Remix)"
This is a very sexy remix. The Spanish guitar rhythm is a perfect way to revitalize this otherwise dismal song...kind of reminds me of the style in Madonna's "La Isla Bonita" in the very beginning.
"Boys (The Co-Ed Remix)" featuring Pharrell Williams
Written and produced by Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo (The Neptunes)
Released on July 29th, 2002
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #22 (Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart (#122))
(Will appear on the STANDARD VERSION)
The Neptunes definitely knew what to do with SPEARS. They produced the phenomenal lead single and this final release from the album. "Boys" was later remixed to include a brand new sound and additional vocals from Pharrell Williams. Unfortunately, the song could not break onto the Billboard Hot 100...making it the second single to encounter such a horrible fate...and from the same album, as well. "Boys" was also featured on the "Austin Powers: Goldmember" soundtrack. Regardless, this song was one of favorites from this album.
B-SIDE/REMIX
"Boys (Album Version)"
Songs like "Lonely" and "What It's Like To Be Me" (which featured production from Justin Timberlake and Wade Robson) were my favorites...if they were released, there might've been a slightly different outcome for this album. People expressed how it was "a departure from bubblegum pop"...but they must've been tone-deaf because every track on the "Britney" album sounded like her previous albums (with the exception of "I'm a Slave 4 U" and "Boys"). Her noticeable change in music style came with her next album...which to this date...still remains my favorite SPEARS album of ALL time.
Here's TWO of the extra tracks featured in the ULTIMATE FAN BOX SET...
"I Run Away..."
And here's "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman (Metro Mix...)"
"...Baby One More Time"
From the 1999 album "...Baby One More Time"
Directed by Nigel Dick
(3.56)
"(You Drive Me) Crazy (The Stop! Remix)"
From the 1999 album "...Baby One More Time"
Directed by Nigel Dick
(3.19)
"Stronger"
From the 2000 album "Oops! ...I Did It Again"
Directed by Joseph Kahn
(3.38)
"I'm a Slave 4 U"
From the 2001 album "Britney"
Directed by Francis Lawrence
(3.26)
"Overprotected (The Darkchild Remix)"
From the 2001 album "Britney"
Directed by Chris Applebaum
(3.36)
"Me Against the Music" featuring Madonna
From the 2003 album "In the Zone"
Directed by Paul Hunter
(4.04)
PART TWO of this in-depth review WILL BE RELEASED TOMORROW with MORE NEW MUSIC, VIDEOS, and INFO!!!
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.
Written by Felix-Lee "Campbells" Andrades, III
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