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In the Zone

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Britney as provocative and sexually suggestive.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–15

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Are parents really saying to their daughters, "Be like Britney!"?
  • Violence:

    There are no violent references.
  • Sex:

    Lots of sexy innuendo, not to mention moaning ("I don't really wanna be a tease/but would you unzip my zipper please?"). One song is about masturbation.
  • Language:

    Depends on what "Twittle-ittle-ee" (an overused lyric on this CD) actually means. No language stronger than "sex drive" or "a-- shaking" -- unless you count the moaning.
  • Consumerism:

    Britney herself is a product of corporate commercialism, but there are no blatant tie-ins here.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Though Britney is finally old enough to get into bars, she sticks to sexy moaning on this CD.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of In the Zone was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark

Parents need to know that Britney wants to make it clear that she's no little girl anymore. This CD is both provocative and sexually suggestive in lyrics such as "She naked, she soaking wet, strip tease like a mmm, drip, sweat" or "You lookin' good when you're half dressed, Just let me give you one last test." The song "Touch of My Hand" talks about masturbating.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about what they think motivates Britney to sing so frankly about sex. You can use Britney's out-there sexuality to start a conversation about sex, such as what the difference is between singing about sex and engaging in it.
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More on In the Zone

What’s the Story?

On IN THE ZONE, Britney delivers pseudo-sexuality throughout -- much suggestive moaning, a few suggestive lyrics -- that might make some younger teens (and parents) uncomfortable. But the whole thing feels so artificial to begin with that it's hard to take the sex seriously. A soulful, earthy vocal by a truly great singer would be far sexier, even without the suggestive lyrics.

Is It Any Good?

Poor Britney gets eaten alive by most of the well-produced and well-written songs on this album. She simply doesn't have the voice for them, and even a duet with Madonna can't save the day. Die-hard Britney fans will want this CD, and may enjoy the nicely produced dance tunes. Everyone else might consider trying them out at the karaoke bar instead --most likely you'll do a better job on the vocals.

Music Details

Released on: 11/18/2003
Parental advisory: No, Edited version available: No

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 1.0

    love it!!

    ive had this album ever since i was like 10!!

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title iffy and give it 3.0

    I expected more got less.

    The album is not bad but still has some many weak tracks such as Shadow, Brave New Girl and I've Got That. If you want to buy it for your kids then I don't recommend you. The album is really sex oriented. Such as Toxic, Breahte On Me, Touch of My Hand just to name a few.

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 3.0

    this is typical britney music, i like the collaborations that she did with old and new artists. she is trying new things in her album muscially and artistically. as far as britney's image goes, how come no one is making a big fuss about beyonce? she's the same age, also wears sexy clothing, and dances in a similar suggestive manner. being a girl who grew up listening to madonna, i don't think that it was harmful to my ideas of womanhood, thoughts of sex, or the way that i dressed. as a dancer, i enjoyed this album.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title iffy and give it .0

    Boredom again yells a war cry

    Talk about dull. Pop is plain out dull and hurts my ears. With bands like Britney Spears supporting bands like Simple Plan and Good Charlotte, I protest! Superstars don't exist anymore. Everyone's style is changing. I read a review saying that Britney and Good Charlotte were destined to be the next band-everyone-likes. If so, armaggeddon is coming.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title iffy and give it 5.0

    IN THE ZONE

    Being a Britney Spears fan I loved IN THE ZONE. It was a complete change for Britney. Her blatant sexuality is somewhat overwhelming with lyrics like "I don't really wanna be a tease, but would you unzip my zipper please?" or " And when you come don't get too hot..." both from a song all about sexual activity called "SHOWDOWN". Or in the song "EARLY MORNIN'" Britney talks about "shaking her a** in the streets its mornin" and "wanna hook up, do ya momma live there, we can hook up at the hotel" and "i met a guy named Joe...what happened next, well you don't wanna know, oh, oh". Finally, in "BOOM BOOM" she states "oh boy..you look so damn sexy", "I got that boom boom that you want..watching me all night long (moan) hurry up before its gone". But in the mess of sex with anonymous Joes, alcohol abuse/ hangovers, are sweet songs of love....and more sex, club bumping hits.

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