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Britney Jean

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Britney Jean is the upcoming eighth studio album by American recording artist Britney Spears. It is scheduled to be released on November 29, 2013, by RCA Records. Her first record since the dissolution of her original label Jive Records in 2011, Spears began recording in May 2013 and continued work into October 2013. On numerous occasions, Spears has described Britney Jean as the most personal record from her catalog. Having assumed an integral position in its production, she collaborated with songwriters and producers including Sia Furler and will.i.am to achieve her desired sound. Furthermore, the record sees guest vocals from Spears' sister Jamie Lynn Spears, T.I., and will.i.am.

"Work Bitch" was released as the lead single from Britney Jean on September 17, 2013. The track debuted and peaked as number 12 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and charted moderately in international territories. "Perfume" was released as the second single from the album on November 4, 2013, and debuted at number 76 on the Billboard Hot 100. Unlike her previous records, Spears did not heavily promote Britney Jean, aside from an appearance on Good Morning America in September. However, she is scheduled to begin a two-year residency show at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, titled Britney: Piece of Me, in December.

Background and production

"I wanted to just go to lunch for two months, which is totally different from how you typically do it. I said, 'Let's talk about what you're excited about. Let's talk about things you've done in you career, what you're happy about. Let's talk about spending time with your kids, let's talk about your breakup. Let's talk about how now you're single, how independent you might feel.' We started talking about all that stuff. So I said, 'do you mind if I write this down? I don't mean to impose but I want to interview you. I need this to create a filter.'"

— will.i.am describing his relationship with Spears during production of Britney Jean.[1]

In 2012, while serving as a judge on the second season of the American version of The X Factor, Spears was spotted in the recording studio with producer Rodney Jerkins.[2] Songwriter Elijah Blake commented that Spears was "definitely trying to push the envelope" by "playing with new textures and stomping on new grounds and genres."[3] Their collaborations, however, were denied by Spears's representative, though he confirmed that producer Hit-Boy worked with Spears to create a "global sound".[4]

In May 2013, Naughty Boy and William Orbit were announced to be working on the record; the former expressed his satisfaction with his collaborations with Spears, adding that he had wanted always wanted to "do something a bit different."[5] He commented that he is "a big fan of pop music and that culture", and wanted to "keep that going [...] in [his] own kind of style."[6] Later that month, will.i.am was confirmed as the executive producer of the project. He described that his recording process differed from his past experience with the Black Eyed Peas, elaborating that "[he and Spears] had these juicy sessions, where [they had] been bonding, building the trust and comfort."[1] In July 2013, Spears acknowledged through Twitter that she "wrote such a special song" with Sia Furler,[7] which was later revealed to be Spears' favorite track, the ballad "Perfume".[8] The following month, she reportedly traveled to Lake District in the United Kingdom to continue work with Naughty Boy and Orbit.[9] Naughty Boy later stated he wasn't able to work on the material for the album with Orbit because he "wasn't able to come to L.A. at the time [as he] was promoting 'La La La' around the world."[10]

On numerous occasions, Spears has considered Britney Jean to be the most personal record from her catalog.[11] She stated that her experiences in recent years, including her break-up with ex-fiancé Jason Trawick,[11] encouraged her to "dig deeper and write songs that [she thinks] everyone can relate to."[12] Spears added that the production of the record was an "amazing experience" and that her colleagues "helped [her] bring [her ideas] to life."[12]

Release and artwork

On August 20, 2013, Spears re-launched her website with a countdown ending on September 17, originally speculated to be the release date of her then-unannounced lead single.[13] On September 17, Spears announced on Good Morning America that her then-untitled album would be released on December 3, 2013, in the United States, the day after her 32nd birthday.[14] On October 15, during an appearance on Capital London, she announced that the record would be titled Britney Jean, a nickname used affectionately by her family and friends.[15] On October 24, together with an open letter to her fans, Spears unveiled the album artwork. The black-and-white image depicts a close-up image of Spears with the term "Britney Jean" colored in blue lettering inside a pink heart near the bottom of the cover.[16] A writer for The Huffington Post later suggested that the neon-style typography was inspired by the cover of Miley Cyrus' fourth studio album Bangerz (2013), which itself depicts a blonde Cyrus wearing a short black coat with the title "Bangerz" stylized in florescent neon lighting in front of palm trees.[17] While the typography was compared to that of Bangerz by a writer from The Huffington Post, Britney Jean marks the third album artwork from RCA Records to use a neon-style typography design, Bangerz from Miley Cyrus being one and the other being Mechanical Bull from Kings of Leon. Byron Flitsch of MTV News shared a similar sentiment, and added that the artwork was reminiscent of Spears' fourth and seventh records In the Zone (2003) and Femme Fatale (2011).[18]

On November 4, the album was made available for pre-order through the iTunes Store.[19] That day, a colorized version of the cover was unveiled as the primary visual for the standard version,[20] with the original cover becoming the primary visual for the deluxe version.[21] Spears revealed the track listing for Britney Jean on November 12, which she implied was earlier than she planned after hackers "[tried] to ruin [her] surprises."[22] The record is additionally marked with the Parental Advisory label,[20] affixed by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) to identify explicit content.[23]

Composition

The second track "Work Bitch" is an EDM-influenced dance song, where Spears repeatedly encourages listeners to "get to work, bitch."[24] The third track "Perfume" is a 1980s-influenced power ballad, which Spears described as "incredibly special to me because it hits close to home, and I think the story is relatable to everyone. Everyone's been through an insecure moment in a relationship that's left them vulnerable and I think this song captures that."[25][26]

Singles

"Work Bitch" was released as the lead single from Britney Jean on September 15, 2013, one day earlier than expected after a low-quality version was leaked by "one bad apple".[27] An writer for MuuMuse described the track as a "massive return to form" and an "exciting way to kick off a brand new era".[28] It debuted and peaked at number 12 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 with 174,000 first-week downloads,[29] and charted moderately on national singles charts internationally.[30] An accompanying music video for the track was premiered on October 1, where Spears is depicted as a dominatrix-like character.[31] It received general acclaim from critics, with particular praise directed towards her dancing.[32] However, Spears herself commented that she felt forced into maintaining her provocative image, elaborating that she "cut out half the video because I am a mother and because, you know, I have children, and it’s just hard to play sexy mom while you’re being a pop star as well".[33]

"Perfume" was released as the second single from Britney Jean on November 3, 2013.[34] It received generally favorable reviews from music critics, and was compared to Spears' earlier song "Everytime", taken from her fourth studio album In the Zone (2003).[35] The track debuted at number 76 on the Billboard Hot 100.[36]

Promotion

Unlike her previous records, excluding her fifth studio album Blackout (2007),[37] Spears did not heavily promote Britney Jean.[38] However, she appeared on Good Morning America to announce her two-year residency show at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, titled Britney: Piece of Me, on September 17.[39] It is scheduled to begin December 27, with tickets having been first made available on September 20.[40] Britney Jean will be additionally promoted through the documentary I Am Britney Jean, which will premiere through E! on December 22; it will cover the production and lead-up to its release and the launch of Britney: Piece of Me.[41]

Track listing

Standard edition[20]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Alien" William Orbit[42]3:56
2."Work Bitch"
4:07
3."Perfume"
3:59
4."It Should Be Easy" (featuring will.i.am)  3:26
5."Tik Tik Boom" (featuring T.I.)  2:57
6."Body Ache"  3:25
7."Til It’s Gone"  3:42
8."Passenger"
 3:40
9."Chillin' with You" (featuring Jamie Lynn)  3:38
10."Don’t Cry"  3:14
Total length:36:04
Deluxe edition bonus tracks[21]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
4.Untitled Chris Braide 
11."Brightest Morning Star"  2:59
12."Hold on Tight"  3:27
13."Now That I Found You"  4:16
14."Perfume" (The Dreaming Mix)
 4:02
Total length:50:48
Japanese bonus tracks[49]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
15."Work Bitch" (The Jane Doze Remix)
  • Adams
  • Ingrosso
  • Jettman
  • Preston
  • Cunningham
  • Spears
  • Ingrosso
  • Otto Knows
  • will.i.am
  • Preston[a]
2:58
16."Work Bitch" (7th Heaven Club Mix)
  • Adams
  • Ingrosso
  • Jettman
  • Preston
  • Cunningham
  • Spears
  • Ingrosso
  • Otto Knows
  • will.i.am
  • Preston[a]
7:07
Notes
  • ^a signifies a vocal producer.

Release history

Country Date Version Format Label Ref.
Australia November 29, 2013 Deluxe
Sony [50]
Germany
  • Standard
  • deluxe
 [51][52]
France December 2, 2013 [53][54]
United Kingdom Deluxe RCA [55]
Canada December 3, 2013
  • Standard
  • deluxe
 Sony [56][57]
United States RCA [20][21]
Japan December 4, 2013 Standard Sony [49]

References

  1. ^ a b Andrew Hampp (May 16, 2013). "Will.i.am on New Britney Spears Album: 'We Start Next Week'". Billboard. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  2. ^ Sam Lansky (October 5, 2012). "Britney Spears Returns To The Studio With Darkchild In New 'X Factor' Promo". Idolator. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  3. ^ Sam Lansky (December 14, 2012). "Britney Spears Is Working On A New Album, Says Elijah Blake". Idolator. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  4. ^ Ray Rahman (January 9, 2013). "Britney Spears working on her next album". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  5. ^ Andy Joannou (May 27, 2013). "Naughty Boy, William Orbit working on new Britney Spears album". Digital Spy. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  6. ^ Carl Williot (July 21, 2013). "Naughty Boy Says He's Avoiding Dubstep On Britney Spears' New Album". Idolator. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  7. ^ Bard O'Mance (July 12, 2013). "Along with most other popstars, Britney's been writing songs with Sia". Popjustice. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  8. ^ Jocelyn Vena (September 17, 2013). "Britney Spears Says 'Breakups Suck,' But They Make Great Music". MTV News. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  9. ^ Adam Miller (August 20, 2013). "Britney Spears is Heading To The Lake District To Work With Naughty Boy On New Album?". Entertainmentwise. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  10. ^ Robbie Daw (November 8, 2013). "Naughty Boy Discusses William Orbit, Madonna And (Not Working With) Britney Spears". Idolator. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  11. ^ a b K.C. Blumm (September 20, 2013). "Britney Spears's New Album Is About 'Huge Breakup' with Jason Trawick". People. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  12. ^ a b Lewis Corner (October 25, 2013). "Britney Spears unveils new album 'Britney Jean' artwork". Digital Spy. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  13. ^ Jason Lipshutz (August 20, 2013). "Britney Spears Teases 'All Eyes On Me' Release with Countdown Clock". Billboard. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  14. ^ "Britney Spears' Album Release Date Announced As Dec. 3 On 'Good Morning America'". The Huffington Post. September 17, 2013. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  15. ^ Andy Joannou (October 15, 2013). "Britney Spears names new album 'Britney Jean'". Digital Spy. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  16. ^ Sam Lansky (October 25, 2013). "Britney Spears Unveils 'Britney Jean' Album Cover, Pens Emotional Letter To Fans". Idolator. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  17. ^ "Britney Spears' 'Britney Jean' Album Cover Is A Little Like 'Bangerz'". The Huffington Post. October 25, 2013. Retrieved October 27, 2013.
  18. ^ Byron Flitsch (October 25, 2013). "Britney Spears' 'Britney Jean' Album Cover Is Part 'Bangerz,' Part 'Femme Fatale,' All Iconic!". MTV News. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  19. ^ "'Britney Jean' Pre-Order + 'Perfume' Available Now On iTunes". Britney.com. November 4, 2013. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  20. ^ a b c d "Britney Jean by Britney Spears". iTunes Store. United States. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  21. ^ a b c "Britney Jean (Deluxe Version) by Britney Spears". iTunes Store. United States. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  22. ^ Korina Lopez (November 13, 2013). "Britney Spears releases 'Britney Jean' tracklist". USA Today. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  23. ^ "RIAA - Parental Advisory". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  24. ^ Madeline Boardman (September 15, 2013). "'Work Bitch' Leaks Ahead Of Britney Spears' Official Release". The Huffington Post. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  25. ^ Amy Sciaretto (November 3, 2013). "Britney Spears, 'Perfume' - Song Review". PopCrush. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  26. ^ Carl Greenwood (November 4, 2013). "Britney Spears song Perfume is nearly here and we've got the full lyrics and the single artwork". Daily Mirror. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  27. ^ "Britney Spears Debuts 'Work Bitch' Following Leak By 'One Bad Apple': Listen". Billboard. September 15, 2013. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  28. ^ "Britney Spears, "Work Bitch": A Complete Breakdown of Britney's New Single". MuuMuse. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  29. ^ Gary Trust (September 25, 2013). "Miley Cyrus' 'Wrecking Ball' Spends Second Week Atop Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  30. ^ "Britney Spears - Work B**ch!". Ultratop. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  31. ^ Kevin Rutherford (October 1, 2013). "Britney Spears Debuts Steamy 'Work Bitch' Video: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  32. ^ Carl Williott (October 2, 2013). "Britney Spears' 'Work Bitch' Music Video: Review Revue". Idolator. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  33. ^ "Britney Spears says she feels forced to act sexy in music videos: Who's the raunchiest pop star?". Fox News Channel. October 4, 2013. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  34. ^ Sam Rigby (November 3, 2013). "Britney Spears unveils new single 'Perfume' - listen". Digital Spy. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  35. ^ Robbie Daw (November 4, 2013). "Britney Spears' "Perfume": Review Revue". Idolator. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  36. ^ Gary Trust (November 13, 2013). "Lorde's 'Royals' Leads Hot 100, Lady Gaga's 'Dope' Debuts At No. 8". Billboard. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  37. ^ Kelefa Sanneh (October 29, 2007). "'Miss Bad Media Karma' Sings, Too". The New York Times. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  38. ^ "Wait, Just Who Is Working on 'Britney Jean' Anyway?". MuuMuse. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  39. ^ Katie Kindelan (September 17, 2013). "Britney Spears Announces Las Vegas Show Live on 'GMA'". ABC News. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  40. ^ Lisa Respers France (September 17, 2013). "Britney Spears takes up residency in Las Vegas". CNN. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  41. ^ Brian Mansfield (November 14, 2013). "E! to air 'I Am Britney Jean' Spears documentary". USA Today. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  42. ^ "William Orbit discusses work with Britney Spears on new song 'Alien'". NME. November 6, 2013. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  43. ^ "Chris Braide Writing Credits".
  44. ^ a b Lipshutz, Jason (November 3, 2013). "Britney Spears Sprays 'Perfume' As Second 'Britney Jean' Preview". Billboard. Retrieved November 4, 2013.
  45. ^ "Chris Braide Writing Credits".
  46. ^ Ornos, Riza (November 4, 2013). "Britney Spear Debuts New Song, 'Perfume'". Entertainment & Stars. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  47. ^ "Katy Perry co-wrote a song on the Britney album (with Diplo) (and Sia)". Popjustice. November 13, 2013. Retrieved November 13, 2013.
  48. ^ "Chris Braide Writing Credits".
  49. ^ a b "ブリト二―・ジーン". Amazon.co.jp. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  50. ^ "Britney Jean (Deluxe Version) by Britney Spears". iTunes Store. Australia. November 29, 2013. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  51. ^ "Britney Jean". Amazon.de. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  52. ^ "Britney Jean (Deluxe Version)". Amazon.de. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  53. ^ "iTunes - Musique - Britney Jean par Britney Spears". iTunes Store. France. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  54. ^ "Britney Jean (Deluxe Version) par Britney Spears". iTunes Store. France. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  55. ^ "Britney Jean". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  56. ^ "Britney Jean by Britney Spears". iTunes Store. Canada. December 3, 2013. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
  57. ^ "iTunes - Music - Britney Jean (Deluxe Version) by Britney Spears". iTunes Store. Canada. December 3, 2013. Retrieved November 16, 2013.
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