FROM the 2003 album "In the Zone"
RELEASED on November 18th, 2003
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on ALBUM: #1 (Billboard 200--12/06/2003); #2 (Canadian Albums chart--
12/06/2003)
"Me Against the Music" featuring Madonna
Co-written and produced by Britney Spears, Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, and Penelope Magnet
Also written by Madonna, Thabiso "Tab" Nikhereanye, Terius "The-DREAM" Nash, and Gary O'Brien
Released on October 20th, 2003
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #35 (Hot 100--11/29/2003); #11 (Pop Songs chart--11/08/2003);
#1 (Dance/Club Play Songs chart--12/27/2003)
(Will appear on the STANDARD VERSION)
This is where the change in music really starts. What's funny about the history behind this song is that it originally wasn't going to be the lead single from "In the Zone". "Outrageous" was the first choice for lead single because of a "contract obligation" demanding that the R. Kelly-produced track be released. Either way, releasing "Me Against the Music" was a smart idea. After the exploitation of the Madonna/SPEARS make-out session at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, the song definitely marked SPEARS' comeback to the music scene in the U.S. Years before people would come to know about him because of his OWN recorded songs, The-DREAM, along with several others, became the reason why this album had such a profound difference in sound. And who can forget the video? I certainly won't...for sure, another one of my favorites.
B-SIDE/REMIX
"Me Against the Music (Passengerz vs. The Club Mix)" featuring Madonna
"Toxic"
Co-written and produced by Bloodshy and Avant (Christian Karlsson and Pontius Winnberg)
Also written by Cathy Dennis and Henrik Jonback
Released on January 12th, 2004
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #9 (Hot 100--03/27/2004); #1 (Pop Songs chart--03/20/2004);
#1 (Dance/Club Play Songs chart--03/27/2004); #10 (Radio Songs chart--03/27/2004); #35
(Latin Pop Songs chart--03/20/2004); #37 (Adult Pop Songs chart--04/10/2004)
(Will appear on the STANDARD VERSION)
The only song that won SPEARS a Grammy Award (Best Dance Recording in 2005), "Toxic" is one of her most memorable signature songs. Originally meant for Kylie Minogue (who turned the song down), "Toxic" features some of the best production I'd heard done for SPEARS. It instantly became one of the most sampled and covered songs in her career by other artists. The video for this song also featured an almost nude SPEARS if it wasn't for the "strategically-placed crystals" and a G-String...MTV considered the video "too racy for daytime rotation" and moved it to overnight airplay. (People and their sensitivity to the naked body...) The video itself had a million-dollar budget giving it an unbelievable outcome... "Toxic" is one of the most aesthetically-pleasing and fully exciting videos to watch. "Blender" magazine called this single "irritating...[sticking] in your head like hot gum on your shoe." That's funny... "Toxic" quickly became one the best songs ever recorded by SPEARS... and where's "Blender" magazine now? Oh, that's right...six feet under...
B-SIDE/REMIX
"Toxic (Bloodshy and Avant Intoxicated Remix)"
I really liked this remix. Just like the remix to "Me Against the Music", I heard it several years ago. It serves more as an "extended version" of the original "Toxic" track with a slightly different arrangement. Really good mix!
"Everytime"
Written by Britney Spears and Annette "Artani" Stamatelatos
Produced by Guy Sigsworth
Released on May 17th, 2004
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #15 (Hot 100--07/03/2004); #4 (Pop Songs chart--07/10/2004);
#17 (Dance/Club Play Songs chart--07/31/2004); #25 (Adult Pop Songs chart--08/07/2004)
(Will appear on the STANDARD VERSION)
"Everytime" was SPEARS' most successful ballad since 2000's "From the Bottom of My Broken Heart". It was also the most controversial music video to date in her career, featuring "blood, partial nudity, and graphic scenes". It was really difficult for me not to enjoy this song. Despite the lullaby-driven melody, the lyrics were beautiful and something I related to so very much. It was even believed that "Everytime" was meant to be for Justin Timberlake...but SPEARS never truly confessed that fact. Great song...but unfortunately, very underrated.
B-SIDE/REMIX
"Everytime (Above and Beyond Club Mix)"
By far, this remix is one of my favorite one's ever done for a SPEARS track. I think the trance element really compliments the haunting and draw-out vocals that are actually sparse on the remix to this track.
"Outrageous"
Written and produced by R. Kelly
Released on July 13th, 2004
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #79 (Hot 100--08/28/2004); #23 (Pop Songs chart--08/28/2004);
#27 (Dance/Club Play Songs chart--09/11/2004)
Inevitably, R. Kelly got his wish when this song was released as a single. And although the Middle Eastern-flavor in the production was a welcome and refreshing change for SPEARS' career, "Outrageous" became the LEAST successful release from the album. No music video was released due to the fact that SPEARS sustained a knee injury on set during the filming of the choreography. It would've been interesting to see the outcome of the video since it featured a cameo appearance from Snoop Dogg. "Outrageous" featured additional backing vocals from R. Kelly himself. I've always liked this song because it was so different...and at that time, an R. Kelly and Britney SPEARS collaboration was a very huge thing.
B-SIDE/REMIX
"Outrageous (Junkie XL's Dancehall Mix)"
Not one of the good remixes out there...there's just too much going on with the percussion. It sounds more "tribal" as opposed to Dancehall.
"In the Zone" was just amazing to me. For the very first time, I was able to listen to a Britney SPEARS album without having to skip ahead to the next track. Having producers like R. Kelly, Moby, Bloodshy and Avant, "Tricky" Stewart, THE MATRIX, and others on the album really evolved SPEARS...ESPECIALLY since there was NO PRODUCTION from Max Martin! Songs like "Breathe On Me" and "Touch Of My Hand" explored a very provocative side of SPEARS...whereas songs like "Showdown" expressed a very cynical approach to catching someone's attention. "In the Zone" featured the very first Hip-Hop collaboration SPEARS recorded entitled "(I Got That) Boom Boom" featuring the Ying Yang Twins. There was even a Dancehall-tinged track called "The Hook Up", which again doubles as one of my favorite songs EVER from Britney SPEARS. History was definitely made with this album...but around this time is when the media exploited SPEARS' personal life, forcing her to take a long hiatus after releasing her FIRST "greatest hits" compilation...
FROM the 2004 Greatest Hits COMPILATION ALBUM "...My Prerogative"
RELEASED on NOVEMBER 9th, 2004
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on ALBUM: #4 (Billboard 200)
"My Prerogative"
Written by Bobby Brown, Gene Griffin, and Teddy Riley
Produced by Bloodshy and Avant
Released on September 21st, 2004
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #1 (Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart (#101))
SPEARS' remake of the Bobby Brown song didn't do so well. Just when I felt she was at the height of her career, this song comes along and screws up her momentum. Yet another track that didn't break her into the Billboard Hot 100, "My Prerogative" seemed to set her back a few notches. This song never stayed on my radar...
B-SIDE/REMIX
"My Prerogative (Armand van Helden Remix)"
"Do Somethin'"
Co-written and co-produced by Bloodshy and Avant
Also written by Henrik Jonback and A. Hunte
Also produced by S. Lunt
Released on February 13th, 2005 (in Europe and other territories)
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #100 (Hot 100)
I didn't know about this song until I walked into a music store searching for remixed versions of SPEARS' past singles. Once again, the song did not do well here in the United States, but it reached the Top Twenty in twelve different countries. The video for this song marked SPEARS' directorial debut (alongside Bille Woodruff) under the alias "Mona Lisa". Truly believe this song should've been released as a single instead of "My Prerogative". "Do Somethin'" featured this rock/pop sound reminiscent of another song recorded by her named "Brave Little Girl".
B-SIDE/REMIX
"Do Somethin' (E Smooves Thick Vocal Mix)"
Again...this remix isn't that great. It's boring...and there's no intensity to it.
Every artist has to release a "greatest hits" album at some point in their career, right? Well, SPEARS and Jive Records did an awesome job by waiting for her to have FOUR albums before releasing the compilation...it was also accompanied by a DVD with all of her music videos up to that point. Now we can enter the point of her life where Kevin Federline shows up in the picture. Who remembers the reality TV series called "Britney & Kevin: Chaotic"? SPEARS ended up including an EP with the DVD release of this show (under the name "Chaotic"), which spawned the next single she released...
FROM the 2005 EXTENDED PLAY ALBUM "Chaotic"
RELEASED on SEPTEMBER 27th, 2005
"Someday (I Will Understand)"
Written and co-produced by Britney Spears (Spears is featured playing the piano)
Also produced by Guy Sigsworth
Released on September 21st, 2005 (in Europe and other territories)
Never charted in the United States
It wasn't until a couple days ago (at the time of writing this review in mid-October) that I finally listened to this song. SPEARS wrote "Someday..." after learning about her pregnancy with her first child. I can appreciate her emotion when it comes to her writing skills, but SPEARS' vocals on this song stripped away any strong feeling it was trying to portray. It was also poorly produced. Regardless, it went on to be a Top Ten hit in countries like Denmark, Sweden, and Switzerland.
B-SIDE/REMIX
"Mona Lisa"
Written by Britney Spears, Teddy Campbell, and David Kochanski
Produced by Bloodshy and Avant
This song is actually pretty hot...totally could've been released instead of "Someday...".
During this time, there was so much controversy over the lawsuit with Federline and SPEARS. The way she was acting in public added fuel to the fire...and at one point, I truly believe SPEARS' career was done for. It was really sad...but then she releases a comeback so undeniably STRONG that it put her back on track as one of the most amazing acts of our time...despite the nonchalant travesty of live performances for her next single...
FROM the 2007 ALBUM "Blackout"
RELEASED on October 30th, 2007
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on ALBUM: #2 (Billboard 200--11/17/2007); #1 (Canadian Albums chart--
11/17/2007); #2 (Digital Albums chart--11/17/2007)
"Gimme More"
Co-written and produced by Nate "Danja" Hills
Also written by James "Jim Beanz" Washington, Keri Hilson, and Marcella Araica
Released on September 25th, 2007
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #3 (Hot 100--10/13/2007); #17 (Pop Songs chart--10/20/2007);
#1 (Dance/Club Play Songs chart--12/15/2007); #48 (Radio Songs chart--10/27/2007); #1
(Digital Songs chart--10/13/2007); #1 (Canadian Hot 100--10/13/2007)
(Will appear on the STANDARD VERSION)
"It's Britney, bitch!" You damn right it is. THIS is the way to make a comeback, for real. "Gimme More" became SPEARS' first Top FIVE hit since her 1998 debut single "...Baby One More Time". For those who choose to not care about music credits, this song is one of few that were written by Keri Hilson for the album. No matter what anyone thinks about this song, I truly believe it's one of her best. It showed us how different SPEARS can be...and the remix featuring T.I. was an added bonus. Although the song's lyrics depict dancing and sex, "Gimme More" is actually about the "media and public always wanting more of her". I almost performed this song at one point in my life (really glad I didn't!) ...it will always bring back some very good memories for me.
B-SIDE/REMIX
"Gimme More (Paul Oakenfold Remix)"
Another great remix...as only Oakenfold can do it. Definitely gets you out of your seat!
"Piece of Me"
Co-written and produced by Bloodshy and Avant
Also written by Klas Ahlund
Released on November 27th, 2007
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #18 (Hot 100--02/09/2008); #28 (Pop Songs chart--12/29/2007);
#1 (Dance/Club Play Songs chart--03/08/2008); #74 (Radio Songs chart--01/19/2008); #8
(Digital Songs chart--02/09/2008); #5 (Canadian Hot 100--02/02/2008)
(Will appear on the STANDARD VERSION)
SPEARS officially told everyone where to go upon the release of this very introspective single. "Piece of Me" features a reality so blunt that I felt really bad for her, despite the way the song was constructed. SPEARS repeatedly asks the question "You want a piece of me...?" in various situations, calling herself "Mrs. ..." so on and so forth in reference to what the media and tabloids have said about her during her career. In my memory, I recall this song being heavily played on the radio...so it was definitely well received. The singer Robyn originally recorded a demo for this song and is actually still featured in the version we hear today in background vocals. An eye-opener for me, "Piece of Me" will forever mark the point where SPEARS let go of all the negativity in her life.
B-SIDE/REMIX
"Piece of Me (Boz O Lo Remix)"
I feel another remix should've been chosen...this one just doesn't cut it.
"Break the Ice"
Co-written and produced by Nate "Danja" Hills
Also written by James "Jim Beanz" Washington, Keri Hilson, and Marcella Araica
Released on March 28th, 2008
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #43 (Hot 100--05/24/2008); #21 (Pop Songs chart--05/31/2008);
#1 (Dance/Club Play Songs chart--06/07/2008); #58 (Radio Songs chart--05/24/2008); #35
(Digital Songs chart--04/26/2008); #9 (Canadian Hot 100--04/26/2008)
Another song that has tremendous memories for me (and another one I potentially could've performed), "Break the Ice" is SPEARS' apology from being away from the music industry for so long. While most believe it was about two people meeting each other for the first time, I tend to believe it was a metaphor for her return to the industry and how she was going to be received. The tension built over the past couple of years could've broken her career altogether, but SPEARS prevailed and got right back on track. The production/songwriting crew behind "Gimme More" is also responsible for this single. Although the video was lackluster, this song will always be one of my personal favorites as it sparked my creativity in the choreography department once again.
B-SIDE/REMIX
"Everybody"
Co-written and produced by Jonathan Rotem
Also written by Annie Lennox, David A. Stewart, and Evan "Kidd" Bogart
Okay...this is why people shouldn't try to re-create a classic. "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Eurythmics is sampled...and I'm sorry SPEARS, you failed miserably. Horrible song...!
"Blackout" is another favorite of mine. Still with no unnecessary production from Max Martin, "Blackout" served as a very sexy album with mature sounds and lyrics to compliment SPEARS' return after several years. Teaming up with Bloodshy and Avant, Keri Hilson, Danja, T-Pain, Pharrell Williams, Kara DioGuardi, Sean Garrett, and more really worked in her favor. I know this could've been a Number One album had it not been for the Eagles releasing an album the same week. My attention only intensified as I heard several tracks from the album (including "Toy Soldier" and "Get Naked (I Got a Plan") being played in the clubs. Keri Hilson's other contribution to the album ("Perfect Lover") remains another personal favorite of mine, while Pharrell William's ("Why Should I Be Sad?") is the best send-off to someone who did you wrong (here's to you Federline!) So what was on SPEARS' agenda now that she released one of the most influential albums in her career...?
FROM the 2008 album "Circus"
RELEASED on DECEMBER 2nd, 2008
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on ALBUM: #1 (Billboard 200; Digital Albums chart; Canadian Albums
chart--12/20/2008)
"Womanizer"
Written and co-produced by Nikesha Briscoe and Rafael Akinyemi (The Outsyders)
Also produced by K. Briscoe
Released on September 26th, 2008
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on ALBUM: #1 (Hot 100--10/25/2008); #1 (Pop Songs chart--01/03/2009);
#37 (Latin Pop Songs chart--01/31/2009); #9 (Dance/Club Play Songs chart--12/27/2008);
#6 (Radio Songs chart--01/03/2009); #28 (Latin Pop Songs chart--01/10/2009); #1 (Canadian
Hot 100--10/25/2008); #32 (Adult Pop Songs chart--01/03/2009)
(Will appear on the STANDARD VERSION)
I remember getting into friendly arguments with the love of my life over this song. No one can deny how catchy this song's hook is...but "Womanizer" marked the FIRST NUMBER ONE single since her debut that SPEARS encountered. "Womanizer" became an anthem to many women around the world...and the video...can anybody say "WOW!"? SPEARS' naked body in the steam room was an added bonus to the return of her strongly choreographed music videos. "Womanizer" has now become her biggest selling digital single in the U.S., selling over 2.8 million copies. The song also topped the charts in thirty countries worldwide. "Womanizer" took the biggest jump in Billboard Hot 100 history, moving up from Number Ninety-Six to Number One. The single gave SPEARS the recognition of being the first female artist to have the highest opening-week tally in Nielsen SoundScan history since it started tracking digital downloads in 2003...beating out Mariah's "Touch My Body". Good job Britney!
B-SIDE/REMIX
"Womanizer (Kaskade Remix)"
Not impressed at all...the chorus is the only part that's worth it in the remix.
"Circus"
Co-written and co-produced by Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald
Also written by Claude Kelly and Benjamin Levin
Also produced by Benny Blanco
Released on December 2nd, 2008
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on ALBUM: #3 (Hot 100 and Dance/Club Play Songs chart)
(Will appear on the STANDARD VERSION)
As this review is reaching its end, I'm finding it harder and harder to write about SPEARS' latest music...it all just signifies crucial moments from my recent past (both good and bad). "Circus" sparked a vision in me...making me believe that I should've kept on with wanting to become a dancer. After seeing the music video for this release, I was disappointed. While "Womanizer" had some tight dance moves, I totally felt that SPEARS could've brought it hard in the routine for this song. It's not her fault...it's her choreographer's and director's fault. Either way, "Circus" will be another favorite of mine for a long time to come. In my belief, it's one of the strongest tracks on the whole album.
B-SIDE/REMIX
"Circus (Tom Neville's Ringleader Remix)"
Now this remix is hot. For a song that originally has high energy, this remix to "Circus" has a more chill vibe to it. The Oriental melody against the ambience of the track is awesome.
"If You Seek Amy"
Co-written and produced by Max Martin
Also written by Johan Karl "Shellback" Schuster, Savan Kotecha, and Alexander Kronlund
Released on March 10th, 2009
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #19 (Hot 100--05/09/2009); #8 (Pop Songs chart--06/06/2009);
#16 (Dance/Club Play Songs chart--06/06/2009); #18 (Radio Songs chart--05/09/2009); #17
(Digital Songs chart--04/11/2009); #13 (Canadian Hot 100--04/04/2009); #37 (Adult Pop Songs
chart--05/23/2009)
(Will appear on the STANDARD VERSION)
It took me awhile to figure out what was so taboo about this song...even after it was explained to me! The double entendre in "If You Seek Amy" is not even that serious...maybe because I'm grown and I don't make a big deal out of profanity. But when parents start to bitch and moan that they were horrified about Britney SPEARS spelling out the phrase "Fuck Me" in the title of the song, it gets a little tiring. (Who knows how many times the child heard that word in their own home used by their own parents!) Everybody needs to grow up...if you ask me, Max Martin and the others created something very clever and catchy. Love this song...
B-SIDE/REMIX
"If You Seek Amy (Crookers Remix)"
This remix is another horrible effort.
"Radar"
Co-written and co-produced by Bloodshy and Avant and The Clutch (Candace Clotiel "Gg" Nelson,
Ezekiel L. "(E)Zeke" Lewis, Patrick Michael "J. Que" Smith, and Balewa Muhammad)
Also written by Henrik Jonback
Released on June 23rd, 2009
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #88 (Hot 100--09/05/2009); #30 (Pop Songs chart--08/29/2009);
#52 (Digital Songs chart--11/17/2007); #65 (Canadian Hot 100--09/05/2009)
Also available on the "Blackout" album
(Will appear on the STANDARD VERSION)
I knew this was supposed to have been the fourth single from the "Blackout" album...but after it gained exposure and it was noticeable that it wasn't a great song, why would you release it as the fourth single on another album? Poor move...this song became the worse from the "Circus" album. I never really like this song either.
B-SIDE/REMIX
"Radar (Bloodshy and Avant Remix)"
Good job with this track...Bloodshy and Avant really did outdo themselves with this one. It actually makes the original track seem even more worthless.
So there we have it...twenty-eight of Britney SPEARS' singles. But what about her new release?
FROM the 2009 Greatest Hits COMPILATION ALBUM "The Singles Collection"
Has yet to chart in the United States
"3"
Co-written and co-produced by Max Martin and Johan Karl "Shellback" Schuster
Also written by Tiffany Amber
Released on September 29th, 2009
BILLBOARD INFORMATION on SONG: #1 (Hot 100--10/24/2009)
(Will appear on STANDARD VERSION)
I will say "CONGRATULATIONS" to SPEARS for snatching another NUMBER ONE song in her career. But there is a problem...although the lyrics of this song talk about a very touchy and racy subject, Max Martin failed her. Her voice sounds too childish/impish. The production is ridiculously outdated, as it brings SPEARS back full-circle to square one. With lyrical content like this, "3"should've had a sexier sound. SPEARS is a grown woman...I think it's time to start having her music represent that. She's not a little girl anymore...here's hoping she can get people for her upcoming studio album out next year that can showcase another side of her talent. (Several weeks after this was released, I find myself holding on to what I said here in the description...but at the same time, I appreciate the single NOW as being catchy and fun.)
B-SIDE/REMIX
"3 (Groove Police Club Mix)"
This remix is definitely one of the best...the beat is just sick...!
Here's hoping this review can shed new light as to what Britney SPEARS has done for the music industry. She's not going anywhere soon...so for those who don't like her, get used to it. She's been here for ten years...I'm pretty sure she'll be around for ten more to come...and then some.
In my opinion, "The Singles Collection" may have come too soon...releasing another "greatest hits" compilation after the release of only TWO studio albums doesn't exactly give you a lot of hits to choose from. Are people going to be willing to pay almost a hundred dollars for this ULTIMATE FAN BOX SET from Britney SPEARS...? I guess we'll have to wait and see. Whatever the outcome, SPEARS is an entertainer. Vocally, she may not be the strongest out there amongst the "Hudsons", "Clarksons", and "Leonas" of the world...but she is far ahead of most.
Six studio albums, two G.H. compilation albums, a remix album, several sold-out world tours, millions upon millions of units sold, Gold-, Platinum-, and Diamond-Certifications left and right...come on now...
She IS the legendary Ms. Britney SPEARS...!
Here's TWO MORE of the extra tracks featured in the ULTIMATE FAN BOX SET...
"Circus (Tom Neville's Ringleader Mix...)"
"3 (Groove Police Club Mix...)"
"Toxic"
From the 2003 album "In the Zone"
Directed by Joseph Kahn
(3.32)
"Everytime"
From the 2003 album "In the Zone"
Directed by David LaChapelle
(4.08)
"Do Somethin'"
From the 2004 "G.H." compilation album, "...My Prerogative"
Directed by Britney Spears and Billie Woodruff
(3.33)
"Piece of Me"
From the 2007 album "Blackout"
Directed by Wayne Isham
(3.12)
"Womanizer"
From the 2008 album "Circus"
Directed by Joseph Kahn
(3.47)
"3"
From the 2009 "G.H." compilation album "The Singles Collection"
Directed by Diane Martel
(3.36)
REVIEWS COMING UP TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10th, 2009
MELANIE FIONA-- "The Bridge"
WALE-- "Attention Deficit"
ALEJANDRO SANZ-- "Paraiso Express"
VICTOR MANUELLE-- "Yo Mismo"
JENCARLOS CANELA-- "Buscame"
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED.
Written by Felix-Lee "Campbells" Andrades, III
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