Britney Spears is In The Zone

Britney Spears' new CD, In the Zone, exemplifies how much one singer can change in the period of five years. On her latest album she tones up the provocative side, while her songs remain borderline pop and R & B. On her newest CD Spears belts out a few more catchy tunes to clever beats, making her just as sexy and attractive as usual, but this time her music keeps up with her body image.

Spears is no longer a bubblegum pop princess as she attempts to separate from the media's influence on her fourth CD. She is breaking free of her innocent "Catholic school girl" image and creating a newer, sexier version of herself. The "not a girl, not yet a woman" confusion doesn't apply to her anymore, as she is finally 21, and legally an adult.

Spears collaborates with several other hot artists to give her music a little spice and hopefully grab the attention of some new audiences. "Outrageous," which features R. Kelly, is definitely going to spark some attention and is already a popular radio hit. The Ying Yang Twins are featured in the song "(I Got That) Boom Boom" and contribute to the diversity of the tracks on her new CD. The biggest performer contributing to In The Zone is influential singer Madonna, who is featured in two versions of "Me Against the Music."

Though the lyrics are repetitive, there is something about the upbeat rhythm which makes the album's tunes so catchy. Spears presents an "I'm a woman" attitude throughout the CD, which is clear in most of her songs. Many tracks even border on promiscuous, crossing a line of sexual innuendo new for Spears. Her song, "Breathe On Me," doesn't contain any profanity, but the message is a little closer to obscene than anything she's made before. The lyrics read "Monogamy is the way to go/Just put your lips together/And blow."

Spears' "Touch of My Hand" has an equally provocative theme and perhaps even more sensual lyrics. "Cause I just discovered/Imagination taking over/Another day without a lover/The more I come to understand/The touch of my hand."

Though many of Spears' songs have "dirty" lyrics the messages aren't obscene enough not to be appealing. What the songs with provocative meanings lack, other tracks make up for with catchy lyrics and hot beats. Spears' track "Outrageous" has a sexy beat, and though the lyrics may seem shallow, their light and playfulness make it a fun, energetic song. She sings, "I'm about to bring the heat/Locking down the industry/All dressed up glamorous/Red carpet and cameras/Take trips around the globe/Keeps on my Jeeps so nobody knows/So hot, gotcha coming out ya clothes/I'm about to give it to ya."

One of the positive qualities that helps In The Zone stand above Spears' previous three albums is the fact that she co-wrote 7 of the 13 songs. This is a big jump for her since she usually doesn't write any of her own song lyrics. Spears' helped write "Me Against The Music" and "Everytime," which are two of the most original pieces on her new album.

Another interesting aspect which was not present on her first three albums is the digital edge which is shown in many of her tracks on In The Zone. There is a techno-inspired beat in many songs such as "Toxic" and "Brave New Girl." The digital beat of these songs complement her catchy lyrics for a positive overall effect.

During In The Zone Spears shows a little of her mature side, while her music continues to straddle the line between pop and R & B. Though her lyrics aren't too meaningful, the songs all have catchy tunes which promise lively party dancing. We know Spears' fans won't be disappointed with this album, but even if you didn't like her first three CDs you really should give In The Zone a chance.

In The Zone is produced by Jive Records. The official Britney Spears website can be found here.