So Britney decided to make 80% of the gays of the world happy and dropped a new album. She teased it for a bit, but things looked bleak. Yes, she is looking the best she’s looked in years. Sure, she’s dancing again and looking lucid. BUT, girl is in Vegas doing a sweet ass residency and doesn’t really NEED to do anything. She dropped “Pretty Girls” and it landed with a thud. Had Britney lost it? Did people stop caring?
Somewhere along the line, Britney decided to start caring again. For this album, she actually been doing press for it, and it looks like she’s doing something that SHE wants to do. That’s great, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to the music. Britney and her team keep on referencing “In the Zone” and “Blackout” when talking about the direction for this project. No big deal, just two of her most career defining projects. That alone, had me nervous…. I have lived with the album for a few days, and this is what I think so far:
Invitation: I was expecting her to start the album with a bang, but instead this song is very much laid back. It ends up being pretty indicative of the whole vibe of the album: mid tempo, vibey music with breathy vocals.
Make Me: I thought this was an interesting first choice for a single, given her usual bombastic first singles. It’s not very quotable (think, “Work Bitch”) and kind of fits into the landscape that Nick Jonas, Tove Lo, and Selena Gomez have turned into mainstream pop. Despite, the lacklustre video, the song grew on me.
Private Show: I find myself humming this track more than any of the others. It has a throwback vibe (maybe 50s era?) coupled with THOTish lyrics. It ends up being catchy as hell.
Man on the Moon: I don’t love this song, and I think it has to do with the lyrical content. It feels a bit juvenile for her.The whole thing is a bit of a snore.
Just Luv Me: This song has Britney back in her comfort zone. This song just oozes sex. It feels like a song that Selena might have had on her last album, but make no mistake that this is Brit’s forte and where she shines.
Clumsy: This song was written by half of Pop and Oak, who have been putting out some super interesting music as of late ( Brandy’s “ Beggin and Pleadin’ for example) Britney is flexing a bit vocally and the chorus leads to one of the album's few uptempo moments.
Do You wanna Come Over: another upbeat song. It’s a fun, cute, danceable song.
Slumber Party: Now that Brit got you to come over, she slows it down with this song and gives us a bedroom banger. At times, it reminds me of Jermih’s “Birthday Sex” (probably the I--i--i--i-I--) but reggaed out just a bit.
Just Like Me: starts out with a simple guitar then builds to a mid tempo moment. Who doesn’t love a song about your boo, stepping out with someone that looks just like you? I mean I know, I can relate. That’s for another post though…
Love Me Down: I like the island vibe of the song. It sounds very Major Lazer to me. There is a bassline at one point that sounds VERY similar to “Pretty Girls”
Hard to Forget Ya: I like the verses to the song, but there is something about the chorus, that I don’t quite love.
What You Need: Another track with Britney flexing her vocals. I don’t foresee her ever singing this live.
Better: This is another Major Lazer sounding track. The chorus reminds me of “Lean On”
Change Your Mind (No Seas Cortes): Britney is singing in Spanish y’all! Dame Mas! (I’m too lazy to google the correct translation) The infusion of the Spanish actually isn’t horrible. It works for her and the song is sexy and flirty.
Liar: I’m guessing the internet will lose it mind because this has to be about Justin Timberlake. Who care that they broke up like a decade ago, surely she’s still obsessed with him, right? I don’t care who the song is about, I just think it’s a fun “fuck off” song.
If I’m Dancing: I love this track. FINALLY a track that makes me want to clap without my hands! Beyond the music, I actually l really like the way her vocals were produced on this track.
Coupure Electrique: On mon DIEU, Britney a un chanson en francais! C’est cool, non!? We all know that French makes everything/everyone sound much sexier. This song is definitely sexy. Britney leaves the album, the way she came in: with a body roll and a hair flip.
This album doesn’t have the “Gimme More”, “Womanizer” or “Work Bitch” to scream for our attention. I doubted at first, but ultimately, it ends up making this feel like one of her most cohesive projects to date. I don’t really get many “Blackout” vibes for this album as that was a really R&B heavy album. I’m sorry they kept on referring to that album as that’s my all time favourite and it left me kind of longing for it. Taking that out of the equation, this is a good album.
I am always saying that Britney is lazy. She’s iconic, legendary, blah blah blah, and she is aware. She doesn’t have to do much and her fan base will cut you if you even hint that it might not be her best work. I was thinking she should just retire. Then she got the spark in her eyes, and started looking like she was enjoying what she was doing. We are in a time where Beyonce continues to push the envelope musically, and visually. Rihanna is evolving into a true artist. Britney is not here to do either of those things. She’s here to make pop music that her fans will enjoy and purchase (I SEE YOU, BOOTLEGGERS!) Glory to me, represents a return to Britney doing what she does best. She knows her lane that she’s created and she’s ready to remind you hoes of her greatness. I, for one, am here for it. Glory, GLORY Hall--lemme stop.
