Two words suffice to describe Britney Spears' newest album, "Circus" (2008).
A masterpiece.
Spears, however, is not the only multi-platinum artist to release an album named after the big top.
Take That, the British supergroup best known for 1993 track "Relight my Fire," released "The Circus" (2008) in the United States just days after the release of Spears' album.
Unlike Spears, who because the center of a frenzied buzz in anticipation of her release, Take That, which has sold over 30 million albums during its career, saw little excitement when "The Circus" hit the United States.
Take That's unfortunate predicament is understandable; on the album, the band sounds like a drunken imitation of Coldplay's Chris Martin , if that imitation were done by the bastard child of Five for Fighting and U2.
Take That singer Gary Barlow chucks in clichs like "the science of faith" and "If love is a game / then I've played all my cards" on the song "What is Love." Innovative stuff.
"The Garden" and the album's title track are similarly hackneyed. One quickly begins to conclude that "The Circus" is supremely dull, no doubt appealing to the 30-something, easy-listening set.
But just when you begin to lose hope for the record, songs such as "Up All Night" jump to the forefront and nearly redeem the album. Opening with oompah beats and vocals reminiscent of Tom Petty's wheezy, mesmerizing croon before expanding into a raucous chorus, the tune is a little whimsical and filled with angelic harmonies.
The upbeat "Hello" is another high point, evocative of Ben Folds' piano anthems.
Unfortunately, "Up All Night" and "Hello" are mere glimmers of promise, overshadowed by songs such as "Greatest Day," and "Hold up a Light," which bore and disappoint.
Take That clearly has more musical ability in its little fingers than Spears has in her entire scantily clad body. Yet Spears' album is more fun, warrants repeated listening and has an infinitely greater probability of becoming the soundtrack to my weekend.
Maybe, when it comes to pop music, glitz is more important than artistry. The more vapid the product, the more palatable to diversion-seekers.
In this light, Spears could aptly say, "Take that!"
