Now, I am sure that this comes as no surprise to many of you, who know that I have been a Britney fan since day one. However, as much as I love Britney, you must know that she is not the main reason that her album made my year end list. I will say it honestly; it has a lot to do with the producers, baby (I’m thanking you, specifically, Danja, Pharrell, Bloodshy, and Avant!). If there is one thing that did go right with Britney when she was making this record, was the ability to pick some amazing and up and coming producers to bring the noise, and bring it hard. The result, is an album that is comprised of single after single; and if she were in a place in her life where she could take advantage of it, this truly would have been her comeback. Sadly, though, I don’t think Britney is willing to use this massive gift that she has been given; a true second chance.
All of the train wrecks in her life aside, and if you look solely at the “brand” that is Britney Spears, there is no denying that this record is pure gold. As I said, it is all about the producers; the production values are so high, that somebody had to have gotten paid the big bucks to bring the goods. If you compare this album with every other album in her career, you can see that this is clearly a step above what she has done before. With the exception of her 2001 self-titled third release (my favorite record of hers), this is the best album of Britney’s career. Not only is it the best of her career, but I feel like it may have come too late; if this would have been her previous album, I don’t think the situation she finds herself in today would even exist. People would still love her, and appreciate her for the body and the looks, and the ability to perform like a true entertainer. Yet, a fall from grace is taking front seat, and overshadowing what is considered by many standards, a fantastic record.
I for one hope that Britney can see what she has here, and realize how great this album is. Perhaps she can pull it together long enough to really pimp some of the better songs on the album, and not “blow her load” with the only somewhat successful Gimme More; which really can’t touch some of the other great songs on this record. I also hope that the record company can shake some sense into her, and make her realize that they can resurrect this brand that took so long to build; and all they need is her help to do it.
Britney, you have the goods, and you have the record to back you up, the rest is up to you. You quietly released arguably the best record of your career, and you still let your personal life overshadow your potential to reclaim your throne as the pop princess. Don’t throw it away; those of us that bought the record see the greatness in it, and appreciate you bringing us what we like about you so much; polished production, and pleasurable pop. I just hope that you realize it, before Blackout slips off the charts, and this golden opportunity is gone.
Favorite songs from Blackout:
Heaven on Earth
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_1026_heaven.mp3]
Piece of Me
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/bs-pieceofme.mp3]
Break the Ice (which I think should have been her first single)
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/bs-breaktheice.mp3]
Why Should I Be Sad, Radar, Get Naked (I Got a Plan), and Gimme More.
Rating: 
(custom cover for Blackout from uhlikethat.com, because it is infinitely better than the real one.)