the Circus is in town

We've known it for weeks now, Britney's back with a new album, Circus. The dark hours are long gone and she's now in full promo-mode around the world to show off her new music.

Blackout was made of twelve instant hits that mirrored Britney's troubled life perfectly. The constant paparazzi chases and the difficult breakup with Kevin Federline, everything was in it. This album was pure genius but didn't live long because at the time Britney was sinking.

A year after, Britney is putting it all behind and puts herself back at the centre of her carrier. As she claims in her upcoming single (also titled Circus), she takes back centre stage and does it well. Listening to Circus, I have the strange feeling to reunite with an old friend. This album looks more like Britney than Blackout but it's also a bit uneven.

The album has a few electro-pop tracks like Womanizer or Kill the lights. Britney is also back to singing epic ballads, genre that wasn't featured at all on Blackout. Out from under stands out while My baby is totally forgettable.

The sexy and mischievous Britney is also present on Circus with pop songs like the could-be-single If you seek Amy (F.U.C.K Me for those who didn't get it) or Lace and leather, the latter not being so great but sure to fill the twisted mind of her male fans with numerous images.

Mid-tempo songs, like Blur or the much better Unusual You, are also featured on Circus and they are good enough to stick to your head . Mmm Papi leaves you wondering but is forgotten as soon as Mannequin starts. A track that sounds strange at first but really grows on you until you are totally addicted. For me, it is one of the highlights of the album that reminds me of the sound that made Blackout so brilliant.

The bonus tracks are also very good. I unexpectedly found myself whistling Phonography and even Amnesia (when I thought I didn't like the song). The presence of the Radar remix on this album remains a mystery.

Britney is finally out of her blackout and gives us an album that is her spitting image: a little bit mellow, a little bit mischievous and, above all, a lot of fun. She finally is at peace with herself and her image but doesn't deliver such instant hits as Gimme More, Radar or Break the Ice. It seems that when Britney is in control of her life, her music doesn't have this raw energy that made Blackout her best album to date (in my opinion). Circus is still a great album and is already on heavy rotation in my mp3 player.

PS: Of course, I WILL buy the album as soon as it comes out. I just can't wait!