In The Zone
by Britney Spears
  • Record Label: Jive
  • Release Date: Nov 18, 2003
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 708 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 588 out of 708
  2. Mixed: 34 out of 708
  3. Negative: 86 out of 708

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  1. JosephA
    Nov 19, 2003
    7
    Pretty damn good. The production is wonderful, the songs are fun and melodic, and Britney sounds sexy as hell. What more could you want from her?
  2. John
    Nov 19, 2003
    9
    Great album. I love almost all of the songs on it.
  3. LindsayH
    Nov 22, 2003
    8
    I love it!
  4. bobk
    Nov 23, 2003
    10
    GREAT
  5. MkeyM
    Dec 14, 2003
    10
    The best album of the year by far. Its Brtiney grown up and its an artist taking control of their career and that is great.
  6. OfficialCarlo
    Mar 30, 2011
    8
    In the Zone is Britney's sexual, exploring, and hypnotic album. It really pushed sexual image into another level. There is only one track that did not fit on the concept, its the Madonna-inspired Brave New Girl. This time, Spears sounds more natural, effortless and sexual without forcing herself. The success relies on her and the producers.
  7. RogerSmith97
    Dec 23, 2011
    7
    This Is Such A Massive Step From Her Last Album Britney! The Best Songs Are: Me Against the Music (Even Though I Hate Madonna!) (I Got That) Boom Boom Toxic And Outrageous! The Other Songs Are Fine, Just Not As Good As Those Tracks!
  8. owenrw89
    Dec 7, 2016
    7
    It's sexy and seductive, with a few upbeat numbers thrown in for good measure. Far more timeless than you might expect. If she released it now (2016) it would be lauded by critics. The production is strong, her vocals are mature and the song writing is fun yet sensible. A very, very good album indeed.
  9. asjklas
    Sep 19, 2011
    8
    It's not Britney's most innovative album, however, what makes In the Zone an appreciated effort is Britney's contribution ("Everytime" is a heartfelt ballad that flatters Britney's fragile and soft, but soothing vocals) and the album's solid production.
  10. Kaleido
    Sep 10, 2011
    9
    She turned sexy for this. In a good way. She wrote 8 of the 12 standard edition tracks, like "Brave New Girl" - in my opinion the best track on it. The only bad thing about "In the Zone" is the vocals that sometimes get lazy, like in "Breathe on Me" and "Early Mornin'". Should've been more powerful IMHO.
  11. vini1904
    Jul 14, 2012
    7
    Strong and forceful personality, dance music, music with personality, good compositions, one of the best in Britney. Highlight for "Toxic," "Everytime," "Brave New Girl" and "Outrageous".
  12. Seasz
    Jun 24, 2012
    10
    Sexy, soothing and inspired. The first album Britney delivered that was a great pop album. It sounded current and modern.. It still does - 8 years later.
  13. Parera_Starr11
    Jun 29, 2012
    8
    A great effort by Britney. As a huge fan of hers it was great to see how involved she was with the making of this cd. Standout tracks are: Toxic, Early Morning, Everytime and Breathe on Me.
  14. GagaForGhibli
    May 29, 2012
    7
    A Pretty Good Album!
    Only About 6 Songs Stick Out But That's Fine!
    The Whole Album Is Very Pop.... Madonna Was Not Needed To Make A Good Song...
  15. lukeparkes26
    Jul 15, 2016
    8
    1. "Me Against the Music": A tongue-twisting, catchy dance track.
    2. "(I Got That) Boom Boom": An upbeat, fun track, its sound the closest to her previous releases.
    3. "Showdown": Strange, yet still dance-able. 4. "Breathe On Me": A sexy, sultry bed anthem. 5. "Early Mornin'": A catchy, slinky, R&B-infused song, bound to get stuck in your head. 6. "Toxic": A sexy track, its beats    1. "Me Against the Music": A tongue-twisting, catchy dance track.
    2. "(I Got That) Boom Boom": An upbeat, fun track, its sound the closest to her previous releases.
    3. "Showdown": Strange, yet still dance-able.
    4. "Breathe On Me": A sexy, sultry bed anthem.
    5. "Early Mornin'": A catchy, slinky, R&B-infused song, bound to get stuck in your head.
    6. "Toxic": A sexy track, its beats infectious.
    7. "Outrageous": An R&B track, which doesn't come close to being a favourite, but still fun.
    8. "Touch of My Hand": A daring, sexy track, one of my favourites.
    9. "The Hook Up": Not so fussed on this song.
    10. "Shadow": An emotional, tear-jerker power ballad, which is, like "Touch of My Hand," a favourite; definitely underrated.
    11. "Brave New Girl": A fun, electronic track, with a well-developed production.
    12. "Everytime": A soft, beautiful ballad, with sweet vocals and stripped-down production compared to the rest of the album.
    13. "Me Against the Music (Rishi Rich's Desi Kulcha Remix)": (Refer to 1. "Me Against the Music")
    14. "The Answer": A breathy, sultry track, definitely needs more attention.
    15. "Don't Hang Up": Another lovely song with Britney showcasing her falsetto ability.

    My Highlights: "Touch of My Hand," "Shadow," "Breathe On Me," "Everytime," "The Answer," and "Don't Hang Up."    … Expand
  16. GabrielRivalta
    Jun 21, 2014
    10
    Uma palavra para definir esse álbum> samba, Britney misturou vários estilos: Pop, Urban, Dance e muitos outros fazendo com que ele seja um dos melhores de sua carreira. Todas as músicas tem potencial para single, e o que dizer de Toxic? Música perfeita um grande sucesso realmente, todos os singles que o álbum teve foram ótimos. Todas as músicas são, impossível não gostar.
  17. longjetty7
    Apr 24, 2015
    7
    In my opinion, this is Britney's first good album. Most of the songs don't hold up very well on their own, but it works really well as an album. In The Zone is musically diverse, but it also has a nice flow to it for the most part, and it's actually pretty upbeat and fun to listen to. There are only a few not-so-good songs in here, which is certainly a step up from her last three stinkers.
  18. Felipecritic
    Oct 21, 2017
    8
    Britney retorna mais madura e envolvida no seu trabalho como nunca, fazendo um dos CDs mais incríveis da música pop. Trazendo músicas que entraram pra história como "Toxic" e "Everytime", além da super parceria com Madonna.
  19. josueralves
    Jul 13, 2015
    10
    The singles from that album was perfect, shows a more adult and decided Britney . The tour of In The Zone (The Onyx Hotel ) ... Toxic is the best song and best video
  20. BuySameOldLove
    Oct 13, 2015
    9
    In The Zone-9
    Me Against The Music (7/10)
    (I Got That) Boom Boom (5/10) Showdown (10/10) Breathe On Me (9/10) Early Mornin (7/10) Toxic (9/10) Outrageous (9/10) Touch Of My Hand (10/10) The Hook Up (8/10) Shadow (10/10) Brave New Girl (8/10) Everytime (10/10) É um album maravilhoso, possuí uma variedade de sons maravilhosos e letras como Everytime que são dignas de estarem    In The Zone-9
    Me Against The Music (7/10)
    (I Got That) Boom Boom (5/10)
    Showdown (10/10)
    Breathe On Me (9/10)
    Early Mornin (7/10)
    Toxic (9/10)
    Outrageous (9/10)
    Touch Of My Hand (10/10)
    The Hook Up (8/10)
    Shadow (10/10)
    Brave New Girl (8/10)
    Everytime (10/10)
    É um album maravilhoso, possuí uma variedade de sons maravilhosos e letras como Everytime que são dignas de estarem presentes nesse álbum fantástico.    … Expand
  21. kyal92
    Oct 11, 2015
    10
    Toxic. Everytime. That's really all that needs to be said. Britney's 4th album contains two of the Pop World's Biggest Hits. And Toxic earned Britney a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording. It is a timeless song, and one that absolutely everybody knows. Even now in 2015, 12 years after it was released, the song sounds completely fresh. Oh and that music video... damn! Now THAT! is theToxic. Everytime. That's really all that needs to be said. Britney's 4th album contains two of the Pop World's Biggest Hits. And Toxic earned Britney a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording. It is a timeless song, and one that absolutely everybody knows. Even now in 2015, 12 years after it was released, the song sounds completely fresh. Oh and that music video... damn! Now THAT! is the best music video of all time! Then there's Everytime. The big song Britney wrote. And my personal favourite Britney song. So beautifully sung and written. On this record Britney made some big changes musically and they paid off. Songs about sex especially, were a theme (Breathe On Me, Touch Of My Hand). She teamed up with Madonna in the amazing Me Against The Music, and she brought it with the Ying Yang Twins in (I Got That) Boom Boom). Favourite songs: Everytime, Toxic, Shadow, Breathe On Me and Me Against The Music. Way to go Britney!… Expand
  22. sayaam
    Feb 1, 2016
    10
    On this record, Britney employs her powerful songwriting and melodic skills to create her most inspired sound yet. She showcases various world sounds from the Middle Eastern strings on the flawless Touch of my Hand to the Bollywood beat of her smash hit, Toxic and this album has truly left its mark in Britney's career as a withdrawal from others' creative control.
  23. LuizSimmer313
    Feb 9, 2017
    10
    Os instrumentais de 'In The Zone' são ótimos. Muitas canções do álbum são aclamadas por outras estrelas pop, e marcaram a vida de muitas pessoas, como Toxic, o maior hit do álbum. In The Zone marca uma nova etapa na vida de Britney
  24. Tonyo
    Jan 30, 2016
    10
    Excellent album. Chaque titre est une pépite. Britney nous transporte dans une atmosphère sensuelle et sexuelle comme su le faire Madonna en son temps.

    Coup de cœur: Tout l'album.
  25. TheusOk
    Mar 5, 2016
    10
    gggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg fffffffffffffffffffffffffff
  26. Bruck8
    Jun 8, 2019
    10
    One of my favorite albums out there.It shows how Britney matured and wrote songs which reflect to her life at that moment.A major game changer in the pop music.
  27. lipeeh1398
    Aug 26, 2016
    10
    Um album bem diverisficado e sensual, a Britney deu o melhor de sí e fez uma biblia do pop onde cada versículo exala um cheiro que vai do bom ao maravilhoso! Um dos melhores albuns de 2004 até 2007
  28. AJ316
    Aug 26, 2016
    10
    In The Zone was her most underrated album so far, during 2003 after the infamous kiss with Madonna at the VMA's, Britney released her first masterpiece, a combined dance-pop, hip-hop and melodic ballads, In the album, Spears includes two of her most iconic songs in her entire career, Toxic and Everytime (she write it and composed it), but also fan favorites like Breathe On Me and Touch OfIn The Zone was her most underrated album so far, during 2003 after the infamous kiss with Madonna at the VMA's, Britney released her first masterpiece, a combined dance-pop, hip-hop and melodic ballads, In the album, Spears includes two of her most iconic songs in her entire career, Toxic and Everytime (she write it and composed it), but also fan favorites like Breathe On Me and Touch Of My Hand, she recorded and released a song with the Queen of Pop (Me Against the Music, the first single) and the rest of the album (maybe except for the bonus remix of Me Against the Music) was perfection from beginning to the end.… Expand
  29. gabrielfobia
    Sep 10, 2016
    10
    Sexy, personal, smooth and original. This is a truly masterpiece, including her most successful track to date "Toxic", her most famous duo "Me Against The Music" with Madonna. Plus, tracks that shows a complete different Britney, a girl that has find what she is and is not afraid to show it to the world.
  30. Kauanzanatts
    Sep 11, 2016
    8
    that album is really amazing and strong, shows to us a new britney spears, more sexy and powerful than ever,this show really good and amazing songs like toxic,breath on me, i got that and others that make this a great album one of the best of 2004(if not the best)
  31. samwich21
    Jun 9, 2017
    10
    If there was a way for me to convey how much I love this album, I would do so. This was a favorite of mine growing up, and it still sounds fresh with each listen. "Toxic" and "Everytime" are so haunting and wonderful and lovely and perfect; I can't say much else.
  32. tchagosz
    Dec 8, 2018
    9
    One of the very few cases (including Britney's herself in here) when, no matter how long it be, the work will remain current. It's 2018 and Toxic could be released today or tomorrow. Such a timeless magnificent work.
  33. Heychrystin
    Jul 26, 2017
    10
    Calidad Calidad Calidad Calidad Calidad Calidad Calidad Calidad Calidad Calidad Calidad Calidad Calidad Calidad Calidad Calidad Calidad Calidad Calidad Calidad Calidad Calidad Calidad Calidad Calidad Calidad
  34. jorgelucas25
    Oct 11, 2017
    10
    Muito sexy, sensual e maduro. um álbum muito diversificado e muito bem produzido, indo de ritmos pop a ritmos misturados com o hip hop. além de ter hinos atemporais como a música Toxic.
  35. CriticSaul
    Dec 4, 2020
    10
    Wow, such a masterpiece! This is the most-britney album, she’s involved in 78% of song lyrics and it seems like she love this album, and i’m happy with that
  36. anemixita91
    Feb 5, 2018
    10
    uno de sus mejores, definivamente nos queda claro el por que es la princesa del pop
  37. lovehate
    Jan 31, 2019
    10
    Britney's best work (after Blackout). Toxic is such a timeless song, and so are the sexual BOPs Breathe On Me and Touch Of My Hand. She definitely hit her artistic peak around this time.
  38. JeremySpears
    Feb 22, 2020
    10
    In my humble opinion, "In the Zone" is THE best album of all time. This album was such an extreme transition from her previous three albums. Britney had already started to be more involved in her music and to sound more mature on her third studio album "Britney" (2001) and she already experimented a little bit with different genres on that album but she took it to another level with "InIn my humble opinion, "In the Zone" is THE best album of all time. This album was such an extreme transition from her previous three albums. Britney had already started to be more involved in her music and to sound more mature on her third studio album "Britney" (2001) and she already experimented a little bit with different genres on that album but she took it to another level with "In the Zone". The album is incredibly diverse. There’s songs with major hip-hop influences ("Outrageous" & "Boom Boom"), electropop songs ("Toxic"), R&B ("Early Mornin"), reggae ("The Hook Up"), some dancehall and rock influences ("Showdown") and dance pop ("Breathe On Me"). Multiple songs on the album also have a nice underlying oriental sound to them. The only song that reminds you of Britney‘s previous albums is the poppy "Brave New Girl", which sounds like "Anticipating"'s little sister. The entire record is extremely sensual and must’ve been a huge shock to every fan (and their parents) who had signed up for bubblegum teen pop like "...Baby One More Time" or "Oops!...I Did It Again". Not only does Britney sing about sex ("Breathe On Me"), but she also sings about phone sex ("Don’t Hang Up") and even masturbation ("Touch of My Hand"). Her voice has also never sounded sexier than it does on this record. Britney tried hard to escape from her innocent teen pop Queen image and she did it with class. This album was for Britney what "Erotica" (1992) had been for Madonna or "janet." (1993) for Janet Jackson. To this day it’s the album that Britney had the most involvement in as she co-wrote 9 of the 14 songs on the album. The album rarely gets personal as it’s mostly about sex and becoming a woman but there are a few personal moments. There is the iconic completely self-written ballad about her breakup from Justin Timberlake "Everytime", which was her response to his "Cry Me a River"). The second ballad on the album, "Shadow", could also be about the same topic. Then there’s "Outrageous", which addresses fame, Britney’s public image and scandals. "Brave New Girl" is about Britney finding new confidence and becoming a woman. We don’t even have to talk about the singles. "Me Against the Music" is one of the most iconic collaborations of all time and still an extremely danceable bop and "Toxic" is the definition of iconic and probably Britney‘s biggest hit ever. "Everytime" is Britney‘s most successful ballad and that’s fine because it’s also her best in my opinion. This album is perfection from start to finish and never ever gets boring. Favorites: Breathe On Me, Everytime, Touch of My Hand & Toxic… Expand
  39. jxrge
    Jun 3, 2019
    10
    Su mejor album si duda alguna , una biblia del pop , el concepto del album es muy original.
    Grandes hits y en este album Britney experimento en su musica
  40. lucasfelix
    Jul 30, 2020
    10
    Amazing and iconic album!

    Definitely one of her best albums for sure.

    Early Mornin' is my favorite on the album!
  41. Criminal1
    Dec 5, 2021
    10
    Album of the year, one of Britney's best projects. Ahead of it's time, definitely a must listen
  42. britneyoutsold
    Jul 3, 2019
    10
    Greatest pop album of the 2000s I can’t stress is enough she really delivered one of the greatest pop songs of all time with toxic she really snapped.
  43. Lucasswiftie
    Jul 20, 2019
    10
    Álbum extremamente Lendário, ICÔNICO, insuperável. Rainha. Eterna princesa do Pop. Amo muito
  44. BriBeyRih
    Jul 24, 2019
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Álbum perfeito com hits memoráveis, clipes visualmente muito bonitos, um marco na cultura pop… Expand
  45. BeyonCem
    Sep 1, 2019
    10
    Even there’s a legend who named Blackout i still love this album more and i think this is her best. I love almost all of the tracks but especially Breathe on Me... i mean i guess i’ll still be listening it at the age of 80. I hope she came with some good stuff if she even wants to record an album.
  46. AJSF316
    Sep 26, 2019
    10
    In The Zone is by far the most successful album released by Spears. Includes the smash hit Toxic, but also capitalised the 2003 VMASs kiss with Madonna performing a song together (the Princess and the Queen of Pop in a duet, it's history by that fact only).
    This album explore the sexuality and heartbreaks in a sound that makes everything fits and create a whole experience.
    It's crearly    In The Zone is by far the most successful album released by Spears. Includes the smash hit Toxic, but also capitalised the 2003 VMASs kiss with Madonna performing a song together (the Princess and the Queen of Pop in a duet, it's history by that fact only).
    This album explore the sexuality and heartbreaks in a sound that makes everything fits and create a whole experience.
    It's crearly that the bad reviews (in that times) was because of JT's Cry Me A River and also because a women was expressing herself about her own sexuality, something that put this album in a rate that was by far inferior of what this album means to pop history.    … Expand
  47. Tiburtiino
    Jan 10, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. It is the very embodiment of eroticism. Of freedom of speech and the most insane desires we have and we don't talk. In the zone was the pinnacle of Britney's career and one of the pillars of pop music.… Expand
  48. osherranks
    Feb 24, 2020
    10
    Totally not a Britney fan but received CD as a pink elephant gift at a Christmas party. Listened to it and was suprised. While she is not endowed with the voice of some of her peers, she managed to put out an album that is fun and different. If someone else's name was on the album I probably would have bought it myself. True, it's not great art but who cares? If I wanted great art I'dTotally not a Britney fan but received CD as a pink elephant gift at a Christmas party. Listened to it and was suprised. While she is not endowed with the voice of some of her peers, she managed to put out an album that is fun and different. If someone else's name was on the album I probably would have bought it myself. True, it's not great art but who cares? If I wanted great art I'd listen to Beethoven but if I want to actually enjoy myself I may just listen to this CD, Collapse… Expand
  49. Kok08
    Apr 5, 2020
    10
    Muy bueno, los sencillos fueron bien elegidos, es uno de los más completos.
  50. PabloRivie
    May 11, 2020
    9
    El mejor album de Spears DE LEJOS! Ninguna canción de relleno, cohesivo, excelentes visuales, fresco y atemporal! Lo único malo es que se limita a 4 sencillos teniendo tanto potencial! Realmente muy buen álbum.
  51. Reimes
    Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Outro divisor de águas na música pop, excelente sem defeitos, Britney rainha suprema.
  52. PEDROMFR
    Feb 20, 2021
    8
    This is definitely Britney's best album so far (2003)! This project screams sexuality and, most of all, sensuality, like only she can bring. It's also her most cohesive body of work, something that has been used before to "attack" her albums, and clearly disappears on this one. Last but not least, this one definitely says "Hi, I'm Britney and im grown. Let's have some fun".
  53. Just_m
    Nov 10, 2020
    10
    El primer testamento de la Princesa del pop, en donde terminaría de edificar su reinado y convertirse en una leyenda.
  54. samueell
    Mar 23, 2021
    10
    This album is my favorite of all time, the way she is so confident here amazes me, the embrace of her own sexuality and artistic expression makes this album sound very good. And the impeccable production of this album suits it, especially the Mark Taylor and Bloodshy and Avant one. In the album peaks, like Showdown, Breathe on Me, Early Mornin', Toxic, The Hook Up, and Everytime sheThis album is my favorite of all time, the way she is so confident here amazes me, the embrace of her own sexuality and artistic expression makes this album sound very good. And the impeccable production of this album suits it, especially the Mark Taylor and Bloodshy and Avant one. In the album peaks, like Showdown, Breathe on Me, Early Mornin', Toxic, The Hook Up, and Everytime she expresses a lot of emotions and adventures, and they are songs that together work altogether. Her growth and acceptance as a wise woman herself made this record the best in her discography. Congratulations.… Expand
  55. dakeliaa
    Feb 5, 2022
    10
    This honestly feels like the 2nd best album or 3rd she has ever made, she has creative freedom over this one, showed her creativity and displayed it, with iconic hits like "Toxic" and sad ballads like "Everytime" this is a masterpiece!!!
  56. Shawnze
    Apr 4, 2022
    10
    This album is a masterpiece plain and simple. Every track is iconic and way ahead of its time.
  57. allavezedo
    May 30, 2022
    10
    Um dos maiores e melhores álbuns já lançados!! Britney não brinca em serviço!! Eterna princesa do pop com seu melhor trabalho
  58. fr_kennedy
    Jul 29, 2022
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Britney explorando diferentes sonoridades e nos fazendo entrar em contato com um mundo de fantasias.… Expand
  59. lolitasuper
    Aug 21, 2022
    10
    this is the most amazing album ever made by a woman in this music industry
    listen to this masterpiece please
  60. juanselopez340
    May 13, 2023
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Hermoso álbum de comienzo a fin esto es una obra de arte artistico con la voz de Britney Spears… Expand
  61. gabby08
    Aug 29, 2023
    7
    In the zone is a dance pop/ electro pop album that showcases Britney’s new maturity. It shows Britney’s co- writing skills for tracks like “Everytime” and it dabbles into the use of autotune [ vocal processing] on songs like “Touch of my hand”. In the zone has aged well and has kept its relevance in American pop culture, but still some songs don’t feel authentically Britney we’re stillIn the zone is a dance pop/ electro pop album that showcases Britney’s new maturity. It shows Britney’s co- writing skills for tracks like “Everytime” and it dabbles into the use of autotune [ vocal processing] on songs like “Touch of my hand”. In the zone has aged well and has kept its relevance in American pop culture, but still some songs don’t feel authentically Britney we’re still left wondering who Britney truly is as an artist.

    My favorites off this album
    - Showdown
    - Breath on me
    - Touch of my hand
    - Shadow
    - Everytime    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Most Discussed Album of 2003
7
#7 Most Shared Album of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. Dot Music
    20
    Quite the most lifeless and unloved record to be released by an artist of Spears' global stature.
    Read full review
  2. Spin
    67
    A hectic sonic pileup. [Dec 2003, p.130]
  3. The Guardian
    80
    Unlike previous Britney albums, In the Zone has no filler and no shoddy cover versions, just 57 varieties of blue-chip hit-factory pop.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »