Just like a Circus...

(published in Campus Magazine, December 2008)

If there’s anything the tabloid media like more than documenting the deterioration of a fallen star, it’s championing the cause of a comeback kid.

In early 2008, the relentless hounding of popstar Britney Spears by paparazzi, at a time when her mental health was decidedly questionable, led Los Angeles governors to consider imposing a ‘Britney Law’ to extend protection of the privacy of public figures.

Just months later, many of those who spearheaded the media crucifixion of the American singer are lauding her for her speedy return to health and hailing her new album, ‘Circus’, as the best work of her career.

Even at the height of her personal woes, Spears’ musical output never faltered noticeably, suggesting that her chart success is probably more to the credit of those puppeteering the Britney brand than the performer herself.

A pick’n’mix of some of pop’s best songwriters and producers are credited for their contributions to ‘Circus’. The tracks range from syrupy ballads like ‘Out from Under’ and ‘My Baby’ to big-beat dance-tracks like recent single ‘Womanizer’ and the provocatively titled ‘If You Seek Amy’ (say it fast).

The main problem with this scattershot approach to production and writing is that it results in an album lacking in any sense of cohesion or ‘wholeness’. Like many pop albums, ‘Circus’ is a victim of its pursuit of the perfect standalone song.

That said, the album is peppered with some moments of greatness. On ‘Mannequin’, Spears’ distorted vocal is threaded between synths and drum-loops to great effect while her breathy Imogen Heap-esque delivery over a minimalist backing on ‘Unusual You’ marks another highlight.

Spears’ attempts to vamp it up on ‘Lace and Leather’ and ‘Mmm Papi’ are less successful but perhaps it’s just difficult to see her as a sex symbol after all those unflattering up-skirt shots.

Despite its weaker moments, 'Circus’ is hit-heavy enough to suggest that, if the reigning Princess of Pop is to be deposed by younger upstarts like Rihanna or Lady Gaga, she’s at least got a firm grip on the crown for the time being.

Verdict: 65%