Britney Spears

Ironically, 2007's all too literally titled Blackout was a more exhilarating return to form than Britney's true comeback, which feels sort of subdued. This is not necessarily a bad thing for our girl. Circus tries out, among other new flavors, moody Grey's Anatomy-ready ballads and retro campiness (the fab "Mmm Papi" -- don't miss it). Even the straight-up dance tracks seem calmer, more collected, different (with the exception of the fourth and fifth tracks). In short, Britney is going in new directions. (Cue sigh of relief from the California court system.)

Britney may have left the psych ward, but on Circus, she proves she's still a freak. The
clubby, adventurous pop on her sixth album — her first since getting committed and losing
custody of her kids — would have made a fine follow-up to 2003's In the Zone. "Toxic"
producers Bloodshy & Avant hit pay dirt again with the melodic, glowing "Unusual You." The
Max Martin-produced "If U Seek Amy" (say it fast) is a saucy, swinging standout, a... More >