Product description
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Britney Spears - In the Zone - CD
.co.uk
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For Britney Spears, In the Zone is more than just her fourth
album; it's a pivotal moment which could decide the length of the
rest of her career. Having literally outgrown the role of teen
sensation, she now has to prove she's got what it takes to grow
up and fulfil her Madonna (
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Adulthood calls for adult themes, and for Britney that means
sex--and lots of it. In a staggering about-face, In the Zone
takes her from vestal virgin to hyper-sophisticated nymphomaniac.
The saucy Arabian shimmy and quietly euphoric chorus of "Toxic"
has her delirious with carnal delight, "Showdown" is steamy
cyber-funk lesson in how to tease, while "Touch of My Hand" is a
none-to-discreet celebration of solo stimulation, with Britney
purring to a swimming groove "I love myself, it's not a sin".
Like single "Me Against the Music", featuring Madonna at her
corruptive best, it's all a long way from the cute Britney of
old, and if not as instantly catchy, her new direction is
deceptively addictive. Less sensational R&B fillers and a couple
of slushy ballads aside, she's made the jump with style and
grace, and it looks like Ms Spears could be with us for some time
yet. --Dan Gennoe
BBC Review
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With this, Britney Spears' fourth album, the former little
girl diva of pop is desperate to prove that she is now a proper
grown up. If her last offering saw the singer straddling the two
worlds of girlhood and womanhood, then this one sees her
announcing her distinctly adult intentions. She is twenty-two
after all! Sadly, her attempts to prove her new-found maturity
are what overwhelm and cloud all that is good about Into The
Zone.
The album opens very confidently with "Me Against The Music"
which,althugh it has more than a passing similarity to a Justin
Timberlake production, still manages to sound fresh and as funky
as hell. Cries of 'let me see you dance' and 'time to party all
night long' emphasise our heroine's love of the good time.
Britney clearly relishes her new role as nightclub siren, but she
somehow doesn't quite convince.
"Showdown" and "Toxic" are produced by the Bloodshy & Avant team
and, though hardly original, have the catchy hooks you'd expect
from the duo. "Breathe On Me" is very reminiscent of Madonna
during her Ray Of Light period, offering welcome after the
overcrowded chanting of "(I Got That) Boom Boom".
The Moby produced "Early Morning" is the standout track on this
collection. Its contagious, down-tempo groove and soaring string
chorus all add up to make a brilliantly simple piece of pop. The
other high point is "Touch Of My Hand", its sugary sweet
harmonies can't help but impress. (It features Madonna, just in
case you've been living on Mars).
"Shadow" is Spear's only return to the power ballad and it's a
fairly lukewarm affair; it sounds more like a Pop Idol release
than a Britney one. She should stick to the more adventurously
upbeat formula. She should also place less emphasis on how
self-fulfilled she has become, in repeatedly declaring this she
simply draws attention to all the growing up she still has to do.
Don't rush it girl! Enjoy being young! --Ruth Mitchell
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