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In The Zone Image
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 708 Ratings

  • Summary: The Pepsi spokesperson's fourth LP includes guest vocals from Madonna (on lead single "Me Against The Music") and production work from Moby, R. Kelly, the Matrix, and Guy Sigsworth (but no Max Martin).

Top Track

Toxic
Baby, can't you see I'm calling? A guy like you should wear a warning It's dangerous, I'm falling There's no escape, I can't wait I need a hit, baby,... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 13
  2. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. She finally delivers an album that's more fun than filler.
  2. Unlike previous Britney albums, In the Zone has no filler and no shoddy cover versions, just 57 varieties of blue-chip hit-factory pop.
  3. Vibe
    70
    A supremely confident dance record that also illustrates Spears's development as a songwriter. [Jan 2004, p.126]
  4. Despite inventive touches like zigzagging strings and humping-android hooks, too many tracks... are little more than wobbly, rhythm-based contraptions intended to advance Spears' sex-princess-on-the-loose image.
  5. Spin
    67
    A hectic sonic pileup. [Dec 2003, p.130]
  6. The harder Spears tries to be Madonna or Janet Jackson, the less convincing she is.
  7. Quite the most lifeless and unloved record to be released by an artist of Spears' global stature.

See all 13 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Negative: 40 out of 213
  1. 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 - 8Sexy, 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. Expand
  2. 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 dosUma 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. Expand
  3. JillianA
    Nov 20, 2003
    10
    Britney deserves some major credit for this album. It is soulful, catchy, sexual, and in my own opinion very very truthful. She continues to Britney deserves some major credit for this album. It is soulful, catchy, sexual, and in my own opinion very very truthful. She continues to take risks and put her self out there. The CD has "something for everybody" if you are into hip-hop check out "Boom Boom", if its sexy and sultry music you like catch "Touch of my Hand" or "Breathe on Me". For the techno rave crowd there is a bit of that mixed into everything, and for the tiny bopper pop kiddies there is still a touch of her old style. Be open minded. Don't be too harsh on Brit. Remember she makes music for us, her fans. Everything on this album, I am sure she gave her all to make. Even if you don't like the sound, at least give her some credit for effort and creativity. Expand
  4. Apr 5, 2020
    10
    Muy bueno, los sencillos fueron bien elegidos, es uno de los más completos.
  5. 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 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
  6. 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 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
  7. JohnnyB
    Nov 17, 2003
    0
    Oh my goodness, this album is pure crap. It's as if Ms. Spears keeps getting worse and worse. She needs to step it up I mean she's Oh my goodness, this album is pure crap. It's as if Ms. Spears keeps getting worse and worse. She needs to step it up I mean she's filthy rich, take some vocal lessons or learn to play an instrument. Please do something cause this same shit is getting old. Expand

See all 213 User Reviews