REVIEWS: IN THE ZONE

Check out these reviews of Britney's latest: In The Zone ...

“In the Zone’s first single, “Me Against the Music,” is a fine specimen of Britney 4.0-a fast-paced dance anthem, all grinding percussion shuttling through a traffic jam of synths. Most of the record’s up-tempo bangers trace the single’s footsteps, bopping raucously without slipping into chintzy faux rock or flavorless hip-hop. Gone are the spare Neptunes beats of Britney, replaced by a hectic sonic pileup. Spears hits pay dirt on “Toxic,” holding her own against a wall of drum breaks, strings, and James Bond surf guitar that warps and struts like it’s been fed into the Matrix.”

--Spin Magazine

“Our grade: B+ ... Britney really excels by embracing Madge's Ray of Light future-pop style. Tracks like "Breathe on Me," "Touch of My Hand" and the Moby-produced trance number "Early Mornin' " have a seductive shimmer that the belly-baring babe keeps pumped of breathy talk, come-hither groans and other vocal gyrations. Between talking all sexy and stuff and carrying on about hitting the town, Brit proves she has grown up and is quite her own woman now.”

-- E! Online

"Most of 'Zone' is the work of some talented producers -- some up-and-comers and a few old hands -- and the heart of the album is a flashy hodgepodge of hip-hop beats and club tracks, a few of which will set butts a-grindin'.”

-- The Washington Post

"Brit returns with her most daring, mature & sexy album yet. Despite the countless producers & styles she covers, Britney still manages to maintain continuity throughout. 'Boom Boom', 'Toxic' & 'Outrageous' will no doubt have you shakin' your pants. 'Breathe On Me' & 'Early Mornin' have cruisey, trance vibes, while 'Shadow' & 'Everytime' are stunning ballads. Oops! She's done it again. 5/5 POPpoints."

-- POPrepublic.tv (Australia)

“Three [out of four] stars ... You can't help but grind to this soundtrack, with its unexpected beats from the Indian tabla and Chinese erhu ... Expect these songs to be club favorites soon…This is a woman who knows how to package not only her music but herself. And like typical Britney music, after a few listens, it sticks inside your head and you end up singing it out loud in the car.”

-- San Jose Mercury News

“Madonna joins Britney on the single "Me Against the Music," one of several winning dance workouts here. The coolest tune is the hip-hop/pop "Brave New Girl," one of eight numbers cowritten by Spears; it has the right mix of girly innocence and womanly sexuality.”

-- Minneapolis Star Tribune