MUSIC ZONE
Britney Spears — Blackout (Sony BMG)
Saurabh & Gaurav

Ooops, she’s done it again. Britney’s fifth studio album is her most consistent, a seamlessly entertaining collection of bright, brash electropop. On the airy Eurodisco of Heaven on Earth, the slinky R&B of Why Should I Be Sad or the hypnotic pole-dance pop of Gimme More, Britney shines like a starlet in the capable hands of ace producers. The anthem Get Naked (I Got a Plan) holds its own alongside the likes of Sexy Back and The Way I Are, providing further evidence that Danja, the man behind almost every notable hit by Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado in the last year and a half, is indeed responsible for Timbaland’s renaissance. And Bloodshy & Avant, the team which produced Britneyhit Toxic, pony up the beats on the glitchy Piece of Me and the spunky, Kylie-esque Toy Soldier. The other songs go for real-life frisson, acknowledging her status as a paparazzi magnet. There’s Freakshow and an obligatory flip-off to K-Fed, on which she declares, "I’m so damn glad it’s over." Single Hot As Ice is futuristic and thrilling, while the sound adds a genuine sense of simmering fury to Perfect Lover, which rails against Spears’ various detractors. Blackout is frequently thrilling — bursting from the glam slam of Gimme More to the concluding Pharrell-penned ballad Why Should I Be So Sad.

Angie emerged in the 1990s alongside other neo-soul singers who were trying to merge their generation’s hip-hop with memories of expansive, sensual, enriching 1970s soul. She has a smoky voice and delivery that recalls greats like Gladys Knight, yet she has a modern swagger. Under the direction of the legendary Clive Davis, Stone recorded three albums of classy R&B music that had more in common with the meatier soul of old than today’s hip-hop flavoured R&B. The Art of Love and War`A0is a soulful gem that looks at all facets of love.`A0Upbeat tracks allow this album to explore love, without being heavy. The album is filled with lush, graciously undulating ballads that have Angie cooing quietly and intimately. "Making our way like Marvin Gaye," she sings in Sit Down, one of the three sultry invitations tucked in near the end of the album. Her lyrics constantly remind us to evaluate our life, make sure that we’re in the right spot. Here We Go Again says it eloquently, "Life is too short to pretend we’re in the beginning when we’re really at the end." My People, featuring James Ingram, is a lovely song celebrating the achievements of black people in the last century. These Are the Reasons lists why we love someone. It explains that partnership is about support, attention, and how someone’s love can make you feel. An accomplished vocalist, producer, songwriter and keyboardist, Angie has been at this game for over twentysix years and her hard-earned polish shines here.

Six years after his explosive debut as the perfect hybrid of glitch-heavy beats and b-boy swagger, it was clear that Guillermo Scott Herron was the next electronic pop superstar. With more than a strong dose of glitches, Prefuse 73’s new album is wildly creative instrumental hip-tronica. Sparing most tracks from vocals, Scott fills the void with a huge variety of electronic beats that seem to determine the urban headphone walk-around.`A0 With a relaxed vibe, each track struts along a line of hip-hop flash and European electronic escape. Each of his works comes across as a collage here, filled with different instruments, samples and textures.`A0From the East Intro is the album’s most aggressive sound.`A0Beaten Tuesdays sets the pace with glassy refractions dancing around a remixed heartbeat, and Aborted Hugs brings a jagged jungle beat into the mix. The chillout sound continues until Smoking Red draws on the noisier moments of`A0last year’s Security Screenings. The final two tracks, Spaced & Dissonant and Preparation Outro Version are avant-garde noise-filled grooves that add an artistic touch.