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. 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.
  2. 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".
  3. 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.
  4. victorcarter
    Nov 21, 2016
    7
    Ok first off, let's get this one straight: This is NOT the pop bible. I'ts a fairly consistent and interesting record though. Toxic is excellent. Very good:Breathe on me, Touch of My Hand. Good: Showdown, Early Mornin', Outrageous.
  5. 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.
  6. 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...
  7. iamanicon
    May 24, 2011
    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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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
  10. LanaDelRey
    Mar 24, 2013
    10
    A Major Comeback From Britney! Another Amazing Album! Toxic, Shadow, And Everytime Are Timeless!
  11. Lucasswiftie
    Jul 20, 2019
    10
    Álbum extremamente Lendário, ICÔNICO, insuperável. Rainha. Eterna princesa do Pop. Amo muito
  12. PinkFriday
    Sep 6, 2014
    9
    In The Zone é o álbum mais ousado de Britney. Considerado o melhor álbum de Britney para muitos fãs, só perde para o Blackout. In The Zone é um álbum muito interessante, com muitos instrumentos que eram usados na Idade Média. As letras são muito ousadas e sexuais, menos nas faixas "Brave New Girl" a faixa mais dispensável do álbum, e "Everytime" uma balada muito bonita, mas que fogeIn The Zone é o álbum mais ousado de Britney. Considerado o melhor álbum de Britney para muitos fãs, só perde para o Blackout. In The Zone é um álbum muito interessante, com muitos instrumentos que eram usados na Idade Média. As letras são muito ousadas e sexuais, menos nas faixas "Brave New Girl" a faixa mais dispensável do álbum, e "Everytime" uma balada muito bonita, mas que foge totalmente do conceito do álbum. É um ótimo álbum, e nenhuma música é chata, todas tem seu brilho.… Expand
  13. LipeFireworks
    Jan 28, 2017
    10
    Um dos melhores albuns de todos os tempos, meu segundo preferido da britney só perde pro circus, como nao amar um album que tem "Toxic" "Shodow" e a lindissima "Everytime"
  14. 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.
  15. 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
  16. infsai
    Mar 27, 2020
    7
    It's an okay album. It has many nice songs (like its first three singles: "Me Again the Music", "Toxic", and "Everytime"). However besides the singles nothing is much memorable, and it's pretty old, and it got many nice drop-outs like "And Then We Kiss", which I'm in love with.
  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. 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.
  20. 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!
  21. 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
  22. 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.
  23. 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".
  24. 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
  25. Jann_Junx
    Aug 31, 2019
    10
    In The Zone un álbum perfecto. Trayendo nuevos ritmos para la princesa del pop, contando con nada más y nada menos que con la reina del pop Madonna, con ritmos urbanos, baladas que te llagan al corazón como Everytime o Shadow, el iconico himno Toxic, una obra maestra en toda su expresión, donde Britney demostró sus dotes como escritora.
  26. vinzlima
    Nov 5, 2015
    8
    Different, clever and innovative. And not every day that a pop star releases an album with oriental influences , this album ... speechless. what makes an artist to release an album with that influences highlighted ? The OMG sound, the beats, production, voice! yes the voice !. The best of it and we can really listen to this album with production also of R Kelly , the city planning andDifferent, clever and innovative. And not every day that a pop star releases an album with oriental influences , this album ... speechless. what makes an artist to release an album with that influences highlighted ? The OMG sound, the beats, production, voice! yes the voice !. The best of it and we can really listen to this album with production also of R Kelly , the city planning and detail in this wonderful album . Apação and In The Zone are the best albums of Britney today.… Expand
  27. 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.
  28. dreammusic
    Dec 21, 2012
    10
    One of Britney's most amazing albums. the tracks are amazing with great vocals, beats, and lyrics. standouts include Me Against The Music, I Got That (Boom Boom), Breathe On Me, Toxic,and Outrageous. There could have been at least another ballad.... but hey? It's mostly dance so it's all good!
  29. 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.
  30. Zone111
    Mar 23, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is her best album, Breathe On Me is the best song in her career.… 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 »