Tools for this page
Print

Circus

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version
    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Pop princess sings mainly about -- surprise! -- sex.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–14

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Some songs celebrate clubbing and partying, as well as the idea of acting in certain ways to get attention. On some tracks Spears shows off a strong character and talks about not being victimized or fooled.

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    On "Mmm Papi" Spears moans and sings seductively ("Lil' miss fast car, I can really get far, and don't break my heart, let's make out (Let's make out! Let's make out!)." "Lace and Leather" is a sort of vocal strip tease that talks about lingerie and high heels.
  • Language:

    "Hell" is said once and "b-tch" is sung on the song "Lace and Leather." "Blur" includes the line, "This sh-t is way too f--king bright." But the expletives are edited out. The song "If You Seek Amy" contains a play on words you wouldn't want your tweens and teens to repeat.
  • Consumerism:

    A few songs include references to Spears buying what she wants. Having money is equated with power: "I get things, everything I wanted / My own way, your time, goldmines."
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    "If U Seek Amy" makes references to smoking and drinking cocktails. "Blur" is about someone who can't remember what she did the night before, as if she in a drunken blackout.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Circus was written by Jacqueline Rupp

Parents need to know that this is a steamy album with lots of seductive lyrics -- as well as moaning and purring. While many of the songs are catchy and danceable, the words and messages don't waiver much from the central theme: sex.

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 Britney Spears the singer and Britney Spears the media object. How does Spears' music differ from her public image? How does she treat the media on this album -- including the title's allusion to a "media circus?" Do you think she is hurt or helped by all the tabloid attention she has received? Why do you think that many of her songs refer to her publicized scandals?
Did this review help you decide?

Add it to your kids’ playlist?

Have you heard it? Review It!

More on Circus

What’s the Story?

The follow-up to her less-than impressive CD Blackout, CIRCUS finds Spears back in familiar territory. The dozen tracks are a collection primarily about no-good, two-timing, deceptive guys, while the rest range from seductive celebrations of sexy men ("Mmm Papi" and "Lace and Leather") to a tribute to her children ("My Baby").

Is It Any Good?

With Circus, Spears addresses her critics and attempts to prove that she's still got it. The album resurrects the pouty-faced pop singing of the star's youth -- with mixed results. You'll hear some "Baby One More Time"-type vocals as well as an ultra-sugary sweet ballad ("My Baby"). There are some addictive beats and hooks on the album, most notably on the successful "Womanizer" and "Radar."

 

But sex in all its variations reigns. The song "If You Seek Amy" has a sly double entendre (say it slowly and you'll get it). And her try at Latin rhythms on "Mmm Papi," finds her using an older man. Kids will probably just want to download the hot singles, not the entire album. And that's probably a good thing.

Music Details

Released on: 12/2/2008
Parental advisory: No, Edited version available: No

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you heard it? Review It!

What did you think about Circus?

or

to post a review

See all 19 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 8
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

    I love the song. but I do think it is bad for kids to see under 8. I think there is a little sex. so far this is my favorite artist. Iv'e only seen 4 music videos. And the lion might be scary for some kids.

  2. I rate this title off for age 6 and give it 3.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

  3. I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give it 3.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Sexy Album that Curses with a bad role model and bad messages

    Britney isn't a good role model; her music doesn't express good messages. This album would be best given to 17 and up, no younger. "If you seek Amy" is a play on words (if you haven't figured that out already) and most of the songs have sexual innuendos

  4. I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    great but some things to watch out for

    i aggree with common sense all Britney seems to focus on now adays is singing and talking about sex. the songs may sound good but listen closley to the words and watch the music videos ( there inaprpreat) but still i love the songs!

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Maryland
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Negative message
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    My Circus Album Review

    I think it should be on for 17 and many parents would not let their kids listen to her music because of the sexual messages in her lyrics. Great album and debut!

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    The Princess and the Frog

    The Princess and the Frog

    First African-American Disney princess is a good role model.

  • Advice for Parents

    Tips for a Healthy Media Diet

    Tips for a Healthy Media Diet

    New gadget gifts? Get help setting limits.

  • Book of the Week

    Beautiful Creatures

    Beautiful Creatures

    Dreamy, lyrical supernatural Southern romance.

  • Pick of the Week

    Bestselling Books

    Bestselling Books

    Popular new reads kids are buying today.

  • Download This

    "Today Was a Fairytale" (CD single)

    "Today Was a Fairytale" (CD single)

    Innocent love song for tweens from a PG-13 movie soundtrack.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name