About.com Rating

The Bottom Line

The good news is that Britney Spears sounds confident here and like she's in it to take her place among the top stars. The downside is she's trying to do it with merely the wisp of a song. It all sounds like a rather weak attempt to approach the attitude of Katy Perry in a classic Britney futuristic bubblegum pop context. Unfortunately, after a few listens it all becomes quite dull.

Listen

Pros

• Catchy electronically drenched track
• Classic Britney sound

Cons

• Simplistic lyrics focused on one word
• Doesn't hold up on multiple listens

Description

• Written by Nikesha Briscoe and Rapheal Akinyemi
• Produced by the Outsyders
• Released by Jive Records October 2008

Guide Review - Britney Spears - "Womanizer"

Last year Britney Spears re-entered the pop music mainstream with her critically acclaimed album Blackout. Unfortunately, sales and chart success failed to bring her back to the top of the pop world. However, in the face of unprecedented tabloid obsession with her personal life, Britney Spears has persevered in aiming to regain her early career momentum.

The down side here is the song "Womanizer" is weak, and, despite Britney Spears sounding game and in fine voice, this record is no match for her classic material. Electro-pop may be the next big trend as heard in Christina Aguilera's latest "Keeps Gettin' Better," but there is nothing inventive in the vaguely futuristic track here. Lyrically, the song amounts to little more than 4 minutes of name calling and accusation.

"Womanizer" is just a taster of the upcoming album Circus. As with Blackout, Circus will include contributions from a host of top producers and songwriters. Britney Spears sounds up to the task with her vocals, but quality of song material will determine if the new Britney Spears sinks or swims in the pop music pool.