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New CD Tries To Resurrect Tabloid Tragedy Spears's Career

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By CURTIS ROSS

cross@tampatrib.com

Published: January 8, 2009

Updated:

Madonna created the prototype, but Britney Spears has perfected the music-free music career. Mention her name and what comes to mind is a video, MTV performance, tabloid headline, just about anything but a song.

Sure, she still sells millions of records, but that's likely consumer conditioning. Spears' music is the least interesting thing about her and that's no accident. Call it post-pop or the triumph of MTV - video didn't just kill the radio star, it made celebrity king and music superfluous.

But give the girl credit. She seems determined to re-establish herself as an entertainer instead of a tabloid tragedy. And on "Circus," she and legions of writers and producers are at least making an effort.

That wouldn't be obvious from wretched first single and lead-off track "Womanizer," which is insipid even by Spears' standards.

The title track, though, is a great deal sharper and would have helped - although it couldn't have saved - Madonna's "Hard Candy."

Madonna's nudge-wink dance pop has long been Spears' primary touchstone. On "Circus," she also incorporates Kelly Clarkson's melodramatic alt-balladry to surprisingly passable effect.

Her voice still is a wee little thing that has to be filtered, processed and digitally propped up, but she shows far more personality here than on the anonymous disco retreads of 2007's "Blackout."

Her ability to project some amount of guilelessness is all that keeps cuts such as "If U Seek Amy" and "Mmm Papi" from drowning in their own smarm.

Extra half-star awarded for the creepy clown photo on the CD's back cover.

Download this: "Circus"

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