Pop Music

Britney Spears - 'Blackout'

(Jive)

By PHIL GALLO

'Blackout'

Contrasting the images in the tabloids, Britney Spears displays herself as a woman focused on romance, whether it be one night stands or one night stands that last for two weekends. It's frothy, good natured, sexy and superficial. As recovery-from-meltdown albums go, "Blackout" is no "Emancipation of Mimi," but then again Miss Spears has never appeared to have the artistic aspirations of Mariah Carey and Miss Carey has never sounded like she craved sex and a party scene the way Spears does here.

First single "Gimme More," a sold and catchy dance tune, sets the pace and tone. This is breathless and commanding Britney, the one addicted to steamy scenes, orgasmic groans and song titles that are as exposed as she has been climbing out of cars: "Get Naked (I Got a Plan)," "Ooh Ooh Baby" (featuring a drum pattern remarkably similar to Gary Glitter's "Rock and Roll Part 2"), " Perfect Lover." The picture's explicitly clear -- "Heaven on Earth" does not concern a spiritual quest.

When she invokes the girlish qualities of her voice, as in the throbbing techno tune "Break the Ice" and "Hot as Ice," she cools (pun intended) the libido. But don't be fooled: If the slogan of "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" had a soundtrack, this would fit perfectly.