Circus
by Britney Spears
  • Record Label: Jive
  • Release Date: Dec 2, 2008
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 638 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 528 out of 638
  2. Mixed: 42 out of 638
  3. Negative: 68 out of 638

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  1. PEDROMFR
    Feb 28, 2021
    6
    The first half of this album makes us believe that Britney's fully back to the pop game, and then the other half is, somehow, a disappointment similar to most Blackout's tracks. Nevertheless, it´s notable that her vocals are more clear and ambitious, and I think we've never had an album more personal than this one from Britney. It´s really a shame that you can feel so clearly the changeThe first half of this album makes us believe that Britney's fully back to the pop game, and then the other half is, somehow, a disappointment similar to most Blackout's tracks. Nevertheless, it´s notable that her vocals are more clear and ambitious, and I think we've never had an album more personal than this one from Britney. It´s really a shame that you can feel so clearly the change from the middle of the album. It´s not THE COMEBACK, yet.… Expand
  2. someonewhocares
    Sep 7, 2022
    9
    Circus proves to be way better than Blackout could ever be. Songs like "Mmm Papi", "Lace and Leather", "Womanizer", and "Circus", as well as "If U Seek Amy", are quinessential Brtney Spears hits. The vocals are intensely autotuned and somtimes stiff, but who wouldn't already know that Britney isn't a singing person.
  3. owenrw89
    Dec 10, 2016
    7
    Hiring producers Bloodshy & Avant, Max Martin and Danja - who've all helped Britney create her greatest past works - was a very clever idea indeed. OK, so it lacks the style and power of 'Blackout', but it reconnects Britney with her youth, her fun. 'Blackout' quietly demanded attention, were as Circus asks for it outright.
    She's not there yet, but she's certainly on the return to her pop throne.
  4. BWETMatangi
    Aug 6, 2013
    6
    "If U Seek Amy" will always be one of my favorite Britney songs. Other good songs include "Mmm Papi" and "Womanizer". A great CD if you like happy pop music.
  5. victorcarter
    Nov 21, 2016
    5
    Definitely not as exposing as the title suggests. Exposure aside :I'll give Radar a straight up zero because it also was on Blackout (Seriously Britney? How did you think this was a good idea?). Mmm Papi gets an undeniable 1 out of ten, as it is one of her biggest FFS moments so far. About the rest, Circus was really good, i liked Womanizer, and the rest songs just fail to stick out.Definitely not as exposing as the title suggests. Exposure aside :I'll give Radar a straight up zero because it also was on Blackout (Seriously Britney? How did you think this was a good idea?). Mmm Papi gets an undeniable 1 out of ten, as it is one of her biggest FFS moments so far. About the rest, Circus was really good, i liked Womanizer, and the rest songs just fail to stick out. Overall an average to just fine record.… Expand
  6. Felipecritic
    Oct 21, 2017
    7
    Um bom álbum pop, responsável por trazer Britney ao topo das paradas novamente, além de uma das turnês mais lucrativas da década de 2000, um super espetáculo pop.
  7. GagaForGhibli
    May 29, 2012
    10
    Simply 100% Perfect Album And Singles
    This Is The 1st Britney Album That Should Get A Perfect 10/10!
    Great Album!
  8. iamanicon
    May 24, 2011
    8
    Womanizer, If You Seek Amy , Unusual You and Kill The Lights almost block out the vile My Baby and Mmm Papi which would have been better replaced with the bonus tracks. Radar is a great song. But by the time it was released as a single (June 2009) Britney lovers had already got the message when we heard it a year and a half earlier.
  9. Clubsocial
    May 4, 2015
    1
    Katy Perry bursts back onto the scene with her amazing second album that is full to the grim of the tongue-in-cheek atmosphere that got herkhkkjhjghjbnnnnn
  10. gabrielfobia
    Sep 10, 2016
    7
    This album has some great moments, but a great part of the unknown songs for most of people is just there for filling the blanks. I, personally, highlight Out From Under as a very personal track which really spoke to me about what Britney has been through in the past 2 years.
  11. LanaDelRey
    Mar 24, 2013
    10
    Womiazer, Circus, Kill The Lights, If U Seek Amy, Unusual You, Papi, Lace And Leather!
    Damn Perfect!
  12. PinkFriday
    Sep 6, 2014
    9
    Esse é o álbum da "volta por cima" de Britney. Depois de raspar a cabeça, beber, fumar, e ir para a clínica de reabilitação, e todos acharem que sua carreira estava acabada, voltou com tudo com o single Womanizer e o álbum Circus, um album pop muito bom e divertido. Acertou em cheio! As melhores faixas são "Circus" "Blur" e "Unusual You".
  13. LipeFireworks
    Jan 28, 2017
    10
    O melhor album de Britney com certeza, faixas com Out From Under, Shattered Glass, Blur, Lance and Lather tinham muito potencial pra ser single, esse album é sim melhor que seu antecessor "Blackout"
  14. juanselopez340
    May 13, 2023
    10
    Tiene buenas canciones que saca lo mejor de ella pero está muy subestimado
  15. infsai
    Mar 27, 2020
    9
    Another pretty good Britney album with many dark dance jams! However "My Baby" breaks whole feel of an album for me. Anyway this is my second favorite album of Britney, only behind Blackout.
  16. OfficialCarlo
    Nov 26, 2010
    6
    Circus is disappointing although it contains some standout tracks but most tracks are mediocre. I love how catchy and danceable "Womanizer", "Circus", "If U Seek Amy" and etc. But there is less singing and some tracks are boring like "Blur" and "Kill the Lights."
  17. Kaleido
    Sep 10, 2011
    8
    A collection of soft, circus-themed songs that after a while may sound dull but will always be anthems ("Womanizer", "If U Seek Amy"). Loving "Mmm Papi" and "Lace and Leather" aswell.
  18. Tonyo
    Jan 30, 2016
    7
    Album fourre-tout, pot-pourri de la pop où l'excellent (Mannequin, Circus, Out From Under) côtoie le moins bon (Blur, Mmm Papi, My Baby). Album du retour, bien mené par le premier single Womanizer.
  19. RogerSmith97
    Dec 23, 2011
    8
    Overall Circus In My Opinion Is Fine!
    The Best Tracks Are: Circus, Womanizer, Out from Under, If U Seek Amy, Unusual You, And Lace And Leather... I Hate KILL THE LIGHTS!
  20. RIProo
    Apr 7, 2012
    9
    How to make a great album?? Ask to Britney Spears! After her dark period Britney gets back with a simply fantastic album, "Circus". Funny and engaging, when you listen this album you feel like in another world, like in a "Circus", because you feel a lot of feelings in the same moment and so you are confused but also charmed. Best Songs? "Womanizer", "If U Seek Amy", "Kill the Lights" andHow to make a great album?? Ask to Britney Spears! After her dark period Britney gets back with a simply fantastic album, "Circus". Funny and engaging, when you listen this album you feel like in another world, like in a "Circus", because you feel a lot of feelings in the same moment and so you are confused but also charmed. Best Songs? "Womanizer", "If U Seek Amy", "Kill the Lights" and "Out From Under".... Great Job, Princess! ( sorry for my English )… Expand
  21. lukeparkes26
    Jul 15, 2016
    8
    "Circus" provides more lighthearted moments than "Blackout," and it has those sassy, sexy, sultry moments, too. I love the fun, upbeat tracks, such as "Circus," If You Seek Amy," and "Phonography," and I love the softer, vulnerable ballads, such as "Out From Under," "My Baby," and "Unusual You," and I love the songs that mix things up: "Shattered Glass" and "Quicksand."
  22. prayyoucatchme
    Aug 30, 2016
    1
    Spears' sophomore album, which was critically one of her best, and featured the self-titled single that everyone and their mothers know. The album is headlined by such songs as Oops...I did it again, Stronger, and Lucky, with each one reaching the top 15 in the US Billboard 100 charts. Though those songs were popular, and I think they are catchy, the album does have its flaws. (I can't getSpears' sophomore album, which was critically one of her best, and featured the self-titled single that everyone and their mothers know. The album is headlined by such songs as Oops...I did it again, Stronger, and Lucky, with each one reaching the top 15 in the US Billboard 100 charts. Though those songs were popular, and I think they are catchy, the album does have its flaws. (I can't get no) Satisfaction is a word-for-word cover of the original Rolling Stones song, and it just comes off as awful personally. Also, the last track on the album, Dear Diary, is very, very stupid, in my opinion. Buy it to relive some nostalgia, but be aware this is the early 2000's, and bubblegum pop is just as cheesy as you thought it was. Collapse… Expand
  23. sixinch
    Aug 30, 2016
    1
    One of the worst albums of the year thus far. It shows absolutely no artistic growth, the lyrics are elementary, and the vocals are non-existent. All in all, a terrible album. Collapse
  24. Jann_Junx
    Aug 31, 2019
    10
    Circus mantuvo el ritmo de su antecesor Blackout, pero con su toque especial, haciéndolo destacar e incluso siendo uno de los mejores álbumes de Spears para la mayoría.
  25. Amruk
    Dec 29, 2021
    9
    The album begins with an iconic "Womanizer". I always admired its heavy electropop production, and its intro is just so fitting. I really love every element of this song, even though it might not be cool for everyone. I also adore its lyrical content. "Circus" has this slight touches on the guitar string - it's pretty dope. Besides that, lots of things happen in that song to createThe album begins with an iconic "Womanizer". I always admired its heavy electropop production, and its intro is just so fitting. I really love every element of this song, even though it might not be cool for everyone. I also adore its lyrical content. "Circus" has this slight touches on the guitar string - it's pretty dope. Besides that, lots of things happen in that song to create perfection! After two bangers we have a little slowdown called "Out from Under", which is a really emotional ballad with good vocal performance by Ms Spears!
    "Kill the Lights" is a descend track, this time bringing famous Danja on the track, Britney shows how she can control a mic in the verses. And it's so cool to hear sucha middle finger into paparazzi, tell 'em Brit! "Shattered Glass" begins with a gorgeous intro, followed-up by another set of empowered Britney vocals. I love how dark this track is! Next is another iconic track - "If U Seek Amy" - this time middle finger is pointed out to media. I adore this track, it's very nostalgic to me, especially its angelic intro which gives me a taste of powdery pink cake.
    "Unusual You" is the darkest cut here! It's so athmospheric, lush, and beautiful. It has this haunting sounds mixed with a beautiful piano line, synths, and twinkles. I hope she got that unusual angel. Shame its release has been cancelled, it would've been a hit! Now were going into more hangover territory with "Blur", but again with a really haunting production!
    "Mmm Papi" is lewd and funny, I adore this track so much for how much fun Britney had during the creation of this track. The next track, "Mannequin", is pretty dope and has cool guitars! "Lace and Leather" starts with a nice string line and changes later into sucha power pop with an infectious chorus! The album officially ends with "My Baby", a subdued ballad with adorable vocals and set of lyrics. Subtle instrumentation can be however boring for some.
    Now, some bonus tracks! And, oh boy, this album has a lot of them. "Radar" from Blackout sounds okay here, especially knowing that Circus was supposed to be just Blackout with four new songs. The song itself is really infectious! "Rock Me In" is a cool and fun electro pop rock. "Phonography" is another lewd entry, this time phone-related and much darker than "Mmm Papi". And hey, ain't it weird that Britney released songs about love/sex surrounding relics od the past? (Yes, I'm looking at you "E-Mail My Heart") The last bonus track I'd cover will be "Quicksand". Oh my god, this song is so goregous, this simple biano ballad turned into electropop banger with Lady Gaga vocals is so dope!
    In conclusion, Circus is just a banger (minus "My Baby" of course). It is well-crafted album, but more lighter and not Britney as its obviously better predecessor Blackout. Still she nailed it!    … Expand
  26. musicisallineed
    Aug 7, 2011
    7
    The ultimate comeback album? For the most part yes. This record offers far more than any of her previous records, track after track you can almost smell the production and care that's been undertaken, it's almost a powerful album in parts that see's Britney return to pop form, leaving her so called "urban" past behind her. The only parts of the album that lack come from Britney herself, orThe ultimate comeback album? For the most part yes. This record offers far more than any of her previous records, track after track you can almost smell the production and care that's been undertaken, it's almost a powerful album in parts that see's Britney return to pop form, leaving her so called "urban" past behind her. The only parts of the album that lack come from Britney herself, or rather lack of Britney. A face can fit and a legacy can go on, but by studio album number six there's only so little the actual artist can be involved in the writing and production and voice for that matter without staring to offend her fans and critics.… Expand
  27. maquisl
    Jul 24, 2020
    9
    The definition of a perfect comeback. She doesn't takes any risks but she still releases an almost perfect pop album.It sounds a bit like Blackout but it's original at the same time and it has the best bonus tracks of Britney's career.
  28. LucaISlandDJ
    Sep 12, 2011
    10
    Maybe not the right follow up to Blackout and to be honest Circus went too easy about the sounds (Blackout is darker) but at least this is a great album. Womanizer is the best single on the album! Circus, Kill The Lights, If U Seek Amy, Unusual You and Blur are great tracks too! Out from Under and My Baby are sweet ballads.
  29. Parera_Starr11
    Jun 29, 2012
    9
    Britney's second best cd released thus far. Good production and well put together. The album transitions very well as each song flow right into the next. It also contains her best ballad (Out From Under) since "Everytime". Though "Circus" and "Mannequin" are the best tracks on the cd.
  30. dreammusic
    Nov 7, 2012
    10
    Britney at her best returns and has made a helluva comeback with Womaniser and Circus... A must listen Although tracks like Blur and My Baby are slightly away from the direction of the album, it glues together perfectly with peppy tracks like If U Seek Amy and Mmm Papi :-P
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Most Discussed Album of 2008
19
#19 Most Shared Album of 2008

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
64

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 22
  3. Negative: 1 out of 22
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    75
    Halfway through, Circus shifts from defiant booty calls to subtler material; suddenly, it's a first-rate electro-pop album.
    Read full review
  2. musicOMH.com
    60
    Obviously all is still not perfect in Britney's world, but Circus still does more than enough to remind us of why she's one of the world's most iconic pop stars.
    Read full review
  3. New Musical Express (NME)
    50
    Her voice--treated and autotuned to within an inch of its life throughout--still sounds like that of the Mouseketeer who brought us '...Baby One More Time’, with every breathy “Mmmm… yeah!” and all the oh-so-naughty lyrics, such as the ones above, sounding forced and unconvincing. Of course, on a large number of the tracks here she has the solidly cool-sounding (no doubt expensive) backdrop of futur’n’b pop.
    Read full review
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