Britney Spears - In The Zone
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Free Music Notes for In The Zone
Free Music Review: Electro-Pop Zone Glitters
Hit: 5 Stars
Readers...keep in mind that all those one star reviews are most likely people to don't believe in giving Britney Spears a chance. For what reason, I don't know. Had this CD been released by a different artist, it would get tons of 5 star reviews and better reviews from critics, simply because it is Britney. I think that people should actually listen to the album before writing a review. It just shows how much hatred they have for an entertainer for no reason...that's just wrong! "In The Zone" is overflowing with satisfying beats and song structures. The opening track, and underrated first single, "Me Against The Music" is nothing but an enjoyable dance track. It takes some getting used to, but once you love it you never look back. This song gets very infectious after recurring listens. The song is a #1 dance single on its own, with no remixes. "(I Got That) Boom Boom" can only be described as nothing but fun. The Ying Yang Twins offer their animal-like shouts and raps to add flavor to this southern hip-hop song. While the Twins' rap gets a little repetitive, it's still enjoyable. The beat will get you dancing in no time. "Showdown" is an appealing song with interesting lyrics about make-up sex ("After the screaming's at an end, why don't we do it all again, that's when the fun really begins..."). It does indeed have a "popcorn" feel to it, as one reviewer said. Now let's move on to the treasure that is "Breathe On Me." Out of all the dance/club songs out there, it's pretty amazing that nothing matches this one. The alternately thumping single beats that is familiar in club scene goes great along with Britney's slow, quiet, seductive vocals. The whispering in the middle of the song ("Monogamy's the way to go...just put your lips together...and blow") is the greatest guilty pleasure...ever. It makes the whole song, in my opinion, even more compelling. The point of this song is obvious: To get you in the mood. "Early Mornin'" holds wonderful, "sensual swaying beats that come and go like a slow inhalation", as quoted by Blender magazine. This song is basically about going out and partying all night with your friends and waking up with a hangover. "Toxic", the current second single, as well as the most successful since 2001's "Stronger", is A-D-D-I-C-T-I-V-E. It's got a kick-ass dance beat along with strings and guitars...did I mention the unbelievably remarkable chorus? Plus, the lyrics are original and smart. Originally lined up to be the first single off this album, "Outrageous" is a fun and upbeat R&B track containing lyrics about Britney's not-so-private life, being surrounded by paparazzi and media 24/7. The chorus has catchy chants repeating "OUTRAGEOUS!" This would do well as a later single. "Touch Of My Hand" is a very controversial song since it is about...um...well, here's what Britney stated: "It's about you...with yourself." Nonetheless, the song is totally listenable. It's mid-tempo with an Asian flavor. Though other songs have had the same meaning/subject, this Britney number is truly original in its sound and crafty, smart lyrics. A mainstream song with an Asian influence is rare in the U.S. market. Also, Britney's vocals are good throughout the song, especially near the end. I swear, in "The Hook-Up", I thought I would hear Sean Paul rapping any moment in the beginning because of the Reggae/Jamaican vibe he has in his music. It resembles Beyonce's "Baby Boy" but with a faster rhythm. Okay, who the hell does someone who says Britney can't sing think he is? She clearly can, and she proves it on the 10th track and first ballad on the album, "Shadow." This track is dark and moody. She sings about someone she loved but he didn't love her back in the same way. As the song reaches its climax, Britney lets out her voice and it soars. I believe she has the potiental to do even more than that. Remember... she does upbeat dance stuff, so a powerful voice isn't needed. But it's good enough. "Brave New Girl" is a very fun, futuristic song. She raps along an urban techno beat in the verses, while the chorus reminds you of the "old" Britney in its teenybopper-ish catchyness. It was quoted by Rolling Stone that this song is better than anything Madonna has done in the past decade. Though one might debate that opinion, it is an encouraging and powerful statement. After all, Britney IS the next Madonna, right? Finally, the last track in line...a dreamy piano ballad written by Miss Spears herself. This song is about a lost love and she tries to forget him but she can't because their love was so powerful. Hmm...Justin? (Can't stand him, by the way). The piano sound would make Vanessa Carlton or Norah Jones look mediocre. Another talent of Britney's...yes, she thought up this melody and rhythm, and played the piano. Combining the sad piano sounds and Britney's great vocals, this song should put you in a calm or depressed mood. Probably her most beautiful song to date.
Overall, "In The Zone" is a masterpiece to people who like pop, techno, dance, R&B, trance, and hip-hop. If you don't like any of those music styles, don't review and waste your time.
Free Music Review: WOW...TOTALLY UNEXPECTED!!!
Hit: 5 Stars
Well...what can I say?! When I picked up Ms. "Sexy" Spears' In The Zone I didn't know what I was in for. I did expect one or two good tracks, having read in advance in a magazine that Sean "Puffy" Combs, R.Kelly and Moby were producing tracks on it. I thought it would be like her "Britney" album a few RnB based tunes a la "Slave" and "Boys" and the rest pop! But to my surprise more were RnB and hardly any sign of pop music that she first started her career with. I'd like to state that the content and music influence on this album are mature and not really something youngsters aged 15 and under will like...that is unless they like RnB.
Here's a rundown of the tracks...
1. Me against the music feat Madonna
U know this 1. I dont really like this, however I do like the parts that she sings fast...very hott!
2. (I got that) Boom boom feat Ying Yang Twins
This is the first RnB/hip-hop laced track. The music's really good with a little cameo by country instrument the "Banjo", the twins ad lib the whole track.
3. Showdown
A shocker! Very RnB sounds Neptuney. Ms. Spears talks the verses in a sexy tone and sings the chorus in a very un-pre-britney. Top class.
4. Breathe on me
Fantastic! This is a very fusion slow dance/club track. Reminds you of Madonna's Bedtime story and Inside of me and Kylie Minogues stuff. Very silky, soft, sexyily sung vocals, u won't believe its her!
5. Early mornin'
Moby produced track.
An ok song the verses are spoken and chorus sung, the track isn't strong. I prefer the verses 2 the choruses.
6. Toxic
The song is up-beat, a party song that you would hear at a well thrown party. The music is laced with the "Bollywood" music we are all so used 2 now having listened 2 it from artists like Missy, Timbaland, Aaliyah (RIP my baby), Nivea, Justin T etc.
The chorus is sung very un-britney like which again is a plus point.
7. Outrageous
R.Kelly produced track.
This song is unbelievable! Hott song. Feat R on backgroung vocals this is tiiiight! Very Netuney includin' an Araby vibe in the music. No one will believe you when u tell em it's Britney!
8. Touch of my hand
Yeah, for all of you that have heard rumours about what this song is about have heard right. It is about mast**bation. And you'll be shocked to hear the words come out of Britney's mouth. She ain't little girl no more.
Music is fusion with chinese strings all the way through.
9. The hook up
A chppy dancehall/bashment/RnB tune with Ragga adlibs. Doesn't sound like britney in the verses that much but once the chorus arrives you know it's her singin'. A good song, not brilliant.
10. Shadow
Produced by Avril Lavigne's group the Matrix. This song is slow and more along the lines of what the pop fans of Britney are used to. It's slow, poppy and uses the Indian instrument "Sitar" during the chorus. Very, very reminicent to Avril's "I'm with you".
11. Brave new girl
This track is really eighties. U can imagine people with ghetto blasters on their shoulders, convertables in the summer, kids playin' rope on the pavement, and adidas trainers and sweat suits lol.
The verses are really good with her lil singy rappy style (It's sung like Pink's "RESPECT") the chorus is too girly 4 my likin' though. Would suit the "Clueless" movie and show perfectly. I love clueless btw, show and movie! LOL!
12. Everytime
Hate this! Way too pop, it's really bad. Apparently it's about Justin T. Slow song.
13. Me against the music feat Madonna (Rishi's remix)
So this is the London based Producer Rishi Rish's remix. He's of Indian race (Like me and I know him) and lives in London (Like me also). He's only 24 and has been producing tracks since the age of 17. The beats he has used are that of the "Panjabi" culture called "Bhangra". Missy used some instruments used in Bhangra music on "Get ur freak on".
UK Bonus Tracks...
14. The answer
Produced by Sean "Puffy" Combs. This track is slow RnB/hip-hop with the Indian instrument "Tabla" used as the main source. Sounds a mix of Sean and Neptunes. A great track. Non-fans will like it.
15. Don't hanf up
This track is slow UK drum n bassy/slow 2 stepy. Her vocals are once again really silky and smooth. U won't believe it's her, doesn't sound anythin' like her at all.
Overall this album has 3 bad songs "Early mornin', Everytime and Brave new girl".
2 ok songs "Shadow" (Thanks to the verses and music, not the chorus) and "Me against the music (Original version)".
and 10 brilliant RnB/hip-hop/dance-fusion tracks.
This album is very maturely written and the music is alot more for the older audience. People who liked "Baby and Oops" will not like it as it's an absolute 180 degrees to those albums. If you didn't like the change the 1st 2 to "Britney" then you won't like this either.
All I can say is be ready to b shocked and non-fan get ready 2 b impressed!
Jahangeer.
Free Music Review: Forget everything you think you know about Britney!
Hit: 5 Stars
'In The Zone' is Britney's fourth and most artistically daring album yet. This album takes off from where 'I'm a Slave 4 u' started. A wonderful pop/dance album that has allowed Britney to express herself finally. Britney penned 7 of the albums tracks. This album is worth a listen. Me Against the Music (featuring Madonna)
The first single of 'In the Zone' which went to number 1 on the world sales chart for 2 weeks. It may seem like nothing special after first listen but it grows on you quickly. Madonna doesn't bring much to the song, her and Britney's vocals are on the same wave length. This song may not be an album highlight but it was a good choice as a first single as it really does represent the style of songs the rest of the album has to offer- club/dance
'I'm up against the speaker trying to take on the music...'
3/5
(I got that) Boom Boom (featuring the Yin Yang Twins)
Britney's first attempt to go Hip-hop on this album. The song contains the sort of cheesey one liners you would expect from Britney, and really show cases her attitude and love for fun. The beat in the back is infectious and it will have you boppin' along in no time. Although the Ying Yang Twins hideous hooting can put you off, they make up for it with their stellar rap towards the end.
'Boom, boom, boom boy you look so sexy'
3.5/5
Showdown
The song about the wonders of make-up sex. It is cryptic enough to get by the young ones without polluting their minds like most of the more sexually orientated tracks on this album. This song is extremely catchy, it has the same sort of feel to it as Jewel's 'Stand'. A trancey track that Britney slithers through nicely.
'I don't really want to be a tease, but would you undo my zipper please'
4/5
Breathe On Me
A fan favourite. Very Kylie Minogue sounding. A slow and sexy dance track about...well breathing on someone.
'just put you lips together and blow'
3.5/5
Early Mornin'
A song Britney and Moby put together, this song is extremely under- rated. It would do excellently in a club. It has Mobys trademark sound and Britney's trade mark attitude. A song about having a hangover after a long night partying. It is infectious after a few listens, give this song a chance it will surprise you.
'I was shaking my a$$ in the streets and moaning just woke up and it's early mornin'
5/5
Toxic
We all know and love this track. Britney's biggest hit since Opps!..I did it again and equally as brilliant. This track topped the charts in the Uk, the U.S and Australia just to name a few. This song is a classic- enough said
'Your toxic I'm slippin' under'
5/5
Outrageous
Possibly Britney's response to the media who are always claiming everything she does is 'outrageous'. Written and produced by R. Kelly, this Micheal jackson style track gives the goods.
'I'm about to bring the heat, knocking down this industry.'
4/5
Touch of My Hand
Yes this is about (...), but again its meaning will escape the kiddies. This track has a oriental feel to it and although a song with this subject matter could easily have become a sleaze-fest Britney pulls it off with an amount of class. Like alot of the previous tracks it shares the same whispery vocals. This song is good, but i woudn't call it brilliant.
'I'm not ashamed of the things that i dream...'
3/5
The Hook Up
The song that gave Britney the need to put on a Jamican accent to complement the Jamican beat is one of the grooviest club tracks on this album. This song is basically about going to a club and dancing with a guy, nothing new in terms of content. However the lyrics are almost impossible to learn, she whizzes through the words so dam quickly. If you like a challenge, you'll like this.
'Baby i can't believe everything your body makes me wanna do...'
4/5
Shadow
The first and best traditional ballad on this album. This song is about a relationship that is purely sexual and Britney feels she wants more. A beautiful track and for the first time is accompanied by some beautiful vocals from Miss. Spears.
'It's only your shadow, never yourself'
5/5
Brave New Girl
Have fun with this one. It takes on Madonna's 'Material Girl' instrumental and mixes it with a rap from Britney. This inspirational number is the closest you get on this album to Britney's 'Baby...One More Time' days.
'She's gonna step outside, uncover her eyes...'
3/5
Everytime
This ballad is set to be the third single. Britney did a great job with the piano score. The lyrics are 'haunting'. This is a song about heartbreak that everyone can relate to. Supposively her apology to Justin so if your nosey you'll love it and if you like good ballads you'll love it even more.
'Everytime I try to fly I fall, without my wings I feel so small...'
5/5
Me Against the Music Remix
Better than the original
4/5
Free Music Review: The Perfect CD If You Wanna Dance
Hit: 5 Stars
This is definitely Britney Spears' most artistic and heartfelt CD produced, and it deserves every star possible. Every song is this album gets an A or A+ (after taking a 2-year break, she comes back full-force). My only complaint is that it's way too short; we blow through the CD in less than an hour! Anywho, here's the deal:THE PERFRECT 10's:
"Showdown" (track 3) has a cool techno beat and the song shows off some of her range. She really gets into the song with her Rocker Chick cries and it really kicks it up a notch!
"Breathe On Me" (track 4) is EXTREMELY sensual and it's the perfect pole-dancing number. I don't care who you are, the hypnotic, catchy lyrics and the thumping beat will have you hooked.
"Toxic" (track 6) was awesome even before she released that kick-ass video of hers. By the way, a message for my haters: "She's not wearing 'boobie-tassels,' it's a flesh-toned catsuit. It reminds of a James Bond girl, and that's cool to me. Yeah." This song grabs you from the start with the very strange, off-kilter horror movie-esque introduction. The song always gets me up on my feet when the guitar ushers in the chorus.
"Touch of My Hand" (track 8) is a catchy song about an... interesting subject. This probably wouldn't be a good song to play at the Church-sponsored dance off or anything, but I found myself singing along nonetheless. I thought it was going to be terribly explicit with this subject, but it actually makes a good statement and doesn't condemn self-love... or shove it in anyone's face.
"The Hook Up" (track 9) sounds a bit like Beyonce's "Baby Boy." I was pleasantly surprised at how Britney pulled off reggae effortlessly. I have no idea who the Reggae Master in the song was, but I liked his part in the song too.
"Shadow" (track 10) is a GREAT ballad with a twist and I'm glad she put this song on the album. I have a feeling this one could be about Justin (the chipmunk) and it isn't spiteful or nasty. Lots of people can relate to the lyrics since they refer to love spurned and I'm a big fan of that feeling. You have to sing along and let the pain out: "Your body's warm but you... are not, you give a little, not a... lot" Good song.
"Brave New Girl" (track 11) is the pop tune that Brit threw in so she wouldn't totally alienate the young fans. I can't believe it! Britney raps on this track and it works! I didn't burst out laughing or anything! Really. This song is cool even though the background is a bit too "gay disco" for the album as a whole. Awesome song and perfect ending.
"Everytime" (track 12) is, by far, the best ballad I've heard in a while. Britney's voice is made for ballads because it's so sad and so heartfelt. It's a touching song and it makes you relive some bad memories too. Woo hoo for bad memories! Just kidding, it's a beautiful song.
"Me Against the Music (The Remix!)" (track 13) is better than the original because MTV played the crap out of the Me Against the Music video. This is a great remix because it adds in an 80s Boogaloo feel as well as some techno beats. It also sounds more like a Britney song.
THE 9.5's
"Me Against the Music" (track 1) was an awesome 1st single, but I'd heard it about 5 MONTHS before the CD was released. Plus, MTV and the radio stations really embraced the heck out of it. So... it got a little annoying after a while. Also, Madonna kind of overpowers Britney in this song; otherwise, it's still a good dance song.
"Boom Boom (I Got That)" (track 2) is just so surprising and exciting. Britney recruited the Yin Yang Twins (rappers we actually have heard of!) for this song and throws in a cool banjo riff... didn't think I'd ever say "cool" and "banjo" in the same sentence. Go figure. Perfect Club Song.
"Early Mornin'" (track 5) is pretty good but is a bit too "Thugged-out Britney" and doesn't sound like her style. Besides that, it still has has a catchy chorus and is a song to chill out with.
"Outrageous" (track 7) is absolutely hilarious too me because it's Gangsta Britney or as she says "B-Girl." It just makes me wanna shake my paper cup of champagne in the air whenever she sings "We on a world tour... Outrageous!" And it features R. Kelly, which gives it some flava'. Very cool song. Gets old kinda quickly.
Overall, this was one of my BEST buys last year. I even had to buy another copy because I wore the first one out so every song skipped a million times. By the way, if you're someone who appreciates Brit's beats, stay far away from Justin Timberlake's "Justified" or Xtina's "Stripped." Not because I don't like them personally, but because both of their voices are annoying to me; hers is too breathy and obnoxious (most unsatisfying) and the videos absolutely ruin every single (EEK!), his goes where no man's voice should EVER go. Brit's mellow and gets me going. Buy the album and let yourself go wild! Thanks for listening... all three of you.
Free Music Review: LOVE THIS CD!
Hit: 5 Stars
Britney Spears is one of the hottest pop stars of today. Her music is so catchy, so versatile and has good lyrics. She has grown into a more mature adult. And her songs prove that. this cd doesn't have that bubble-gum teen pop that she used to have. She now has mid-tempo pop songs, trancey/dance songs, hardcore hip/hop songs mixed with a lil reggea. She also has some pop and beautiful ballads. 1)Me against the music- 7.5/10 This song is the first single which includes the queen of pop, the almight Madonna. It has midtempo beat with some guitar riffs. It's ok. This song is radio-friendly and good for the clubs. it'll get u pumped up and make u shake ur booty on the dancefloor all night long!!!A really good video with good choreography.
2)(I got that) boom Boom - 9.5/10 This song featurs the kings of the crunk, the Ying Yang Twins. This is an awesome hip/hop song. This song has a catchy chorus accompanied by an awesome beat with some banjos. This song will become a club-smash.
3)Showdown - 8/10 This song has a reggea/rock beat. it's very unusual. something that Britney has never done before. Very unique and interesting. this song is mid-tempo but still good. I'm guessing this song is about sex. Britney practically talks her way through the whole song and the chorus is pretty good.
4)Breathe on me- 9.5/10 This song has a very trancey vibe to it. Very atmospheric. It's very reminiscent to a Kylie Minogue song. this song is good for grinding becasue it's so addicting and very sexual.
5)early mornin- 4/10 O god! I hate this song so much! This is a Moby produced song. This song has no substance and is really dull. this songs about an after-party. It's kind of a song that Madonna would do. But i give britney props for tryin something different.
6)Toxic- 10/10 Her 2nd single. This is the best song off the whole album. Very catchy. But it is waay to overplayed on the radio. But i still think it's awesome. This song kind of starts out like linkin parks "Faint". anyways this song has the 60's violins with an electro/pop feel to it. this song should be a theme for the hit tv show "Alias" starring Jennifer Gargner. The video is awesome with good production and special effects. But it's kind of a rip off to the No doubt video "It's my life" which has the same storyline.
7)Outrageous 9/10 Just announced, this will be her 4th single. this is an R-Kelly penned track. Very vey radio-friendly and i think it would be a radi smash hit. It's a typical R.kelly song where Britney sings about her sex drives and shopping sprees. An awesome beat with the indian flutes in the background. The chorus is amazing.
8)Touch of my hand- 8.5/10 (...). It's the most touching song and the most beautiful song out of whole album. it has amazing amazing asian/chinese strings with a good melody. It sounds a lot like "Frozen" by Madonna. Britney has a lot of guts to talk about a subject so personal. this song is electro/pop/asian
9)The hook up 7/10 This is a pure reggea/carribean/puerto rican song. It's a very good dance song. But Britney should have collaborated with Sean Paul to add more flavour to this song. This song sounds a bit like "Baby boy" by Beyonce. But its good anyway.
10)shadow - 9/10 the first ballad off the album. It's a matrix produced song which sounds a lot like "I'm with you" by Avril lavigne. This track is a little bit too overproduced but it;;s still pretty good. A top40 type material song. The best part is when the song reaches it's climax where Britney voice soars and is at its best.
11)Brave new girl- 8.5/10 this is a bubblegum song that should have been on the legally blonde 2 soundtrack. This song is very catchy. sorta radio-friendly. britney attempts to rap in this song. And i must admitt that she's pretty good. Her voice is computerized all through the song. It should have been a Hilary duff song. and it kinda also sounds like "Ray of light" by Madonna at some parts of the song. Very poppy/techno/electro song. But very good.
12)Everytime- 10/10 this along with toxic is the best song on the album. this is her 3rd single. this song is very touchin and is one of the most beuatiful ballads i have ever heard. I can't believe Britney actually wrote the song along with the melody. Thats very impressing. This song, sadly is for her ex bf Justin timberlake. So britney must have cheated on Jt becasue she sings her heart out by sayin that she sorry. this song has very nice piano riffs accompanied by a good harp.Her voice shines in this song. Awesome video too about reincarnation.
This is the best album i have ever purchased and will remain in my cd player for many years to come. Britney will probably become the next madonna if she reinvents herself and makes good music. Britney will be in this music industry/business for a long time!!