• Record Label: Jive
  • Release Date: Nov 18, 2003
User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 708 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 86 out of 708

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  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. Apr 5, 2020
    10
    Muy bueno, los sencillos fueron bien elegidos, es uno de los más completos.
  5. Aug 28, 2020
    10
    Outro divisor de águas na música pop, excelente sem defeitos, Britney rainha suprema.
  6. Nov 10, 2020
    10
    El primer testamento de la Princesa del pop, en donde terminaría de edificar su reinado y convertirse en una leyenda.
  7. 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
  8. Feb 3, 2022
    10
    its a pop perfection, a pop bible cause the whole album its interesting and the song toxic its one of the best pop songs from all the time
  9. 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!!!
  10. Apr 4, 2022
    10
    This album is a masterpiece plain and simple. Every track is iconic and way ahead of its time.
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. Aug 21, 2022
    10
    this is the most amazing album ever made by a woman in this music industry
    listen to this masterpiece please
  14. 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
  15. JoeJ
    Dec 21, 2005
    9
    with a sexually charged album ending with a vulnerable and soft ballad, Everytime, Spears might be more talented and sensible than we thought. This is the first thing to better things for her.
  16. anniee
    Nov 18, 2003
    9
    This is the album that 'Britney" should have been. This is a leap for Britney, and it's a leap in the right direction. It's hard to label this album as one particular type of music, but it's impulsiveness is sure to lease an enormaous fan base. Some of the more techno beats you've been hearing about belong to Breathe on Me and Touch of My hand. Showdown is by far This is the album that 'Britney" should have been. This is a leap for Britney, and it's a leap in the right direction. It's hard to label this album as one particular type of music, but it's impulsiveness is sure to lease an enormaous fan base. Some of the more techno beats you've been hearing about belong to Breathe on Me and Touch of My hand. Showdown is by far one of the best songs Britney could possibly have mastered, mixing her usual sulty-whispering voice, with an incredible hook and melody, not to mention the power in her vocals. Which leads me to mention the catchiest track, Toxic. For ONCE, Britney takes a powerful stance on er position as the force behind the album. I hear she won't release it as a single, which is the wrong choice. It's a powerful song. Te less intresting songs, I'm sorry to say, are the ballads, Everytime and Shadow. While Everytime is linked to that ex of hers, most of us would like to move past that, and the song isn't all that intresting, though a bit haunting, which is something new. Shadow has a certain Kelly Clarkson feel, which isn't usual Britney either. Brave New Girl is very New-Pop with a nice rythem. Two more let downs are Outrageous and The hook Up. They're just, well, boring. Expand
  17. Jake
    Nov 23, 2003
    9
    With overtreated misogynistic pap by such overrated "bands" as Wilco, Flaming Lips, and Radiohead, it's nice to see a poweful, prominent woman figure put out wonderfully convoluted yet catchy tunes! Go Britney!
  18. RebeccaH
    Jan 2, 2004
    9
    I have always enjoyed Britney's music, however I didn't become a huge fan until I listen to her last CD (britney). So, after much anticipation for her new ablum I was first in line to purchase In the Zone. As I listened to Britney I was far from dissapointed, each and every song is very unique and entertaining, quite different from her pervious albums. In the Zone proves how far I have always enjoyed Britney's music, however I didn't become a huge fan until I listen to her last CD (britney). So, after much anticipation for her new ablum I was first in line to purchase In the Zone. As I listened to Britney I was far from dissapointed, each and every song is very unique and entertaining, quite different from her pervious albums. In the Zone proves how far Brintey has come and grown in her career and I hope to her much more from her in the future. Expand
  19. RobertM
    Jul 30, 2004
    9
    Many potential singles, "Breathe On Me", and "Touch of My Hand" are gr8!
  20. DanielaZ
    Mar 5, 2004
    9
    Is the best cd she has!!
  21. RyanAdames
    Nov 19, 2003
    9
    I have Brit's last 2 albums and this one is by far the best, great songs like shadow and evrytime show her soft side, while the hook up and boom boom show that she can still make great dance beats. she is a inspiring artist and although her vocals arent as great as whitney or mariah this cd proves Brit still has her spot in Pop life.
  22. StephG
    Feb 18, 2004
    9
    LOVE it! It is definitely her best one yet.
  23. JudithC
    Feb 25, 2005
    9
    Britney FINALLY delivers a groovy and sexy record that'd fun to listen and to dance on at parties. Excellent!
  24. ChrisS
    Nov 18, 2003
    9
    This is easily the best album of her career.
  25. John
    Nov 19, 2003
    9
    Great album. I love almost all of the songs on it.
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. Feb 16, 2020
    9
    i got the urge to revisit this album and its **** incredible. idk how this hasnt become a cult classic
  31. 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.
  32. foofurrbean
    Jan 6, 2004
    8
    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 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'd listen to Beethoven but if I want to actually enjoy myself I may just listen to this CD, Expand
  33. decc
    Mar 7, 2006
    8
    Good stuff definetly a step up from the teenage pop and some of the stuff ws even more r&b but this album does not show up the vocal ability we all know she has!!
  34. BorisF
    Sep 24, 2006
    8
    after sheds the "good girl" image she releases her best work to date no longer afraid to talk about her sexaulity she slams out some of the best power pop, and dance records since madonna she shows her in song writting growth with her growth as a woman a smash pop sensation that only britney can bring!
  35. eoghanc
    Sep 5, 2006
    8
    this is a gr8 album!! mi fav song 'i ot dat boom boom'!!
  36. EnzoP
    Oct 31, 2008
    8
    Very good album. It proves that even Spears can write good lyrics and sing more serious stuff.
  37. MatthieuR
    Nov 25, 2003
    8
    Not bad. Not as good as her previous efforts (not as fun and catchy), but good nonetheless.
  38. frozenfire
    Dec 21, 2003
    8
    this cd show's mandy moore's true inclination to good music unlike other artist her age.
  39. NormanG.
    Oct 26, 2007
    8
    The only passable Britney album... its the only good album she has released and the one that shows herself as who she is and shes not pretending anymore.
  40. J.M
    Mar 24, 2009
    8
    At the time this was her strongest album to date, still it could have done better.
  41. LindsayH
    Nov 22, 2003
    8
    I love it!
  42. 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.
  43. 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.
  44. 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.
  45. 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
  46. 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.
  47. 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
  48. 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)
  49. 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".
  50. MikeH
    Jun 18, 2005
    7
    The last official track of this album, 'Everytime' with it's music box melody and Spears' whispy delivery has to be one of the most beautiful ballads ever composed, which was surprisingly mostly written by Britney herself. This is (at least to my knowledge) a big first step for Britney, as she's been mocked for being anything but an actual artist by other The last official track of this album, 'Everytime' with it's music box melody and Spears' whispy delivery has to be one of the most beautiful ballads ever composed, which was surprisingly mostly written by Britney herself. This is (at least to my knowledge) a big first step for Britney, as she's been mocked for being anything but an actual artist by other musicians in the industry. 'In the Zone' is a declaration; she completely sheds her bubblegum pop image and sings of random sexual encounters, late night clubbing, and masturbation. Standouts on this album are the sexy 'Breathe On Me', 'Toxic', and the Madonna duet 'Me Against the Music'. This coming from someone who thought they would never consider having a Britney Spears album in their collection, it says something about the disc. Half the addiction is the amazing production work. Without it, 'In the Zone' would probably fail to impress half as much, as the lyrics are not inventive or thought provoking enough to merit a seond look. But whatever it's flaws, 'In The Zone' is really very good, and though she's not even close to being Bjork or Garbage (Think 'beautifulgarbage' here), Britney's closer to being considered an actual artist. Expand
  51. CharlotteM
    May 12, 2004
    7
    Im a huge fan of the pop princess. So like every other Britney fan, i bought this cd. When i played it, lets just say this has got to be the best album under the snake-wearing pop princess so far! Its really good! a mixture of different music styles.For some R & B, there's "Outrageous", for hip-hop,"Me against the music", for some reggae,"showdown,the hook up," for some slow Im a huge fan of the pop princess. So like every other Britney fan, i bought this cd. When i played it, lets just say this has got to be the best album under the snake-wearing pop princess so far! Its really good! a mixture of different music styles.For some R & B, there's "Outrageous", for hip-hop,"Me against the music", for some reggae,"showdown,the hook up," for some slow jamz"early morning,shadow" for edgy rock techno"toxic,brave new girl" for some sweet ballad "everytime" Go get it..britney fan or not, you'll be a fan in no time Expand
  52. ChrisE
    Oct 12, 2006
    7
    Britney Spears is the epitome of pop superstardom, in both the good and the bad senses. Her fourth studio record In the Zone is an eclectic mix of Hip Hop-tinged pop and influential dance tracks, as evident in songs "Showdown" and the Grammy-winning international No. 1 "Toxic" (by far the biggest standout single here). Spears delivers two ballads "Everytime" and "Shadow" that aren't Britney Spears is the epitome of pop superstardom, in both the good and the bad senses. Her fourth studio record In the Zone is an eclectic mix of Hip Hop-tinged pop and influential dance tracks, as evident in songs "Showdown" and the Grammy-winning international No. 1 "Toxic" (by far the biggest standout single here). Spears delivers two ballads "Everytime" and "Shadow" that aren't bad at all, and the latter is by far the better of the two and one of Britney's best performances. Despite the new sound the buxom blonde heads into, she can't escape having some disappointing tracks ("Early Mornin'" being the most horrible song here), so it's definitely not a perfect listen. But it's encouraging to see an overproduced singer tred into new musical territory despite the obvious flaws. Hopefully she'll continue down such a path in the future. Expand
  53. 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?
  54. 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!
  55. 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.
  56. 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".
  57. 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...
  58. 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.
  59. 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.
  60. 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.
  61. 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
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

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