We loved the year 2008 for a lot of different reasons, but a big one is that it was the year Britney Spears released Circus. Her sixth studio album, released to go hand in hand with her 27th birthday, Circus was truly an era to behold. It brought the bold and before-their-time elements she showcased on her prior releases Blackout, to the forefront of the pop music pulse. It doesn’t matter how you listen to the album, in order, on shuffle, in a spaceship, on a train – you’re going to want to dance your a** off. So yeah, why wouldn’t we want to talk about Circus? So let’s do it!
‘Radar’
‘Radar’ originally had a home on Britney’s personal favorite album, Blackout. But the thing is, it was so good she had to bring it back for Circus to give it the treatment it always deserved. The video also paired as a promo for Candies, the clothing line that Britney was the face of at the time. We can’t speak for everyone, but for us, it was the only reason we ever purchased the Candies line in the first place.
“His eyes see right to my soul, I surrender self-control. Catch me looking again, falling right into my plan.”
‘Shattered Glass’
Where do we even begin with ‘Shattered Glass?’ The introduction uses synths to mimic broken glass falling to the ground, setting the scene for this synth-pop masterpiece. The build in the verses leads to a slowed chorus, which adds both suspense and power to Britney’s words. Followed by the synth coming back to repeat the same catchy pulse from earlier. And she’s making solid points in the track too. Anyone foolish enough to let her go is going to be haunted by it forever; we could not agree more.
“You’re gonna see me in your dreams tonight, my face is gonna haunt you all the time. I promise that you gon’ want me back when your world falls apart like shattered glass”
‘Kill The Lights’
A clap back to the paparazzi and people who refused to leave her alone – ‘Kill The Lights’ is a showcase of Britney’s strength throughout her career. The way she talks about being constantly photographed, followed, put on display, and other outcomes of being in the industry, has us ready to bat for her every time we hear it.
“All the flashin’, tryin’ to cash in, hurts my eyes. All the poses, out of focus, I despise. Eff me over, your exposure not the best. You want me bad, I want you out, release this stress.”
‘Unusual You’
There’s something about ‘Unusual You’ that was so comforting and familiar when we heard it for the first time. Britney’s vocals are like silk! Paired with the synths, they create a hypnotizing pulse that keeps you locked in on her every word. We agree that love is a scary thing, especially for someone who has been hurt as Britney has. So when someone shows up, loves you, and continues to surprise you by doing those things consistently, your jaw is absolutely on the floor.
“When I’m with you, I can just be myself. You’re always where you said you will be. Shocking cause I never knew love like this could exist.”
‘Phonography’
Sorry, did someone ask for an absolute banger? Because that’s exactly what ‘Phonography’ is. The synth is like a heartbeat but has an element that just scratches the back of your mind so well. The context of this song might be a little too spicy for us to truly dive into right now, but what we can say is that context aside, the song is still an on-repeat hit. The fact it’s a bonus track showcases how insane the entire album is if this didn’t even make the initial cut!
“I can final all your commands, but there will be no talk of adding you to my plans. I’ll keep you connected as long as you understand; that’s how we should keep it, mister telephone man.”
What are some of your personal favorites off Circus? Make sure to let us know in the comments below! Or on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram! And in the meantime, if you need us, we’ll be reading more Britney Spears content!
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