"Womanizer" (CD single) (by Britney Spears, Pop)

common sense media says

Britney's back (again) with smackdown on cheaters.

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this single (the first song off the Dec. 2008 album Circus) marks Spears' latest attempt at a career comeback. Although it has a general aura of sexiness and talks a lot about "womanizing" -- i.e. using women for sex -- most of the lyrics include pretty general terms, and the song's cheating theme isn't discussed in great detail. In the song, Spears is assertive and confident, demanding respect and telling men that she doesn't have time for those who might betray her.

Positive messages: Spears portrays a strong female character who refuses to be used by men: "To think that I, would be a victim not another, say it play it how you wanna, but no way I'm ever gonna fall for you, never you, baby." The target of her declarations is a cheating, womanizing man (who's described as being a charmer and having lots of girls).

Violence: Not applicable.

Sex: The song has a generally sexy feel and is all about a man who uses women for sex (i.e., a "womanizer") -- but the lyrics don't include many outright sexual references: "You got me goin', you're oh-so charming, but I can't do it, you womanizer." Spears use a seductive voice on certain lines.

Language: Not applicable.

Consumerism: The song has been featured on an episode of MTV's The Hills.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

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What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about how artists use life experience in their music. Do you think Spears used her own real-life struggles to inspire/inform her "comeback" songs? Do you think this song is meant to address a specific person in Spears' life? Would people still be interested in Spears if she hadn't experienced so many problems?

What's the story?

It's comeback time again for Britney Spears, and this time she's taking on no-good, two-timing men. The lead single off Spears' sixth studio album, Circus, WOMANIZER is an electro-pop dance mix that spotlights the writing and producing skills of newcomers The Outsyders (the duo of Nikesha Briscoe and Rafael Akinyem).

Is it any good?

The opening lines of the song offer glimpses of the old Spears, full of spirited sexiness. But there's also the feeling that Spears is still trying to play catch up with current pop styles, attempting to jump into today's sound after being out of the loop for so long. Granted, some moments during the song will make you want to dance -- like the flirty refrain "Boy don't try to front I (I) know just (just) what you are (are are)," which revisits the Baby One More Time era.

But the chorus kills all hope for a cool sound when Spears repeats (ad nauseam) "womanizer, womanizer, woman, woman, womanizer" in a way that sounds like an annoying elementary school chant. But that's mostly the failing of the songwriters, who seemed to have simply run out of clever lines for Spears to sing.

Music themes & details

Music Details

Released on: September 29, 2008
Label: Jive Records
Genre: Pop

This review was written by Jacqueline Rupp

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What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

dancing girl
kid, 12 years old

Brittney Spears new songs are not as good as before. And i don't see what the problem is with this song except that it's BAD.

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"Womanizer" (CD single) (by Britney Spears, Pop)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on "Womanizer" (CD single)

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

Music themes & details

Music Details

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Review "Womanizer" (CD single)

What parents & educators say

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Age Appropriate Category

BOO!!!

a horrible song!

loved it!

Good song

Positive Woman Role, But Other Than That A Song About A Sexually Charged Cheater

Good song.

Good beat!

DOWN WITH BRITNEY!!!!!!!!!

dont really like the song and hate the music video

Great Song, but INAPPROPRIATE music video

ok song with an inapropreat music video.

Good for teens! Not for Womanizers

I love this song so much!!

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