music

Music Out Now

Britney Spears - In the Zone

Britney kicks things off by unveiling a full-on collaboration with the Material Girl, "Me Against the Music." This party-fueled, dance-floor-ready anthem bookends IN THE ZONE with a bonus Bollywood-tinged remix, and both versions are emblematic of the album as a whole--energetic, assertive, and sexy. On the saucy "(I Got That) Boom Boom," Britney makes a stop in the Dirty South to visit "crunk" rappers the Ying Yang Twins.

The innuendo-laden hip-hop and R&B carries over to the sultry "Showdown," the Moby-produced "Early Mornin'," and "Outrageous," featuring production and backing vocals by R. Kelly. Of course, Britney finds time for a little quiet introspection on the string-soaked "Shadow" and the piano ballad, "Everytime." Although IN THE ZONE showcases Britney as a carefree party girl, these latter songs highlight the softer side of the pop superstar.