The star that spawned a thousand and one wannabe's returns to show them all how its done. But does Britney still rule the roost of blond teenage American babes?
Last time round it was 'The Beat Goes On' that got everyone talking. This time it's the cover of '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction' that grabs the headlines. The surprisingly credible version limbers into life with Britney chatting away to her pals on the phone. The R&B vibe grows echoing 'Bad' era Michael Jackson, an obvious influence of current Jackson knob twiddler Rodney Jerkins who also produced this track.
The vocoders are out in force for 'Don't Let Me Be The Last To Know', a Shania Twain-esque (well she did write it) stadium filling sound, complete with 80's guitar solo to rival anything that Jon Bon Jovi ever threw our way.
Another album highlight (and possible next single) 'Lucky' is based around an infectious pizzicato hook strangely similar to Ben E King's 'Stand By Me'.
A broader range of styles is highlighted by 'Where Are You Now', a slick R&B ballad that could easily be one of the standout tracks on the latest Mariah or Toni Braxton release.
The Diane Warren penned 'When Your Eyes Say It' welcomes Britney's most sophisticated sound to date, the beautiful ballad bathed in a classic string arrangement.
The closing track 'Dear Diary' is the only track co-written by Ms Spears herself, and some would say it shows. The cutesy commentary of 'no one in this world knows me better than you do...so I confide in you' shows what a special relationship Britney has with her filofax. Be afraid.
