1. Me Against The Music featuring Madonna - Probably one of the worst songs off the album. It was a good single for the kick off with of course, Madonna, but you're sick of it by the time you get the album. 6/10

2. (I Got That) Boom Boom featuring The Ying Yang Twins - This is a great R&B song. I think the choice of the Ying Yang Twins wasn't too great, because I think that their raps are complete trash. Despite the rap, this song deserves applause. 8/10

3. Showdown - This song ventures off into more of a Caribbean beat. It's very daring. I'm not exactly feeling the coo-ing in the verses, but the chorus is pure gold. 7/10

4. Breathe On Me - Everyone says this is the highlight of the album, but I'm not too sure of it. It sounds kind of like Kylie Minogue's Can't Get You Out Of My Head. I don't think that Britney's voice is very fit for dance/trance tracks. A good try. 7/10

5. Early Mornin' - I think that Britney's choice to collaborate with Moby was fantastic. I'm not exactly a Moby fan, but the outcome of the alternative Early Mornin' is definitely fantastic. My only reccomendation is that Britney could have sung a little louder so the backup singers wouldn't swallow her up. 9/10

6. Toxic - I first heard this on her MTV Special, and this song persuaded me to buy the album. This is very unique and completely caught my attention. I'm not sure what makes it so great but it's the highlight of the album. 9/10

7. Outrageous - R. Kelly's urban masterpiece is also a highlight. Even though the lyrics are a bit pushing-it, it sure is a sign of Britney's maturity. Outrageous breaks the hip-hop line and by far stays behind it. 9/10

8. Touch Of My Hand - Thanks but no thanks. I think it's a try at nothing and a big miss. 3/10

9. The Hook Up - The Hook Up competes with Eastern-flavored beats and contaigous reggae. This song is original and a best. It's a great example of that Britney can try new things and succeed at the fullest. 8/10

10. Shadow - I don't know what it is, but on this album I'm just not in the mood for ballads. I don't think that this song at all excelled what it was meant to win over. Yeah, OK I'll give her some credit for co-penning it, but otherwise I'm not interested. 4/10

11. Brave New Girl - Britney sure is brave on this track. She starts rapping at the beginning (which I think is pretty good, if I do say so myself), but then it just goes away and it turns into this tune you'd hear on the ...Baby One More Time album. So it's mediocre. I thought the whole point of this album was to grow up. 7/10

12. Everytime - Ahhh...now we enter the world of touching ballads. This song is very nice and is a perfect end. It is without a doubt Britney's best work of songwriting off this whole album and that stinker Dear Diary (see Oops! I Did It Again). Good job, Brit. 8/10

13. Me Against The Music (Rishi Rich's Desi Kulcha Remix) - I personally prefer it over the original, but most people aren't interested. It is a superb remix (actually one of the best I've ever heard) and it doesn't drag on for 10 minutes. 9/10

Overall, 7.2/10. Pretty good but could've been better. Too bad there's no enhanced section, etc. I can't exactly whether you should buy it or not because everyone should find out for themselves. This is a love or hate situation and you could go either way on IN THE ZONE.


Britneys Spears Gets ''In The Zone'' With Listeners   February 24, 2004
MJ (Denmark)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful

2003's ''In The Zone'' saw pop princess Britney Spears release her most mature album to date. The bubblegum offerings are replaced with a sting of club-oriented instalments and a tougher, yet sensual sound dominating the disc. Perhaps the urge for evolving both personally and artistic, she felt the need to explore different music styles and working with current producers. I'm for once glad she did. ''In The Zone'' is a more solid effort than its predecessors. It's evident the musical quality is better than those of her previously released records, however her voice still leaves a bit to desire on ''In The Zone''. Perhaps we may see an improvement in the years to come as I'm sure Britney will still be relevant on the music scene in some way or another.

The album opens with the lead single ''Me Against The Music''. The song saw the two pop tarts Britney and Madonna in perhaps the most anticipated duet of the last couple of years. One would think these two sassy ladies would have come up with a more interesting collaboration, but sadly it wasn't so. The song does have its moments-a somewhat catchy hook and the ''In The Zone'' bit, however the collaboration still remains a disappointment to this reviewer. Surely there are stronger tracks on ''In The Zone''. It puzzles me why ''Me Against The Music'' was chosen as the first single lifted off the album, perhaps the Queen of Reinvention appearance on the offering had much to do with the decision.

Another highlight would include the current top 20 hit single in the US ''Toxic''. This erotic slice of pop perfection screams hit from a distance. Even non-Britney lovers feel force to admit ''Toxic'' is indeed catchy and one of Britney's best songs to date. I believe Cathy Dennis who penned ''Can't Get You Out Of My Head'' wrote ''Toxic'' for Miss. Spears. It's is expect to hit the top 10 within the next couple of weeks and it's already a massive hit in Europe, giving Britney top 10 positions in several countries. ''In The Zone'' consists of Britney's most interesting and perhaps best song to date, the infectious ''Breathe On Me''. Its Kylie/Madonna-eqsue quality may gain Britney liaisons of new-found admirers if this sensual festival is offered as a single release with a super sexy video accompany it and knowing Britney, she will try her best to do exact that. The moaning and her raspy voice works extremely well with the music and perhaps this is the music direction Britney should focus on in the coming years.

Others songs deservedly of a mention are ''Early Morning'' and ''Showdown''. The former is a Moby production, which is clearly evident upon hearing the song. The electronic slow-burner is enjoyable and hopefully Miss Spears and Moby may do more work in the future. ''Showdown'' has a killer beat and it's definitely worthy of a single release. The reggae-inspired boogie romp is among the stronger tracks on ''In The Zone'' and a personal favourite of mine. ''Touch Of My Hand'' is set to catch several listeners' attention with its subject- that of masturbation. Looks like Britney isn't so innocent anymore huh?
''Everytime'' seems to be Britney's rebuttal to her former ex-boyfriend Justin Timberlake. It's clearly one of her better vocal performance. Her voice isn't drowned in the production of the music and it's refreshing to hear some melody and real instruments on ''In The Zone''.

However ''In The Zone'' does have its weak moments-the silly upbeat I Got That (Boom Boom), the R. Kelly-penned ''Outrageous'', the un-inspired ''Brave New Girl'' and the annoying ''The Hook-Up''. Despite the weak material may not be entirely enjoyable at times, ''In The Zone'' has several good offerings for the listener.

It's evident that Britney isn't among the best vocalist, but neither is Madonna, Kylie or Janet. Those three ladies compensate in other areas and they are still regarded by millions to be among the top notch divas. Having said that Britney doesn't compare to any of those feisty ladies, however she still has years to prove her worth in the music department. She may surprise you in the years to come, you never know.

''In The Zone'' sees Britney attempting to find a music style that suits her, however she doesn't quite succeed just yet. The next couple of years will determinate whether or not Britney finds her niche. The overproduced sound is evident on several songs and her voice may be annoying to a few listeners, but overall ''In The Zone'' is a tolerable release.

Overall Rate: 6.5/10


The Best C.D. Ever!!!!!!!!!   August 20, 2004
Zoe Williams
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

In the year of 2003 Britney returned to the music scene from her wild year of antics with the infamous MTV kiss with Madonna. In November 2003 Britney released her stunning Cd 'In The Zone'. Britney released her best album yet. She transformed herself from a sexy young teenager to a provocative young woman. In the Zone takes listeners though a journey of different styles of music. From Hard hitting dance tracks, to dirty ghetto Hip Hop to viby trance tracks to beautiful peaceful ballads. This album shows Britney at her best. This album made critics label her "The New Madonna".
Me Against The Music - This is the lead single from the album. It is the infamous duet featuring Madonna. It is a hard hitting club dance track, very different from what is on the radios these days. The track is just about being in a club and being oblivious to everyone and freestyling. This is my 2nd Favourite track on the album and one of my favourite songs of all time. 10/10

(I Got That) Boom Boom - This track is an Up-tempo Hip Hop track perfect for the clubs. The track has also has an Indian vibe to it. This track features the Ying Yang Twins, which gives the track a dirty ghetto, feel to it. This song is my 3rd Favourite song on the album, and is one of the best Hip Hop songs I have ever heard. 10/10

Showdown - The famous UK producers Bloodshy & Avant produced this track. It is a great sexy dance track which features Britney whispering "I don't wanna be a tease. Would you undo my zipper please" This track is done very well. Again very unique. 9.5/10

Breathe On Me - This song is very club-savvy orientated and is one of the most sensual tracks on the album. The song has a HOT beat and is reminiscent to Kylie's Can't Get You Out Of My Head. This track describes the intensity of a relationship so hot that they don't even need to touch, just breathe. This is my Favourite track on the album and one of my favourite songs of all time. I can automatically see this song go #1 if it is released. 10/10

Early Mornin - The second this track commences you will automatically know that it is Moby produced. This track is very sexy and has a trance feel to it. The song is very vibey and is about the next morning after a big night out. 7/10

Toxic - This is the second single from the album which is produced by Bloodshy & Avant. The song is HOT and fits Britney perfectly. The track is a hard hitting dance track which could easily be used as the theme song to Alias or the next bond movie. Critics are describing it the best song Britney has released since I'm A Slave For You. I love this track so much because of its uniqueness. 10/10

Outrageous - This is a typical R&B penned track. The second the song commences you will automatically realise it is R Kelly produced. This song is again perfect for the clubs and has an Indian vibe to it. The chorus is very catchy. 9.5/10

Touch Of My Hard -This is the most sensual song on the album. This song is a beautiful dance ballad reminiscent to Madonna's The Power Of Goodbye. This song is an ode to self-love. Although this song is not dirty at all, it is Britney's most mature song to date and has a sexy vibe to it. This is definitely a stand out track on the album. 10/10.

The Hook-Up - Redzone, the famous team behind the Britney/Madonna duet, produced this track. This song has an R&B reggae feel to it and is fairly uptempo. This track takes some getting used to but when your hooked your definelty hooked. 9/10

Shadow - This track is a beautiful ballad produced by The Matrix. This is very reminiscent to Avril's I'm With You. This track shows Britney's vocals at its best. 9/10

Brave New Girl - reminds me of her earlier stuff, Lucky in particular 10/10

Every Time - This track is absolutely stunning. Britney shines in this tale of heartbreak. This is definitely one of the most beautiful ballads ever written by not only Britney herself but of all time. The simple harmony makes you feel the words and the pain Britney has felt. This is a Guy Sigsworth produced ballad. 10/10

Me Against The Music (Remix) - This is remix to the First Single. The song was remixed by Peter Rishi and an Indian vibe has been added to it. The song is still very clubby and is probably one of the best remixes I have ever heard. 10/10

ALL IN ALL I LOVE THIS CD AND I DON'T THINK IT COULD HAVE GOTTEN ANY BETTER. THIS ALBUM IS VERY UNQIUE AND IS BRITNEY'S BEST ALBUM SO FAR. OVERALL I GIVE IT A 10/10





Disappointed :-(   November 22, 2003
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

As a HUGE Britney fan, I was very excited to get this album; however, I was very disappointed after listening to it. It didn't live up to its hype & its so-called much more mature sound. In fact, her voice sounded weaker than all her previous albums. A lot of the songs like "Shadow", "Early Morning", "Breathe On Me", "Touch of My Hand" are pretty boring--no climax in the music or vocals--very bland. She mostly whispers & talks in a sexy way than actually singing throughout the album. I wasted my money on this CD & this is coming from a hard-core BRit fan.