Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Britney Spears manages, once again, to come across as explicitly sexual in a dozen tracks devoted to self-absorption. Lyrics stick solidly in "I'm hot and you better want me" territory, with lines like "If I get on top you're gonna lose your mind" or "Can you rise to the occasion? I'm patiently waiting/'cause it's getting late and I can't get enough/So let me get it up" -- as the pop star tries to bump and grind her way into both our hearts and our trousers.
Families can talk about the media's obsession with Britney Spears and celebrities in general. Why do magazines, TV shows, and online gossip sites make what Britney does the top story? Do you think that the media's focus on every move these celebs make is causing them to act out more? Is it too much pressure to be scrutinized? Families can also talk about the power of sexual attraction, and how lust really can wipe all other concerns out of your mind. Can you figure out some ways to enjoy being attractive and noticing others' attractiveness while staying grounded enough to be a person with a variety of interests?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
With her signature four-note range and over-processed baby-girl vocals, Britney Spears is determined to let us know how sexy she is -- over and over and over again. In a funny twist, the actual lyrics as written aren't quite as steamy as they sound in Britney's naughty little mouth; it's her delivery that's more raunchy than the songs themselves -- though there's plenty of innuendo, too, with titles like "Get Naked (I Got A Plan)" and lines like "I can feel you on my lips/I can feel you deep inside." You won't find any deep-thinking social commentary on BLACKOUT, and that would be OK if there were some real fun or artistry involved, or even a little genuine sexiness. Instead, we get stunningly repetitive lyrics (mixed over monotonous synthesized tracks) about predatory sexual pursuit and the annoying side-effects of fame. If it's really true, as the artist claims, that "I'm Miss bad media karma/another day another drama," then the only thing more tedious than listening to Britney Spears is actually being her.
If Blackout is too much, the hit single "Gimme More" might be just enough. For some really sexy, soulful, and danceable music download Aretha Franklin.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentSteamy innuendo about getting naked, showing off your sexy body, and encouraging a guy to "rise to the occasion" with simpering flirtiness and lots of heavy breathing. |
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LanguageThe "f" word is used once or twice. "Bitch" opens the album. |
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Social BehaviorBrit's single-minded interest in sexual pursuit and attraction seems a tad myopic. |
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CommercialismNo obvious product placement (CD packaging not available for review). |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoA couple of instances of "buying a bottle." |
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