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. Juliakay337
    May 25, 2012
    4
    The album as a whole is not terrible. Britney gets it right on the singles "Womanizer", "Circus", and even "If U Seek Amy" manages to be likable, despite it's awful lyrics. However, the songs that are bad are really, really bad. "Mmm Papi" is inexcusably awful, with Britney obnoxiously singing lines like "Now see I'm Mami, and that make you Papi, and that makes us Luvi!". Her ballad "MyThe album as a whole is not terrible. Britney gets it right on the singles "Womanizer", "Circus", and even "If U Seek Amy" manages to be likable, despite it's awful lyrics. However, the songs that are bad are really, really bad. "Mmm Papi" is inexcusably awful, with Britney obnoxiously singing lines like "Now see I'm Mami, and that make you Papi, and that makes us Luvi!". Her ballad "My Baby" is among the other offenders on the album, a sickeningly sappy track about her children that she apparently wrote herself. I would recommend downloading a few of the songs, but buying the entire album would be a mistake in my opinion.… Expand
  2. 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.
  3. AgustinS
    Oct 21, 2013
    10
    Definitely one of Britney's most underrated albums. People compare it too much to Blackout (her most overrated album), I personally enjoy it a lot more than Blackout, we actually get to listen to her real voice and there is more musical variety (electronic songs, dance songs, ballads, etc.). I'd say it's my second favorite Britney album, after In The Zone.
  4. 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
  5. Matheus_
    Sep 23, 2012
    5
    Although the album is the first step of a re-invention period for the singer, "Britney" is, still, a childish-like album. Despite from some of the songs (such as "I'm a Slave 4 U" and "Boys"), the rest of the album is too girly even for Britney's style. The tentative to achieve a more feminine and adult sound transforms into a sensation of "how would that be like if the Neptune hadAlthough the album is the first step of a re-invention period for the singer, "Britney" is, still, a childish-like album. Despite from some of the songs (such as "I'm a Slave 4 U" and "Boys"), the rest of the album is too girly even for Britney's style. The tentative to achieve a more feminine and adult sound transforms into a sensation of "how would that be like if the Neptune had produced the whole thing?", since they were responsible for the two mentioned songs. From what it should have been, the album is just a wannabe.… Expand
  6. inof
    Mar 4, 2013
    9
    if not her best then one of her best albums ever.!!! Songs like ''Circus'' Womanizer'' ''If U Seek Amy'' ''Mannequin'' ''Shattered Glass'' make you wanna dance..but on the other hand, ballads like ''Out from under'' ''My Baby'' or Unusual You'' are so so beautiful...
  7. LanaDelRey
    Mar 24, 2013
    10
    Womiazer, Circus, Kill The Lights, If U Seek Amy, Unusual You, Papi, Lace And Leather!
    Damn Perfect!
  8. billobo1
    Aug 27, 2016
    6
    The follow-up to "Blackout" isn't bad. It's not good either, though. In 3 words, lack of inspiration. Despite the amazing, killer singles it produced and the "Blackout" almost song, "Kill the Lights", this album has no direction. Most songs sound like demos. Do they have potential to be great? Sure! Did they evolve like that? No, not really. Its surprisingly large number of forgettableThe follow-up to "Blackout" isn't bad. It's not good either, though. In 3 words, lack of inspiration. Despite the amazing, killer singles it produced and the "Blackout" almost song, "Kill the Lights", this album has no direction. Most songs sound like demos. Do they have potential to be great? Sure! Did they evolve like that? No, not really. Its surprisingly large number of forgettable ballads doesn't really help either. It can'be called bad, because it isn't a let-down or a flop. Truth be told though, it is no masterpiece either.… Expand
  9. 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.
  10. MateusClemente
    Oct 20, 2016
    9
    One of her best albums ever! Close enough to the old and classic pop sound. Britney got everything right in it, from the cover to the singles choice. Definitely a great piece of work!
  11. breathesp
    Dec 13, 2013
    10
    melhor album pop melhor album pop melhor album pop melhor album pop melhor album pop melhor album pop melhor album pop amoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
  12. 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."
  13. caiotemon
    May 14, 2014
    9
    This album is FANTASTIC. It's funny like no other she has ever released and every track stands out in it's own way. Unusual you was, for me, the best track on the album and one of the best of her entire carreer(too bad it wasn't released as a single :( ), and the others follow up to this.
  14. 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".
  15. 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.
  16. DanielSaldanaG
    Oct 11, 2015
    8
    It's a good album but it looks like it's divided in two parts, because from the middle to the end has really weak tracks that take away the strength of the album. However, it has hits, and good hits, since Circus and If U Seek Amy have a perfect production and an excellent performance.
  17. tulho21
    Mar 10, 2016
    9
    Um dos melhores albuns que eu já ouvi da Ms. Spears, muitos que dizem que ela morreu em 2004, mas esse album provou como uma verdadeira rainha retorna
  18. sayaam
    Feb 1, 2016
    10
    Britney's most flawless venture into the realm of pure pop in almost a decade (having worked with hip hop and dance on the two records prior to this) didn't disappoint. Full of sexy, high power jams that become instant classics on the first listen - this album has every track worthy of being a hit and accentuates her powerful dominatrix side as well as some of her most meaningful balladsBritney's most flawless venture into the realm of pure pop in almost a decade (having worked with hip hop and dance on the two records prior to this) didn't disappoint. Full of sexy, high power jams that become instant classics on the first listen - this album has every track worthy of being a hit and accentuates her powerful dominatrix side as well as some of her most meaningful ballads of her career.… Expand
  19. LuizSimmer313
    Feb 9, 2017
    10
    Com certeza Circus é um álbum marcante na carreira de Spears. Marca uma nova etapa na sua vida, e mostra que amadureceu, de canções profundos á canções dance, como o sucesso 'Womanizer'
  20. 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.
  21. TheusOk
    Mar 5, 2016
    10
    Best album jjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjjj
  22. Bruck8
    Jun 8, 2019
    10
    Underappreciated.
    One of the few Britney albums that has slower songs and ballads on it.
    a Great Record.
  23. lipeeh1398
    Aug 26, 2016
    10
    Realmente grande, um album que seguiu a reta o nome do mesmo, todas as musicas são muito bem elaboradas, nem todas, mas muitas estão excelentes, o destaque para unusual You, Out From Under, Shatered Glasses e If U Seek Amy que são as perolas do album.
  24. 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
  25. 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.
  26. Kauanzanatts
    Sep 11, 2016
    9
    this(and glory)is the best album of my diva and queen britney spears i am a bigggggggggggg fan of her and this is the most strong but is really underrated album of her, that shows songs like circus,unusual you etc... that show britney vocal skills and a pop star skills like womanizer that is her 2 big hit of all time, this album is really underrated album and deserves much more
  27. 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
  28. lordemusic
    Dec 1, 2016
    2
    "Blackout" seemed like it signaled a more club-orientated path for Spears, like Madonna or Kylie Minogue, but Circus is a hodgepodge of pop themes that never really finds a face."Blackout" seemed like it signaled a more club-orientated path for Spears, like Madonna or Kylie Minogue, but Circus is a hodgepodge of pop themes that never really finds a face.
  29. JonasCroft
    Jul 23, 2017
    10
    This album continues the legacy of Blackout, but in an unusual way. We can really feel the sadness, the kindness, the madness, and the fun times, a whole personality. This album it's really a Circus.
  30. Heychrystin
    Jul 26, 2017
    10
    Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon Icon
  31. jaencarlosg25
    Jul 29, 2017
    9
    Very interesting album. More mature Britney without losing sex-appeal. This album marked her comeback with a #1 on Billboard both important charts... Hot 100 & BB 200. Congrats, Brit.
  32. Smallbigthings
    Nov 15, 2017
    8
    Nostalgic classical pop. She moved a whole world while she was active and her music still plays in my speakers from time to time. Sure the music is simple but that does not stop my body from moving when hearing her hits. Circus is a good album that deserves the 8/10 score.
  33. lovehate
    Jan 31, 2019
    10
    Pure pop, LOVE it! Best comeback ever! Unusual You and Circus are career highlights.
  34. AJSF316
    Sep 26, 2019
    8
    Circus was the begining of the not-risky-albums by Spears after the whole new experience that Blackout brings to Pop music.
    But also, was the right direction in Spears' career by that time. Thanks to Circus Britney shows the whole industry she is and will be the Princess of Pop.
    Some skip songs were include, but very solid material like Unusual You and Kill The Lights makes the album a    Circus was the begining of the not-risky-albums by Spears after the whole new experience that Blackout brings to Pop music.
    But also, was the right direction in Spears' career by that time. Thanks to Circus Britney shows the whole industry she is and will be the Princess of Pop.
    Some skip songs were include, but very solid material like Unusual You and Kill The Lights makes the album a good listen.    … Expand
  35. Tiburtiino
    Jan 10, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. At Circus britney he made an incredible comeback and showed that his name will always be relevant. He indulged in the production of the album and made an extremely iconic tour. It is one of my favorite albums.… Expand
  36. Xun1996
    Jan 28, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I love the album my favorites:
    If u seek amy
    Circus
    Out from under
    Shattered Glass
    Unusual you
    Womanizer    … Expand
  37. pdrmcd
    May 5, 2020
    7
    I have mixed feelings about this album. From Womanizer to Unusual You, we get incredible songs, with amazing production, vocals and lyrics. Blur is okay. It doesn't have the "replay effect" on us, but still a great song. However, we get into a dive in we listen to Mmm Papi, which for me, it's one of the worst songs I've ever heard. Totally unnecessary. The last songs are tiring, and weI have mixed feelings about this album. From Womanizer to Unusual You, we get incredible songs, with amazing production, vocals and lyrics. Blur is okay. It doesn't have the "replay effect" on us, but still a great song. However, we get into a dive in we listen to Mmm Papi, which for me, it's one of the worst songs I've ever heard. Totally unnecessary. The last songs are tiring, and we start listening wishing to get to the end as fast as possible. Phonography, which is not available in the ordinary version is a very good song that should totally be invested. It was kinda sad for me, because the first 7 songs are so great, with classical anthems as Circus and Womanizer, but the end of the album seems a little messy.… Expand
  38. 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.
  39. p_cs
    Aug 29, 2020
    9
    A really good album by Mrs Britney Spears, I give him a 9 because for me the order tracklist is a bit mess, but I love all the songs.
  40. Milojuan
    Sep 17, 2020
    10
    El lado B de blackout es la luz al final de Túnel con sus problemas personales logró crear arte
  41. 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
  42. Kijhy
    Mar 19, 2021
    7
    77/100
    iconic !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  43. 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
  44. PrThKi
    Nov 19, 2021
    9
    Brilliant album from Britney Spears.
    Very solid tracklist, including 'Womanizer' which is one of her best songs.
  45. dakeliaa
    Feb 5, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This was a huge HIT! A successful comeback and a follow up after BLACKOUT, this was a real success, that aimed her career to the peak once again!… Expand
  46. fr_kennedy
    Jul 29, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A ressignificação da carreira, um álbum muito luminoso. A artista que melhor trabalhou com temática circense.… Expand
  47. juanselopez340
    May 13, 2023
    10
    Tiene buenas canciones que saca lo mejor de ella pero está muy subestimado
  48. Mizuki_San19
    Jan 16, 2023
    8
    I would give Circus a 10 because of their exclusive and unreleased tracks.
    But, this album feels more like a compilation of discarded tracks (maybe from Blackout) than a brand new album; there's no consistency between the tracks and the main topic of the album, circus.
    Don't get me wrong, all of the songs are amazing, I just think they could've tried harder giving the tracks a proper    I would give Circus a 10 because of their exclusive and unreleased tracks.
    But, this album feels more like a compilation of discarded tracks (maybe from Blackout) than a brand new album; there's no consistency between the tracks and the main topic of the album, circus.
    Don't get me wrong, all of the songs are amazing, I just think they could've tried harder giving the tracks a proper order, or simply discarding tracks that had little or nothing to do with the theme of the album.
    In fact, an unreleased track sounds way more like "Circus" than the "mosaic jelly" they chose to be part of the album (I'm talking about "Dangerous")
    Resuming: It could be a 10, but it reminds me to a mosaic jelly, so I'm giving it an 8.    … Expand
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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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