Britney Spears: Britney Jean

When Britney Spears announced that her eighth album would be her most personal yet, some insight into the ever-dimming light behind her eyes was expected. Alas, no. The lead single, Work Bitch, is anything but personal – though it is fun, even if Spears sounds more Brit than Britney. On Perfume, a Sia-penned ballad, Britney dumps the Auto-Tune and she's never sounded better. She excels on the low-tempo Alien, produced by William Orbit, but even Orbit can't save Britney Jean from lead producer will.i.am, who rots music from its very core. will.i.am features on the throbbing, robotic mess It Should Be Easy, which is outdone only by Chillin' with You, a god- awful duet with sister Jamie Lynn Spears. As a personal record, Britney Jean barely scratches the surface of one of our most intriguing popstars. britneyspears.com
Download: Alien, Perfume