LP Review | Britney Spears - Blackout

Britney Spears
Blackout
Jive Records / Zomba
Release date: October 26, 2007

By Shawal Ras
Follow @shawalras


In 2007, amidst her personal drama(s) and paparazzis-filled daily life, Britney Spears released her fifth record, Blackout, four years after 2003's In The Zone. The album, in my opinion, titled Blackout just because the whole album deals with the darker side of fame and love (no, it's nothing like Lady Gaga's The Fame Monster). 

Filled with 12 club-inspired tracks, Blackout begins with club thumper, 'Gimme More', which forever known to the world all thanks to the first verse, "It's Britney, bitch!". 'Piece of Me', the second track of the album, talks about being chased by paparazzis in the modern day version of witch hunt: the song is pretty deep despite the banging beats going around. "I'm ms. bad media karma, another day, another drama" is definitely one verse that is in accordance with Spears' life during that time. Other tracks like 'Break the Ice', 'Get Naked (I Got a Plan)', 'Freakshow', 'Toy Soldier', 'Ooh Ooh Baby', 'Perfect Lover' and 'Why Should I Be Sad' are some of my favorite tracks from this album (those songs listed are about 90% of the album...). 

But seriously, the album's carefree nature is what makes it one of Spears' best album to date. I do think she is at her best whenever she's being experimental and Blackout is one evidence of why she should do her own stuffs instead of relying too much on producers and taste-makers (Will.I.Am, we're blaming Britney Jean on you, dude). Plus, who doesn't love controversial subjects surrounding the album's booklet (lap dance to a hot priest? Yes, please!). 

I don't know if Spears will ever create another Blackout in the near future, but I bet she'll do well if she's teaming up again with the mastermind of this album, Danja. 

Hmm, only time will tell, then.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.