Britney Spears - In The Zone
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Free Music Notes for In The Zone
Free Music Review: It's surprisingly a good album to a rather non-pop listener/
Hit: 5 Stars
Short Story ahead! You've been warned :-)
So, I'm a musician (mainly guitarist and vocalist). I play in jam sessions, or as a street musician in the city or at parties, et cetera.
For years I was in the Prog/Metal world, a la: Pink Floyd, Queen, Queensr˙che, Metallica, Dream Theater, Apocalyptica, Iron Maiden.
Normally at those parties or street sessions I performed mainly popular tunes by the bands I just mentioned, like Nothing Else Matters (Metallica), Money (Pink Floyd), Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen), you get the idea.
But my repertoire would've been better if I just had some real mainstream songs in it. And now I'm not bashing mainstream or anything. I actually started becoming a musician because of Britney Spears back in 1999, I just stopped listening to pop ever since I started listening to Queen and Metallica (and all the other non-mainstream music).
But so, I thought: Britney Spears. Why not put her in my repertoire? I already know quite her music from her first album back in 1999, I thought.
So I checked this CD: In The Zone. To my surprise it's very different! Although (as quite many others mentioned) her voice seems to be more mature, it sounds as if she doesn't have that 'power' she had in her earlier music. I already heard both 'Me Against The Music' and the brilliant 'Toxic', but a song like "Breath On Me" is (to me) so fresh and new. I like this 'dance' music.
And "Brave New Girl"? 'What the heck is this?', I asked myself the first time I heard it. She sounds like Avril, no kidding!
Me Against The Music is worth mentioning as well. I saw the clip when it was aired for the first time here in Holland (yes, I did want to SEE Britney :-P), and the song is interesting in many ways. Rhytmically it's quite tough, especially the very fast "I'm up against the speaker, tryin' to take on the music It's like a competition, me against the beat. I wanna get in the zone, I wanna get in the zone." and "If you really wanna battle, saddle up and get your rhythm Tryin' to hit it, you could die, In a minute I'm a take a you on, I'm a take a you on" parts. And try to play the guitar part along with the singing (like I did), TOUGH TOUGH TOUGH.
Everytime is a beautiful song. And just because it's Britney people hate it (I'm talking about the non-Britney fans). It's quite like My Immortal at parts (though My Immortal is a KILLER SONG, I give you that). Of course, it could've have been stronger if a more skilled singer would sing it, but it's still a great song with Britney.
And my favourite track: Toxic!!!
It's perfect! I really like the "I'm addicted to you, don't you know that I'm toxic!" part. It's so catchy, the lyrics are deep and the "James Bond like" guitar in the background makes this a funky piece of music. I love the clip as well. The way she dancewalks in the apartement after having climbed the windows (you know the part where she's got that cape), it flows so well in the music.
Now I know Britney didn't write the songs (I mean musically, not lyrically), but so what? Elvis didn't write all of 'his' music, either.
She's a true performer, and that's what an artist is all about. So she may lip-sing her live shows, she for sure can dance. And all this bashing saying her singing is corrected in the studio is in many cases wrong. Yes, you can correct a wrong sung note, but you WILL notice it. She obviously (or maybe not) did many takes of a song and cut and paste the best parts, but many rock, metal and other pop bands all do that too. She did need to sing them in tune, though. It's not like that she could sing as out of tune as possible and let the computer does all the work, it doesn't work that way.
Yes, technically she doesn't really pop out, but she can sing.
Hmm, maybe I'm becoming a Britney fan, who knows. *checks 'Oops! I Did It Again' and 'Britney'*
Free Music Review: TOO TOXIC TO BE TRUE
Hit: 5 Stars
After a long anticipated two years, Britney made a strong comeback with her fourth cd, "In the Zone." All of the songs in this cd has an edgier sound bringing out a new Britney. Unlike her previous cds, this cd is not loaded with pop songs but has a great combinations of pop, hip hop, and dance. In addition to the different music, Britney's lyrics are more explicit matching the vibrant beats of the music. This is not like Baby, One More Time or Opps, I Did It Again, or Britney. This CD is really different. All of the songs in this CD perfectly fit Britney. ²°°³.¸¸.·°^°.. -|- Track Reviews -|-.. °^°·.¸¸..²°°³
[1] Me Against the Music - This is a great single and featuring Madonna in this song is PERFECT. This is a great dance track with a great video. If you wanna get in the zone, give it a listen. This song is perfect for Britney, the chorus is fast pulling you to the zone. 10/10
[2] Breathe on Me - The song is a combination of pop and dance. This is a perfect song to dance to in the clubs, this will definitely be a hit for Britney. The lyrics is so raw! One my favorite tracks in the cd. 10/10
[3] Showdown - The music in this song is great but the lyrics are not (most repetitive) This song is a combination of pop and hip hop in the making. It seems like she is singing the chorus over and over again 7.5/10
[4] I Got That (Boom Boom) - I Got what? boom boom? Britney is actually singing in here unlike Showdown. Interesting featuring artists. I think this track will make a great remix. It needs more polish. Hip hop track... Real different from her old works... 8.5/10
[5] Early Mornin' - Early morning she wakes up? This track is not pop, it might be hip hop, but in this song, Britney's voice is not mixed - In some parts, she sounds like Pink... Ok track (will not be a single) 7/10
[6] Toxic - This is a perfect song for Britney. The music for this song is unique and Britney tries to play around with her voice... Great chorus. I love this song. This song is so toxic! Excellent track with great music. 10+/10
[7] Outrageous - This song is outrageous. This pure hip hop. Britney is not really singing in this track and its like she is talking... I like this track. Arabian beats with hip hop. Unique and different. Good job... 10/10
[8] Touch of My Hand - It starts off sounding like Chinese music, is Britney trying to tell a story. It is not pop and the lyrics to the song is weird... Something that you can't sing along too. So so track. Great courage for trying unique beats. 6/10
[9] The Hook Up - Hooking into hip hop. This track is Britney experiment with Hip Hop. Not a stand out track but it is a good listen. 7/10
[10] Shadow - The second slow song of the cd. It doesn't sound like Britney, but I like the chorus of the song. This is not a love ballad or romantic song... Its something different... 8/10
[11] Brave New Girl - So so track... I was too excited to get to Everytime so I didn't listen to this track clearly.
[12] Everytime - Wow! Emotional track. A mature "Not a girl, Not yet a woman." Britney sounds so soft... She whispers a lot. It is a great song with mature lyrics... britney needs more vocal, it would be great if she can expand her voice through this song because it is a beautiful song. Great way to slow down the dance/pop/hip hop tracks. I feel her pain through this song. 11/10.
[13] Me Against the Music - Dance dance dance! Get in the zone. 10/10
Standing out tracks: Me Against the Music, Toxic, Outrageous, Breathe on Me, and Everytime. Give it a listen!
If you don't like Britney's old works, get this cd... It shows that Britney made a great change through the years she took up. If you like her old works... She should also get this cd. You will not regret... It is worth it! Great work Britney... if you wanna dance, get this cd... it is a nice upbeat cd for the cold winter days! Get in the zone.
Free Music Review: Wow....
Hit: 5 Stars
(...)This albums my favourite one yet,it's catchy,different and really addictive.and has a great techno feel to it to boot!
okay here are the songs reviewed:
1.Me Against the music:First Track off the Album,Britney's first official collaboration with Maddona after hearing enough about their respect to each other from both sides for years.Greaaat song,may grow old,but could come back really strong on you afterwords.What makes thi song so cool is that it has different paces nd beats it keeps toggling through and still sounds very well put together I Give it a definite 4 STAR(saving the fives for my favourite songs)
2.I Got that Boom Boom:This is really thrilling and infectious to listen to,but that's about it,it's repetitive so at the end you may have heard only half or three quarters of it maximum....BUT It's still one heck of a half!Great Beat,Explosive rythym and I think Britney makes history when she dedicates the song to all the southern boys out there!(finally some attention to the guys!!!thanks britney,I hope other divas learn something from this!) so I'll have to give this...DRUMROLL PLEASE...3.5 STARS
3.Showdown:This is a truly cool beated song even compared to the rest of the songs on the album.It isn't Western like you might understand from the title and it's the real jab back at justin for his Cry me a river video,if you hear the lyrics you'll understand why it'd be toom uch for him to handle [here comes the showdown,what comes around goes around,and the crowd is all waiting...]is just a 15 second piece from this original tune!!!!A Definite 4.5 STARS
4.BreathOn Me:One of the more electronic sounding,melodramatic,long noted songs.But Boring compared to the rest of this type of song on the albums but still many people's favorite.(By the way,just as something I've noticed;She uses that annoying Breeeaatthhy voice of hers on this but i mean she did warn us with the title but still good enough for a.....3.5 STARS
5.Early morning:A hip hop song written by moby.Honestly nothing special and I saw that the other interviewer's opinions agree with mine...It takes a few listens for you just to get enough patience or bring out the Decency in you to hear it!2.5 STARS
6.Toxic:One of the greatest songs I've heard this year!what can you ask for more than emergency sirens,thrilling guitar,a 007ish theme,great techno Chorus you can dance to and can empower you!I'm intoxicated!5 STARS!!!
7.Outrageous:This is In the BOOM BOOM's genre!except with middle eastern sounds in the back.Everything you'd expect from R Kelly,The writer....Coooool song 4 STARS
8.Touch Of My Hand:...!My fave song,Britney beats Kylie Minogue at her own genre!!!It's the Dance music you'd expect from Kylie but better(same writer)with asian groove techno instruments.You feel like riding a motor or plane,just closing your eyes and listen.Its long syllabales make it that much greater!5 STARS I SAY!
9.The Hook Up:In this song britney makes up for not having done a collaboration with Sean Paul like most of the artist by making a very good attempt at it!It isn't better than Baby Boy,but sure up there with the top songs in general.4.5 STARS
10.Shadow:The first Slow son gon the album but not the best.still pretty good,u'll be stuck on this one for a while before you pull yourself away to the other songs and realize..it's not the best one if u like slow music...4 STARS
11.Brave New Girl:I was surprised that my dear old ma and pa were listening to this when i put it on my computer.They honestly thought it was one of those tongue twisting songs from the 70 or 80's!And I liked the style and I found out what it was..Britney brought a style back to life....she deserves a 4 STARS!
12.Everytime:Raw,emotional,heart breaking,soothing amazing slow song.The emotions on this pour off he CD.Many people have fallen in love with this song,and I'm head over heels!5 STARS AND IF I CAN GIVE IT MORE I WOULD
Free Music Review: "In The Zone" offers something for everyone!
Hit: 5 Stars
After waiting two years since her last album "Britney", Jive presents us with Britney Spears- "In The Zone". Twelve new tracks of what I call, short of being a masterpiece or the perfect album! This album is destined to be Britney's fourth consecutive album to go straight to number one. This album definately has something for everyone's tastes. She has her usual pop sound, some rap, reggae, dance and even a little rockish at times with a dash of a few ballads towards the end. Let's break it down:
1. ME AGAINST THE MUSIC: The first single, great choice for first single. It features MADONNA. The video is great, dancing is incredible. This song is very catchy, but still does not quite capture the magic of the full album. Check out the maxi-single with all the remixes coming in December 2003! 10/10
2. I GOT THAT (BOOM BOOM): From what I am hearing, this will possibly be the second single. It features the YING YANG TWINS. I personally do not like the rappers in this song. I think it ruins the song, but for r and b and rap lovers, you will very much enjoy this song. If released, it will blow up on the airwaves. 7/10 (Higher if Ying Yang Twins were not w/Britney)
3. SHOWDOWN: One of my favorites on the album. It is pure pop/dance with a splash of reggae. Funky beats that change throughout the song. You'll want to blast this in you car. 10/10
4. BREATHE ON ME: Another one of my favorites. Sounds like a Kylie Minogue song meets early Madonna Erotica. A total club song in its original album form! Just wait for the remixes. This will definately be a single. Pulsating beats, [greate] vocals. 10/10
5. EARLY MORNIN': Moby produced track. Very Asian, Indian influenced. Its an average track. My least favorite. 7/10
6. TOXIC: I have to agree with most everyone else here. What a song! I would say its my favorite! This song is not like any song you have heard before. Very dance-oriented, cool electronic beats mixed w/awesome Britney vocals makes this a dance fiesta! I hope this becomes a single with remixes! 10/10
7. OUTRAGEOUS: Yes, its repetitive, but its so funky and cool. It is definately for rap and r and b lovers! Its got bangin' beats and it's like something she has never done before! 10/10
8. TOUCH OF MY HAND: A song about what almost everyone does when they are alone and in need should we say. Very sensual ...song w/cool vocals and an eerie bassline. Great track! 9/10
9. THE HOOK UP: Very reggae!! Think SEAN PAUL! Brings back the Middle Eastern beats, definately a dance track that will bring anyone to their feet! I love it! 10/10
10. SHADOW: First ballad on this cd. World famous Britney ballad. Excellent lyrics and vocals on this one! 9/10
11. BRAVE NEW GIRL: Its the one song on this cd that seems like it does not fit with the others. However, its still very unique, there are dance elements with this song that I just cannot explain! It would be perfect for a LEGALLY BLONDE soundtrack.
There is rap in it, dance, and of course POP! 10/10
12. EVERYTIME: If you like ballads, if you like Britney, if you like Britney ballads- be prepared to experience the most beautiful song you have heard in a long time. Might even make you shed a tear, pure magic and mystery! EXCELLENT! 10/10
13. ME AGAINST THE MUSIC (RISHI RICH'S DESI KULCHA REMIX): Such a waste to put this on here. Would rather have had another new Britney song, like the three songs that did not make it to the American IN THE ZONE album: THE ANSWER, DON'T HANG UP and I JUST BEGUN (HAVING MY FUN). Find them to still stay IN THE ZONE! 7/10
How can one say these days that they love an ENTIRE album? How can one say that every song on an album could be a SINGLE promoted with music videos and remixes? How? I'll tell you how. It's "IN THE ZONE"! Once your "IN THE ZONE" w/Britney Spears, you will never want to get out!!!!
Free Music Review: THE BEST BRITNEY ALBUM TO DATE
Hit: 5 Stars
THIS HAS TO BE THE BRITNEY ALBUM OF HER CARRER. SHE FINALLY LOSES HER BUBBLE GUM POP IMAGE AND RELEASES SOME REAL MUSIC. THIS ALBUM JUMPS FROM GENRE TO GENRE. FROM DANCE TO HIP-HOP TO TRANCE TO POP.1. ME AGAINST THE MUSIC - IT WAS THE DUET THE MUSIC WORLD WERE WAITING FOR. THIS HAS TO BE ONE OF MY PERSONAL FAVS ON THE ALBUM. THIS HAS TO BE THE MOST UP-TEMPO TRACK ON THE ALBUM. THIS SONG WILL MAKE YOU GET UP AND DANCE. 10/10
2. (I GOT THAT) BOOM BOOM - IS A DUET WITH THE YING YANG TWINS. THIS SONG IS ANOTHER OF MY PERSONAL FAVS. ITS VERY UP-TEMPO WITH THE YING YANS TWINS GIVVING THE SONG A VERY DIRRTY GETTO SONG. THIS SONG PROVES BRITNEY CAN MASTER ANY GENRE OF MUSIC. THIS SONG WILL MAKE HIP HOP DJS PLAY THIS SONG ON REPEAT IN CLUBS .10/10
3. SHOWDOWN - THIS SONG TOOK ME A WHILE TO GET USED TO. BUT NOW I REALLY LIKE IT. THIS WOULD HAVE TO BE ONE OF THE MOST POPIEST SONG ON THE ALBUM. THIS SONG CONTAINS BRITNEY WHISPERING "I DON'T WANT TO BE A TEASE. WOULD YOU UNDO MY ZIPPER PLZ". BLOODSHY & AVANT DID A GOOD JOB ON THIS SONG, MAKING IT SOUND UNIQUE. 9/10
4. BREATHE ON ME - EVEN THOUGH I HAVE GIVEN A FEW SONGS FROM THE ALBUM A 10/10 THIS HAS TO BE MY ALL TIME FAV ON THE ALBUM. THIS SONG IS VERY CLUB SAVVY SOUNDING VERY EUROPEAN. IF THIS SONG WOULD BE RELEASED IT WOULD GO STRAIGHT TO #1 IN EUROPE AND STAY THERE FOR A VERY LONG TIME. THIS SONG WILL BE LOVED BY DANCE DJS. 10/10
5. EARLY MORNIN - THIS SONG IS ONE OF THE MOST SENSUAL TRACKS ON THE SONGS. WITHIN THE FIRST 5 SECONDS OF THIS SONG YOU CAN AUTOMATICALLY TELL IT IS MOBY PRODUCED. 8/10
6. TOXIC - THE SECOND SINGLE FROM THE ALBUM. PRODUCED BY BLOODSHY & AVANT. THIS IS A VERY UP-TEMPO SONG AND HAS A SPY THEME TO IT. ANOTHER OF ONE OF MY PERSONAL FAVS 10/10
7. OUTRAGEOUS - A TYPCIALLY R. KELLY PRODUCED SONG. SINCE I AM A BIG FAN OF R.KELLY I REALLY LIKE THIS SONG. THE R&B BEATS REALLY SUIT BRITNEY. 10/10
8. TOUCH OF MY HAND - PROBABLY THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL AND SENSUAL SONG ON THE ALBUM. THIS SONG IS AN ODE TO MASTERBATION. THIS AGAIN IS VERY CLUB SAVVY AND ITS VIOLIN BEATS MAKE YOU VERY SEXY. AGAIN I GIVE THIS SONG A 10/10. I LOVE IT
9. THE HOOK-UP - THIS REDZONE PRODUCED SONG IS PRETTY GOOD. IT SOUNDS VERY REGAEE. ALTHOUGH IT ISN'T ONE OF MY FAVS I STILL LIKE IT 7/10
10. SHADOW - MY FAVOURITE BALLAD ON THE ALBUM. BRITNEY'S VOCALS REALLY STAND OUT ON THIS TRACK. IT IS VERY REMENISCANT TO AVRIL'S I'M WITH YOU. 9/10
11. BRAVE NEW GIRL - HAS TO BE THE WORST SONG ON THE ALBUM. AND PERHAPS ONE OF BRITNEY'S WORST SONGS OF ALL TIME. THIS SONG IS VERY STUPID AND CONSISTS OF BRITNEY RAPPING. I WOULD GIVE THIS SONG A 0.5/10. I REALLY DON'T LIKE IT
12. EVERYTIME - THE SECOND BALLAD ON THE ALBUM. I PERSONALLY REALLY LOVE THE LYRICS TO THIS SONG BUT I DON'T REALLY LIKE THE WAY IT WAS RECORDED. IT WAS RECORDED VERY LOW. I FIRSTLY HEARD THIS SONG ON SNL WHEN SHE SANG IT LIVE AND THOUGHT IT SOUNDED MUCH BETTER THERE. ALTHOUGH I STILL LIKE THIS SONG BUT NOT ONE OF MY FAVS CAUSE IM NOT A REALLY BIG FAN OF BALLADS. 7/10
13. ME AGAINST THE MUSIC (REMIX) - I REALLY LIKE THE REMIX TO THIS TRACK. IT HAS AN INDIAN BEAT AND IS REMIXED INTO THE SONG VERY WELL. ONE OF BRITNEY'S BEST REMIXES. 10/10
14. THE ANSWER (BONUS TRACK) - I THINK THIS SONG ISN'T BAD. ALTHOUGH I EXPECTED MORE FROM A SONG PRODUCED BY P.DIDDY AND BRITNEY. THIS SONG IS MID-TEMPO AND BRITNEY'S VOICE IS VERY LOW REGISTER. 7/10
15. DON'T HANG UP - THE SECOND BONUS TRACK ON THE ALBUM. THIS SONG IS ABOUT PHONE-SEX. I DON'T REALLY LIKE THIS SONG. I THINK IT IS ONE OF THE WORST SONGS ON THE ALBUM. AGAIN IT IS PRODUCED BY BRIAN & JOSH THE SAME PEOPLE WHO PRODUCED BRAVE NEW GIRL. .5/10
ALL IN ALL I LOVE THIS ALBUM AND I THINK IT IS THE BEST ALBUM OF 2003 AND SO FAR 2004. ALL IN ALL I CONGRATULATE BRITNEY FOR RELEASING THIS STUNNING ALBUM.