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By. R. M. Naytowhow *** 1/2 Most argue Britney's 4th album, "In The Zone" to be her best. Sonically, lyrically, etc... A good argument can be made for this, but I personally feel that, even though in some individual moments it is her most accomplished, as a whole this album floats more than it swims.
"Oops!... I Did It Again" was a perfect platform from which Britney and her handlers could go in any which direction. Replete with cheesy songs that were more self-aware than your average teen record. As the title proudly proclaimed: "Oops! ... I Did It Again" -- a nod to critics of her supposed unoriginality, her creators and her own personality imbued creating a very arresting mixture of young-sexuality. The songs work wonderfully together creating a cohesive whole that Britney understood, or at least acted rather convincingly as if she did. The album designed for Britney a definitive persona that was all her own; a contradictive, indifferent young sextress masquerading as a singer, fully aware of her limitations and fully aware that great productions can eradicate such impositions. It was fun, subversive and brilliantly strung together. Right from its opening song to its ingenious closing, "Dear Diary" -- which maintained Spears' good girl act despite her constant protests to the contrary throughout. It was an album of a young woman transitioning into adulthood, playing submissive, all the while winking to her fans and peers, "how'd you like that"? A woman dissatisfied with anything but the best for herself and others. Who was all about self respect and unabashedly derivative anthems of relationships, self-talk, and heartbreak. Oops!... was an album made unforgettable by a genius performer willing to play with her puppet strings. ____________________________________ Song system rating: * - Poor ** - Fair *** - Good **** - Excellent
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