"A sweet, sexually-aware southern belle with an inability to articulate her innermost thoughts, Britney Spears has always been a mysteria alike to the unreachable expectations of Beyonce. Britney hit puberty, explored her teenage sexuality, become involved in high profile relationships, had several quick marriages, gave birth to two sons, had an exhausting mental breakdown, and subsequently had a major comeback all in the public eye. But just watching Britney move in her music videos and concerts over the years, there is a drastic shift in character. " - Chloe Xtina
A sweet, sexually-aware southern belle with an inability to articulate her innermost thoughts, Britney Spears has always been a mysteria alike to the unreachable expectations of Beyonce. Britney hit puberty, explored her teenage sexuality, become involved in high profile relationships, had several quick marriages, gave birth to two sons, had an exhausting mental breakdown, and subsequently had a major comeback all in the public eye. But just watching Britney move in her music videos and concerts over the years, there is a drastic shift in character. At one time -- in her tanned, confident Mickey Mouse clubhouse and early Baby, One More Time . . . phases -- Britney appeared to be wholesome and personable. But lately, after the infamous 2007 meltdown and her comebacks with Circus, Femme Fatale, Britney Jean, and now, Glory, Britney seems to be a shell of herself. Constantly followed by paparazzi since her early teenage years, she nearly glides off the ground in all her pictures, escorted by her parents, family, and entourage. It’s extremely difficult to get an interview with the Toxic star. For the past three years, Britney has had a running show in Las Vegas and her obvious lip-syncing does not prove dissatisfactory but her confidence level has significantly dropped. This begs the question: Is Britney really Britney? I mean to say, who is the real Britney Spears, have we seen her before, and if so, where has she gone? But perhaps this new Britney is the real Britney Spears.
In a recent interview with James Corden, Britney declared that she was done with marriage. A pop star whose whole career was centered around sexuality and catering to the male gaze, known for her tabloid relationships, who put Britney up to this “sexy-baby” act? In her early years, Britney appeared to be stable, excited, and proud of her sexuality in songs like Sometimes, Drive Me Crazy, Baby, One More Time, and Oops I Did It Again. She seemed like a normal teenager caught in love with innocent crushes. As the years went on, Britney became even more sexual with songs and videos like Toxic, Boys, and Slave for You. Eventually she hit the era of Blackout, her album representing a period of mental instability and high tension for Britney. Here, Britney is at the height of her sex drive although it no longer seems empowering -- it feels messy, chaotic, and in a sense, depressing. Other music videos were fun, titillating, and hypnotic for her viewers and although the major hit off of Blackout (Gimme More) still had the same Britney charm, there was something missing. It no longer felt like Britney was alive.
In the Gimme More music video, Britney in a blonde wig notices a woman (also played by Britney) pole dancing. The second Britney in her recently-dyed black hair, slowly and awkwardly moves around the pole as sexually as she can. In videos before Gimme, Britney had taken her sexuality by storm. She strongly danced her heartbreak away and took the world freely as hers. But by Blackout, Britney attempts to retain her power, but instead seems to be holding herself less as her own person and more as a woman in the eyes of a man. It’s no secret that Britney may not be heavily influenced by the Bechdel Test but there is a certain way of feminism to her. Her confidence says it all: this is her sexuality and she’s not ashamed of it. However, even in her early years Britney’s sexual moves could still be perceived as a way to get male attention and in some ways, it was. But for a super fan like myself, I saw this more as a “no-shit” attitude and redefining the world as her own sexual adventure. Yet in 2007 more than ever, Britney seemed desperate to please someone else. Who was she trying to please?
I want to break down the dissolving legacy of Britney into three parts. That is to say, I want to understand why the Britney we see to say is arguably far from the Britney we saw in her teenage years. This does not mean that “any Britney” is more well off than the next. The fact, is, I don’t know Britney and it’s likely you don’t either. But there is no denial that something is up, something has changed for better or worse.
In a recent interview with James Corden, Britney declared that she was done with marriage. A pop star whose whole career was centered around sexuality and catering to the male gaze, known for her tabloid relationships, who put Britney up to this “sexy-baby” act? In her early years, Britney appeared to be stable, excited, and proud of her sexuality in songs like Sometimes, Drive Me Crazy, Baby, One More Time, and Oops I Did It Again. She seemed like a normal teenager caught in love with innocent crushes. As the years went on, Britney became even more sexual with songs and videos like Toxic, Boys, and Slave for You. Eventually she hit the era of Blackout, her album representing a period of mental instability and high tension for Britney. Here, Britney is at the height of her sex drive although it no longer seems empowering -- it feels messy, chaotic, and in a sense, depressing. Other music videos were fun, titillating, and hypnotic for her viewers and although the major hit off of Blackout (Gimme More) still had the same Britney charm, there was something missing. It no longer felt like Britney was alive.
In the Gimme More music video, Britney in a blonde wig notices a woman (also played by Britney) pole dancing. The second Britney in her recently-dyed black hair, slowly and awkwardly moves around the pole as sexually as she can. In videos before Gimme, Britney had taken her sexuality by storm. She strongly danced her heartbreak away and took the world freely as hers. But by Blackout, Britney attempts to retain her power, but instead seems to be holding herself less as her own person and more as a woman in the eyes of a man. It’s no secret that Britney may not be heavily influenced by the Bechdel Test but there is a certain way of feminism to her. Her confidence says it all: this is her sexuality and she’s not ashamed of it. However, even in her early years Britney’s sexual moves could still be perceived as a way to get male attention and in some ways, it was. But for a super fan like myself, I saw this more as a “no-shit” attitude and redefining the world as her own sexual adventure. Yet in 2007 more than ever, Britney seemed desperate to please someone else. Who was she trying to please?
I want to break down the dissolving legacy of Britney into three parts. That is to say, I want to understand why the Britney we see to say is arguably far from the Britney we saw in her teenage years. This does not mean that “any Britney” is more well off than the next. The fact, is, I don’t know Britney and it’s likely you don’t either. But there is no denial that something is up, something has changed for better or worse.
BRITNEY’S MANAGEMENT
In January 2008, Britney was hospitalized after a custody battle with her ex-husband. Many will remember the drama: shaving the head, temper tantrums, and the like. Britney was also found to be under the influence of substance abuse and the subject of an undisclosed mental illness. Britney then underwent an “involuntary psychiatric hold” according to Daily Mail UK. Afterwards, a judge ordered Britney to be placed under conservatorship of James Spears, her father. Her father was given control of her finances and well-being, essentially all aspects of her daily life. A source from TMZ noted that Britney was given daily freedoms but is still under the control of her father.
Since her father’s guardianship, Britney has been noted to be far more happier. In 2015, she revealed to People Magazine that she is “the happiest she has ever been” and is in a “real good place in (her) life”.
Even if this guardianship is for the better, it is not denied that Britney is not in control of her own career. It is probably in her best interest to keep her under the protection and guidance of a loved one since she is not able to care for herself. But is it in her best interest to not control how she presents herself and her music? It is possible that she could be collaborating with her father and co-conservators on her image or it’s possible that she has let go and handed over her image.
It is also known that Britney has a complicated, controversial, and estranged relationship with her ex-manager Sam Lutfi. Britney and Lutfi reached a settlement earlier this year after he claimed she owed him money and accusing her mother of libel and her father of battery. Lutfi is often connotated with her drug use and eventual breakdown as he was her manager during the time.
BRITNEY AND PAPARAZZI
The Oaks Shopping Mall is perhaps most well-known for its visits from Britney. This is where Britney frequents her shopping visits and has shot various music videos. In a way, it’s her home away from home. A sort of relaxation haven. However, it’s not entirely relaxing.
Paparazzi can often be found swarmed in the parking lot, waiting for Britney to strut out . . . or, more likely, scurry away quickly surrounded by family.
After the famous Britney meltdown, Britney is known to be publically aloof. She, or her management, is more particular about taking on interviews and meeting with the press. But that hasn’t stopped the press from invading her privacy.
Britney has been in the public eye since 1992, meaning that 24 of her 35 years alive have been taken by publicity. With an entitlement to pictures and questions, the Paparazzi has likely contributed to Britney’s breakdown and all-together ignorance of press.
When your life isn’t one to be privately explored, how do you define yourself?
BRITNEY’S VOICE AND CONFIDENCE
Even at the beginning of Britney’s career, it was clear Britney had a unique voice and sound. A combination of 90s pop and soft love ballads, Britney was known for her somewhat-hoarse and baby-like voice. But the early Britney has a very distinct voice from the Britney we know today. In a way, Britney’s voice sounds more “real” and consistent. But Britney’s more popular sound came from her second album. With hits such as Oops I Did It Again and Stronger, Britney emulated One More Time more often than her slow jams. No longer was Britney singing about heartbreak but sex and redemption.
As Britney’s pop career grew, her voice did the opposite. Less and less was a range of vocals seen from Britney. Instead, the quaked and rigid style she hones today appeared on all her tracks in all of her notes. Her sound was more perfected and noticeable.
Recently, Britney released a new album, Glory. It’s definitely a new Britney and despite the fun I have listening to it, it’s all over the place. That isn’t to say it’s a bad album, it’s just exploring so many possibilities at once. The music on the album could come from many different artists: Justin Bieber on Slumber Party or Fergie on Private Show or Selena Gomez on Better. It doesn’t really seem like Britney’s music.
Maybe this is Britney telling us that she doesn’t exactly know what kind of artist she is or maybe she’s exploring it. It’s also very likely that this is her record deal trying to appeal to a new age of pop music: slow, sexy, dimly lit, somewhat nostalgic. But that’s not really Britney. Or that’s not really what we’ve heard of Britney’s sound. However, musicians do change and they are allowed to do so. This doesn’t matter as much to me. What matters to me, or what I see strikingly different, is Britney’s voice itself.
The VMAs and Billboard Music Awards both depicted Britney extremely sexual and extremely uncomfortable. In her Billboard performance, Britney is stripped down to a bikini with each piece attached by red body beads and incredibly high heels. Britney follows through on her dance routine and shows off her moves still very impressive but something is lacking. No longer are we seeing a young girl, thrilled with her dance moves and excited by the cheer of the audience. Instead, we are witnessing a woman who feels naked and uncomfortable in her body. She seems ashamed, as if she wants to cover herself. She doesn’t have her normal bout of confidence. In her VMAS performance, Britney wears a bright yellow leotard and whips her hair in a robotic motion. She once again dances in heels but again seems to look embarrassed. She performs with her co-star G-Eazy as she grinds up against him. But even this lacks gusto. There is no sexual tension, just what seems to be unwanted attention towards Britney from Eazy and a desperate expression from Britney to leave.
Alike to this physical uncomfortability, Britney shows similar traits in her own voice. On Glory, Britney no longer hits high notes and her well-known “baby” voice comes and goes infrequently, almost sounding like a completely different artist sings the tracks. Britney stays in a comfortable range and drops down during the climax of her music instead of the usual Britney belt.
From her moves and her sound, Britney seems afraid to be herself again. Or afraid to be what we once saw of her. Maybe she feels she’s outgrown it. Maybe she feels pushed out.
***
Essentially, Britney is a pinpoint, a scapegoat, a poster child for many, many child turned woman celebrities. She is asked too much of. Since her early teen years, she has grown up in front of billions and asked to be many things. With so much attention and so much micromanagement, we can’t really know who Britney wants to be. She has to be the one to speak for herself. And something tells me, she’s incredibly close but hasn’t been handed the microphone.
In January 2008, Britney was hospitalized after a custody battle with her ex-husband. Many will remember the drama: shaving the head, temper tantrums, and the like. Britney was also found to be under the influence of substance abuse and the subject of an undisclosed mental illness. Britney then underwent an “involuntary psychiatric hold” according to Daily Mail UK. Afterwards, a judge ordered Britney to be placed under conservatorship of James Spears, her father. Her father was given control of her finances and well-being, essentially all aspects of her daily life. A source from TMZ noted that Britney was given daily freedoms but is still under the control of her father.
Since her father’s guardianship, Britney has been noted to be far more happier. In 2015, she revealed to People Magazine that she is “the happiest she has ever been” and is in a “real good place in (her) life”.
Even if this guardianship is for the better, it is not denied that Britney is not in control of her own career. It is probably in her best interest to keep her under the protection and guidance of a loved one since she is not able to care for herself. But is it in her best interest to not control how she presents herself and her music? It is possible that she could be collaborating with her father and co-conservators on her image or it’s possible that she has let go and handed over her image.
It is also known that Britney has a complicated, controversial, and estranged relationship with her ex-manager Sam Lutfi. Britney and Lutfi reached a settlement earlier this year after he claimed she owed him money and accusing her mother of libel and her father of battery. Lutfi is often connotated with her drug use and eventual breakdown as he was her manager during the time.
BRITNEY AND PAPARAZZI
The Oaks Shopping Mall is perhaps most well-known for its visits from Britney. This is where Britney frequents her shopping visits and has shot various music videos. In a way, it’s her home away from home. A sort of relaxation haven. However, it’s not entirely relaxing.
Paparazzi can often be found swarmed in the parking lot, waiting for Britney to strut out . . . or, more likely, scurry away quickly surrounded by family.
After the famous Britney meltdown, Britney is known to be publically aloof. She, or her management, is more particular about taking on interviews and meeting with the press. But that hasn’t stopped the press from invading her privacy.
Britney has been in the public eye since 1992, meaning that 24 of her 35 years alive have been taken by publicity. With an entitlement to pictures and questions, the Paparazzi has likely contributed to Britney’s breakdown and all-together ignorance of press.
When your life isn’t one to be privately explored, how do you define yourself?
BRITNEY’S VOICE AND CONFIDENCE
Even at the beginning of Britney’s career, it was clear Britney had a unique voice and sound. A combination of 90s pop and soft love ballads, Britney was known for her somewhat-hoarse and baby-like voice. But the early Britney has a very distinct voice from the Britney we know today. In a way, Britney’s voice sounds more “real” and consistent. But Britney’s more popular sound came from her second album. With hits such as Oops I Did It Again and Stronger, Britney emulated One More Time more often than her slow jams. No longer was Britney singing about heartbreak but sex and redemption.
As Britney’s pop career grew, her voice did the opposite. Less and less was a range of vocals seen from Britney. Instead, the quaked and rigid style she hones today appeared on all her tracks in all of her notes. Her sound was more perfected and noticeable.
Recently, Britney released a new album, Glory. It’s definitely a new Britney and despite the fun I have listening to it, it’s all over the place. That isn’t to say it’s a bad album, it’s just exploring so many possibilities at once. The music on the album could come from many different artists: Justin Bieber on Slumber Party or Fergie on Private Show or Selena Gomez on Better. It doesn’t really seem like Britney’s music.
Maybe this is Britney telling us that she doesn’t exactly know what kind of artist she is or maybe she’s exploring it. It’s also very likely that this is her record deal trying to appeal to a new age of pop music: slow, sexy, dimly lit, somewhat nostalgic. But that’s not really Britney. Or that’s not really what we’ve heard of Britney’s sound. However, musicians do change and they are allowed to do so. This doesn’t matter as much to me. What matters to me, or what I see strikingly different, is Britney’s voice itself.
The VMAs and Billboard Music Awards both depicted Britney extremely sexual and extremely uncomfortable. In her Billboard performance, Britney is stripped down to a bikini with each piece attached by red body beads and incredibly high heels. Britney follows through on her dance routine and shows off her moves still very impressive but something is lacking. No longer are we seeing a young girl, thrilled with her dance moves and excited by the cheer of the audience. Instead, we are witnessing a woman who feels naked and uncomfortable in her body. She seems ashamed, as if she wants to cover herself. She doesn’t have her normal bout of confidence. In her VMAS performance, Britney wears a bright yellow leotard and whips her hair in a robotic motion. She once again dances in heels but again seems to look embarrassed. She performs with her co-star G-Eazy as she grinds up against him. But even this lacks gusto. There is no sexual tension, just what seems to be unwanted attention towards Britney from Eazy and a desperate expression from Britney to leave.
Alike to this physical uncomfortability, Britney shows similar traits in her own voice. On Glory, Britney no longer hits high notes and her well-known “baby” voice comes and goes infrequently, almost sounding like a completely different artist sings the tracks. Britney stays in a comfortable range and drops down during the climax of her music instead of the usual Britney belt.
From her moves and her sound, Britney seems afraid to be herself again. Or afraid to be what we once saw of her. Maybe she feels she’s outgrown it. Maybe she feels pushed out.
***
Essentially, Britney is a pinpoint, a scapegoat, a poster child for many, many child turned woman celebrities. She is asked too much of. Since her early teen years, she has grown up in front of billions and asked to be many things. With so much attention and so much micromanagement, we can’t really know who Britney wants to be. She has to be the one to speak for herself. And something tells me, she’s incredibly close but hasn’t been handed the microphone.
