Britney Spears Keeps Us "Dancing 'til The World Ends" On Seventh Album

Britney Spears has become the darling of American pop music. Where Madonna commands and Gaga shocks, Spears' aspiration is nothing more than a good time. In this, Femme Fatale succeeds. Nary a ballad to be found, pulsing beats thump and synths glide for twelve tracks, Britney's voice bending and flexing digitally over the melodies.

The opening track ("'Til the World Ends") sets the tone for the entire album which adheres strongly to form save the odd closer ("Criminal"). Long-time fans may yearn to hear Britney the human being, but she seems to have checked out a good eight years ago. She all but admitted as much in recent interviews, drawing a clear line between the Britney of pop music and the mother who lives a simple life. Kudos to her for prioritizing, but it doesn't make for emotionally compelling music.

Sonically, Britney Spears (read: a bevy of hyper-talented producers plus Britney Spears) delivers the most consistent album of her career. Every track is above-par in production and quality. From the unapologetically sleazy "Inside Out" to the aggressive "Trouble for Me," Britney seems to be a hologram of the human who brought us "Oops... I Did It Again" and "Toxic." It's a strong brand, leaps and bounds beyond anything the Black Eyed Peas regularly contribute. Femme Fatale could hardly be called joyless, it just isn't emotional at all.

Thankfully, the pure catchiness and subtle humor (evident on tracks such as the playful "I Wanna Go") bestow a sort of personality, non-confrontational and enjoyable. Where Katy Perry, Rihanna, and Gaga have the tendency to grate on the nerves of listeners preferring less assaulting deliveries, Britney steps in to pleasantly usher the audience to the dance floor. "How I Roll" bubbles and pops in an ethereal space where "(Drop Dead) Beautiful" could be the theme to a runway show. "Gasoline" recalls an earlier incarnation of Britney but seems more reflective than derivative. "Big Fat Bass" even manages to make will.i.am a charming guest alongside Britney's completely overt innuendo. Bravest among the pack is "Hold It Against Me," shamelessly inserting a dubstep break within the song's production gymnastics.

Femme Fatale can easily be called a complete success in the way it obviously aspires to be. The only element missing is a soul.

Standout Tracks:

"Hold It Against Me," "Trouble for Me," "Big Fat Bass," "Inside Out"