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. someonewhocares
    Sep 7, 2022
    9
    Circus proves to be way better than Blackout could ever be. Songs like "Mmm Papi", "Lace and Leather", "Womanizer", and "Circus", as well as "If U Seek Amy", are quinessential Brtney Spears hits. The vocals are intensely autotuned and somtimes stiff, but who wouldn't already know that Britney isn't a singing person.
  2. DaleO
    Apr 25, 2009
    8
    This was a solid effort by Britney and her team, and the album does hold together very well. The album is full of catchy anthems which are guaranteed hits no doubt, but the album does have one or two tracks that seem to drag on a bit. A problem that wasn't seen on her sleek & sexy predecessor Blackout.
  3. SantixRdeCh
    Jun 11, 2010
    8
    I loved some of the songs. It's nice.
  4. AjayD
    Dec 5, 2008
    8
    it's a Great Pop Album! She really knows how to put some decent pop music together. Its more pop sounding then blackout with number of songs that can become hit singles. There are some cool ballads as well, that really show her singing ability! I recommend it to all pop fans!
  5. iamanicon
    May 24, 2011
    8
    Womanizer, If You Seek Amy , Unusual You and Kill The Lights almost block out the vile My Baby and Mmm Papi which would have been better replaced with the bonus tracks. Radar is a great song. But by the time it was released as a single (June 2009) Britney lovers had already got the message when we heard it a year and a half earlier.
  6. RogerSmith97
    Dec 23, 2011
    8
    Overall Circus In My Opinion Is Fine!
    The Best Tracks Are: Circus, Womanizer, Out from Under, If U Seek Amy, Unusual You, And Lace And Leather... I Hate KILL THE LIGHTS!
  7. Kaleido
    Sep 10, 2011
    8
    A collection of soft, circus-themed songs that after a while may sound dull but will always be anthems ("Womanizer", "If U Seek Amy"). Loving "Mmm Papi" and "Lace and Leather" aswell.
  8. rxqueen
    Dec 13, 2011
    8
    not her best, but certainly not a bad album. clearly put together just as she was recovering from the downward spiral her life was on in 2007. even so, this album is too 'clean' and lacks the gritty feeling that 'Blackout' had. some forgettable songs, but still a solid pop album. 'Shattered Glass', 'Mannequin', and "Kill The Lights" are stand-out tracks.
  9. 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."
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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
  13. 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
  14. KennethP
    Jan 31, 2010
    7
    Classic... Britney deserves to be the ringleader But be honest some of the songs is not danceable.
  15. MkayK.
    Dec 26, 2008
    7
    'Circus' is a well-rounded album, overall. Certain tracks stand about above many other. Namely the first 7 tracks on the album. Songs like 'My Baby' are disappointingly chosen over an excess of bonus tracks which didn't make it onto the album. The addition of 'Radar' from Blackout is also disappointing. Although with that, the album returns to earlier 'Circus' is a well-rounded album, overall. Certain tracks stand about above many other. Namely the first 7 tracks on the album. Songs like 'My Baby' are disappointingly chosen over an excess of bonus tracks which didn't make it onto the album. The addition of 'Radar' from Blackout is also disappointing. Although with that, the album returns to earlier Britney and still steers close to the electro beats of Blackout.… Expand
  16. Lucia
    Dec 5, 2008
    7
    Great Job! the best song: Blur!
  17. efgsgfsgs
    Feb 19, 2009
    7
    For a pop album it has several great tracks, several good tracks, and the rest sounds like filler. Its not bad, not great. If she wrote more songs it could only help.
  18. DiiThomas
    Sep 4, 2010
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Britney is back, his album deserves note 10,
    The two ballads, "Out From Under" and "My Baby" are perfect! The album is mature and the songs are the best!    … Expand
  19. owenrw89
    Dec 10, 2016
    7
    Hiring producers Bloodshy & Avant, Max Martin and Danja - who've all helped Britney create her greatest past works - was a very clever idea indeed. OK, so it lacks the style and power of 'Blackout', but it reconnects Britney with her youth, her fun. 'Blackout' quietly demanded attention, were as Circus asks for it outright.
    She's not there yet, but she's certainly on the return to her pop throne.
  20. owenrw2889
    Jun 22, 2011
    7
    POSITIVE - The album is actually very good. I wasn't sure what to expect as initially the album appeared rushed, it just sort of appeared. But the album as a whole i personally think is her best to date. Starting with 'Womanizer' as the open track i crossed my fingers that the following tracks would match the success in production and sound, and i must say they did. It's sounds veryPOSITIVE - The album is actually very good. I wasn't sure what to expect as initially the album appeared rushed, it just sort of appeared. But the album as a whole i personally think is her best to date. Starting with 'Womanizer' as the open track i crossed my fingers that the following tracks would match the success in production and sound, and i must say they did. It's sounds very clean, very polished. Certain tracks such as 'Unusual You' were unexpected and a breathe of fresh air. 70% of this album is pretty much as good as pop music can get.
    NEGATIVE - Certain tracks are obviously filler tracks 'Mmm Papi', 'My Baby' and 'Mannequin' fall flat compared to rest of the album. I was slighty confused how these tracks were on the full version and better and even more exciting tracks such as 'Phoneography' and 'Amnesia' were bonus tracks. The album at times also has a typical it will do feel about it, 'Lace and Leather' for example, although one of my favourite tracks, it just could have been so much more. OVERALL - A very good album that is certainly worth purchasing, if your a Britney fan or not. Not quite 100%, but by far an achievment in the Britney catalogue.    … Expand
  21. alex945
    Mar 25, 2011
    7
    Is a good album, but much less Blackout.Le best songs are: Womanizer, Circus, Out From Under, My Baby, Mmm Papi and Shattered Glass. We expected more from this album, after the excellent Blackout.
  22. musicisallineed
    Aug 7, 2011
    7
    The ultimate comeback album? For the most part yes. This record offers far more than any of her previous records, track after track you can almost smell the production and care that's been undertaken, it's almost a powerful album in parts that see's Britney return to pop form, leaving her so called "urban" past behind her. The only parts of the album that lack come from Britney herself, orThe ultimate comeback album? For the most part yes. This record offers far more than any of her previous records, track after track you can almost smell the production and care that's been undertaken, it's almost a powerful album in parts that see's Britney return to pop form, leaving her so called "urban" past behind her. The only parts of the album that lack come from Britney herself, or rather lack of Britney. A face can fit and a legacy can go on, but by studio album number six there's only so little the actual artist can be involved in the writing and production and voice for that matter without staring to offend her fans and critics.… Expand
  23. 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.
  24. 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.
  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. 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
  27. Kijhy
    Mar 19, 2021
    7
    77/100
    iconic !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  28. MeredithS
    Dec 3, 2008
    6
    Although Britney allegedly was not very engaged in the project, "Blackout" was so much better than "Circus". With all of her previous albums, there was at least one or two really, really catchy tunes. I was so dissapointed that there was not one tune on here that I liked. I won't be listening to it over and over again like I did with Blackout.
  29. GabrielJ.
    Dec 4, 2008
    6
    the song are repetitive and there isnt any really new, but there are some songs that really are an improvement, in conclusion circus is a better album that I expected to be but still she has a long journey to remember us why she was called de Pop Princess
  30. OfficialCarlo
    Nov 26, 2010
    6
    Circus is disappointing although it contains some standout tracks but most tracks are mediocre. I love how catchy and danceable "Womanizer", "Circus", "If U Seek Amy" and etc. But there is less singing and some tracks are boring like "Blur" and "Kill the Lights."
  31. 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
  32. 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.
  33. 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
  34. Greta
    Dec 3, 2008
    5
    Mediocre, no standout tracks. Disappointing follow-up to Blackout, which I consider to be her best album by far.
  35. 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
  36. 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
  37. 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
  38. BillW.
    Dec 9, 2008
    2
    The most awful album in a long time!
  39. 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.
  40. PhilM.
    Dec 4, 2008
    1
    Just awful.
  41. Clubsocial
    May 4, 2015
    1
    Katy Perry bursts back onto the scene with her amazing second album that is full to the grim of the tongue-in-cheek atmosphere that got herkhkkjhjghjbnnnnn
  42. 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
  43. sixinch
    Aug 30, 2016
    1
    One of the worst albums of the year thus far. It shows absolutely no artistic growth, the lyrics are elementary, and the vocals are non-existent. All in all, a terrible album. Collapse
  44. HayroC
    Mar 19, 2009
    0
    Are you kidding? this album is so horrible!
  45. NoahH
    Jun 17, 2010
    0
    Most likely her worst album yet, very uninspiring. Lacks a great amount of creativity and vision.
  46. None
    Dec 6, 2008
    0
    Utter Crap.
  47. MarliseG
    Mar 19, 2009
    0
    Awful and terrible album. No more words to described it.
  48. ChrisS
    Mar 19, 2009
    0
    Terrible and horrible album.
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Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Most Discussed Album of 2008
19
#19 Most Shared Album of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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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