Corporate Line:
Britney’s musical intensity and her evolution from a teen renegade into a provocative young woman are undeniable throughout ‘In The Zone, ‘ her fourth Jive Records collection. First and foremost, the project shows her flexing notably strong and mature songwriting muscles. She co-wrote 7 of the project’s 12 sterling new compositions, collaborating with such heavy hitters as Red Zone (“Me Against the Music”, and “The Hook Up”), The Matrix (“Shadow”), Moby (“Early Morning’”) and Cathy Dennis (“Toxic” and “Showdown.”) Also contributing hit worthy material to the album is R.Kelly (“Outrageous”), Ying-Yang Twins on “(I Got That) Boom Boom.” Perhaps the most significant is the appearance of pop icon Madonna who lends her voice to the single “Me Against The Music.” Collaborating with one of her all-time greatest musical influences was a dream come true for Britney. “The experience was beyond words or description.”
The Good:
” (I Got That) Boom Boom” – Britney’s tribute to Southern Boys shows a more mature Britney who has now been really allowed into the clubs and settled in to working those hips. She’s aware of having ‘What you want.’ If this doesn’t have you shaking your booty, you need a doctor.
‘Breathe On Me’ – hear this in a club and you are going to grab the person next to you and just have an intense make-out session. Full of lush vibes, this one is highly seductive.
“Touch of My Hand”- yes, the masturbation song. Britney has said this is her most personal. I should hope so! The song again has erotic Arabic sounds infused into it and will make you want to use your imagination.
“Early Mornin’”- Moby’s ode to going out, getting ‘messy’ and hooking up, then doing it all again the next day. Sets a smooth ambience for chilling out.
The Average:
“Brave New Girl” while the lyrics are great, I thought Britney was now a ‘woman.’ This song is a lot of fun but I could’ve done without the digitized voice.
“Outrageous” more ‘far East’ sounds and an interlude that is kick ass, but the lyrics could be a bit more creative.
“Toxic” more annoying digitized vocals, yet sticks in your head. Play this one while you’re getting ready to go out. It’ll put you in a light hearted mood.
“Shadow” The track written by the Matrix team. You know the people behind Lillix and Avril Lavinge. Lyrically great, but cut it by about thirty seconds.
The Eh:
“Everytime” – the last remnants of girlhood are on this track. She is pining for her lost love by admitting she was wrong and she really needs him (implied to be Justin Timberlake.) This one should’ve been left for the privacy of her own room.
Frankly:
Britney has really made the transition from girl to woman on this record. She has left behind the endless generic ‘baby’ that so heavily fell into her previous albums. Fortunately for us the standard cover song is missing this time round. Britney has matured as a songwriter and in her subject matter. This is a solid dance record perfect for working out, getting ready to go out, and parties. Have fun with it.
+ Colleen Maree Quill
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