J.Says Online
  • Home
  • Entertainment
    • THE J. LIST
    • J.LIST BLOG
    • GENERAL HOSPITAL
  • Seriously Beyonce`, WTH?!?
  • Society/Culture
  • So This is Life?
    • J.Says Daily
    • J.Says & the "Quarter-Life Crisis"
  • Contact/ Info
  • Feedback

The Curious Case of Britney Spears

12/3/2009

0 Comments

 
PictureFans refer to Spears as "Godney"
A career analysis.

As I watch the video to “3” in my university cafeteria, I shake my head in disbelief. Most would not be shocked, but I figured Britney Spears would be passed the point of overtly sexual gimmicks in her career. I mean, after all, she’s done it all when it comes to sexual gimmicks: she’s appeared topless on magazine covers (nipples conveniently covered of course), she’s given the illusion of nudity on stage (i.e. MTV Video Music Awards 2000), simulated sex (both heterosexual/homosexual) on tour, kissed another woman on stage, and made songs about masturbation, one-night stands, drunken sex, bi-sexual sex, and now threesomes. Hell, her first cover with “Rolling Stone” in 1999 featured her at just 18 in her underwear with a “Lolita” theme (according to “Rolling Stone,” that was her first major magazine cover). Call me crazy for expecting more out of Britney Spears artistically after 11 years in the industry and an ENTIRE EXISTENCE characterized by hell, high water and life-changing events like childbirth.

Nonetheless, Britney remains successful. Her latest album, Circus, has gone platinum and many of her tour dates have sold out. “3," despite being controversial, is selling well too. I sit back in awe and intrigue and wonder “How on earth did she pull this off? How on earth does the formula still work?” This is “The Curious Case of Britney Spears.”
You gotta admit, when you think about it, her career is fascinating. She herself probably wonders how she’s pulled it off this far. Think about it. Britney was not supposed to last THIS long. She was DESIGNED and MADE to be a trend; a flash in the pan. The phenomenon known as Britney Spears came during the “pop wave of 1999,” when little pop-tart divas and boy bands were coming out left and right. Sound familiar? Yeah, this happened in the 1980’s with Debbie Gibson, New Kids on the Block and crew. Some survive the “wave” and go on to really impact music; Britney Spears was never expected to be one of those people. Out of all the pop-tarts, Britney relied the MOST on gimmicks and had the most limited vocal ability. She had the weakest lyrics. She lacked substance. If it wasn’t bubblegum, it was straight sex. Yet, somehow, she outshined all of her contemporaries (regardless of the fact that some of them were more talented) and her star kept on rising. So much to point that she was being deemed “the next Madonna” by media. And it didn’t hurt that Madonna adopted her for a second; introducing her to Kabala, sucking face with her at the MTV Video Music Awards and appearing in Spears' music videos. 

But Britney managed to fail to be the “next Madonna.”  Shortly after being orally christened by the “Queen of Pop,” the “Circus” began. In between “In the Zone” and “Circus” (“Blackout” was between those) was five years of gradual, mysterious drama that left people wanting to be a “fly on the wall”. Still, despite not rising to the occasion of Madonna artistically, and being scrutinized, criticized, chewed up and spit out, Britney still did well. Her greatest hits album and DVD released during that period, “My Prerogative,” went platinum and all of the singles from “Blackout” were certified either gold or platinum by the RIAA. 

“Circus” arrived in 2008, with hardly any mention of her personal struggles or changes. It was classic Britney: sexed up, substance-less pop slush. And yet, it and its concert tour sold like hot cakes. After being deemed YEARS AGO musically as a factory sealed, assembly line, flash in the pan, talentless lip-syncher and industry puppet who brought nothing to the art of music. Long after being dubbed in the media over the years a “bag girl”, a bad influence and “too sexual.”  Circus showed that Britney hadn’t grown an OUNCE artistically. Everything was as it was in 1999. And people LOVED it. In pop music, this doesn’t happen. Even without all of the media drama, her fans were supposed to outgrow her and move on; at least that’s what usually happens. WITH media drama, fans are REALLY expected to move on: the parents confiscate the records and your sales go down. Furthermore, Britney was labeled all sorts of horrible things by the media. She was ejected and exiled; thrown away. And yet, her star rose. 
Come to think of it, she doesn’t even need her original fan base. That’s right: Britney has a NEW fan base. The teenagers now LOVE her. That REALLY doesn’t happen in pop music. The next generation is not supposed to be your main fan base. Maybe, a PART of it- which is a HUGE MAYBE-but not the main. When Britney presented at the Teen Choice Awards in 2006 pregnant with her second child, in the middle of media hoopla, she got a standing ovation and lots of “we love you Britney!!” from teens who were in grade school when “Baby One More Time” came out. Fast forward 3 years later, regardless of even more overt sexuality, Britney is loved by teen Disney darlings like Selena Gomez and Miley Cyrus. Selena listed “Circus” as one of her favorite albums in an interview, and Miley expressed finding solace in hearing Britney on the radio in her song “Party in the USA.” Whoa. 

Britney having the support of the next generation of teens is intriguing, perplexing and unique for several reasons. #1, as mentioned before, this is not typical in the industry, particularly when you’re built with a “pop-tart” prototype. #2 Typically, music execs change your sound as an artist to appeal to the next generation. Britney’s “sound” has not changed at all. #3 The new generation of teens are not familiar with Britney pre-In The Zone. The main version of Britney they’re familiar with is the 2003-2008 drama version. And yet, they may have more loyalty than the fans that knew her during her “glory days”. #4 again, usually talking about “seeking Amy” and having threesomes would keep you from reaching the youth market. Yet, Britney has penetrated and conquered. Britney has come a long way and kicked a lot of butt. Nothing says “kiss my butt” than still selling records. Britney broke all the rules. She was designed to blow up and blow out all before 2002; maybe even earlier than that. Make a lot of money for the execs and then disappear. But she didn’t and she hasn’t. Her star is still rising and far from burning. And she’s not even trying that hard. How did she do it?

Perhaps the answer lies within the formula. Britney’s formula artistically (although not very artistic) has worked well for her. Remember when I mentioned how execs change your artist sound to “update” it and appeal to the younger crowd? Well, that plan is SUPPOSED TO work, but as we see with many examples, it often doesn’t. Look at Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Madonna and Janet Jackson. In one way or another, an “updated” or changed sound has not benefited them in the same ways their original sound did and many fans end up saying “I still like them, but I prefer their older stuff.” Britney, for better or worse has remained consistent. All the way to the bank. And possibly a lasting impact.
To see other "Curious Case" articles, click Britney's photo above.

0 Comments
    Picture

    Entertainment

    Rants and raves about all things entertainment industry. Includes my own movie, music and concert reviews. You can find topics under "Tags and Categories" below.

    Note: Occasionally, articles will be posted by other writers and they will be marked as such. Want to be a contributor for this part of the site? Click the "Contact/info" tab and fill out the form to apply.

    Picture

    Archives

    February 2022
    August 2021
    July 2021
    March 2021
    July 2020
    June 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    January 2020
    October 2019
    September 2019
    July 2019
    December 2018
    September 2018
    July 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    April 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    July 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010
    April 2010
    March 2010
    January 2010
    December 2009
    November 2009
    October 2009
    September 2009
    August 2009
    June 2009
    January 2009
    November 2008

    Tags/Categories

    All
    1a. Album Reviews
    1b.Concert Reviews
    1c.Stuck In My Head
    1d.The State Of The Music
    1e.The Curious Case Of...
    1g.You Should Hear This
    1h. Song/Video Reviews
    1I. Rock&Rant
    1j. Artist Spotlight
    1k. Contributing Writers
    1 Music
    2a.movie Reviews
    2 Television/movies
    3 Books
    4:44
    50 Shades Of Grey
    98 Degrees
    Aaliyah
    Adele
    Aj Dugger
    Aladdin
    Alexis Jordan
    Alicia Keys
    Allen Stone
    Alt-pop
    American Idol
    Amy Winehouse
    Angela Bassett
    Anhayla
    Annie
    Ariana Grande
    Art
    Ashanti
    Ashford & Simpson
    Ashlee Simpson
    Ashley Tisdale
    Aston
    Aubrey O
    Babyface
    Banks
    Beauty And The Beast
    Being Mary Jane
    Bellamy Young
    Ben Savage
    Best Man Holiday
    Bet
    Bette Midler
    Beyonce`
    Biopic
    Black Community
    Black-ish
    Black Media
    Blink 182
    Blogging
    Blonde
    Bluebird Of Happiness
    B.O.B.
    Bobby Brown
    Bow Wow
    Boy Meets World
    Brandy
    Britney Spears
    Calling All Lovers
    Capra
    Carly Rae Jepsen
    Carrie Underwood
    Catfish
    Caution
    Celeb Journalism
    Changes
    Charity Music
    Charles Esten
    Chike Evans
    Chris Brown
    Chrisette Michele
    Christina Aguilera
    Ciara
    City & Colour
    Clarence Clemons
    Cletus
    Clipped
    Clive Davis
    Coldplay
    Connie Britton
    Conrad Murray
    Cookie Lyon
    Daley
    D'Angelo
    Danity Kane
    Daughter
    Dawn Richard
    Deacon Claybourne
    Dee Pimpin
    Deliver Us From Eva
    Delta Goodrem
    Demi Lovato
    Derek Yates
    Descendants
    Descendants 2
    Destinys Child
    Diddy Dirty Money
    Disney
    Disney Channel
    Divas
    Django Unchained
    Dove Cameron
    Drake
    Dreamgirls
    Eddie J.
    Empire
    Esperanza Spalding
    Eternally In Awe
    Etta James
    Evanescence
    Fantasia
    Feeling Myself
    Feminism
    Feminism In Music
    Fifth Harmony
    Fiona Apple
    Formation
    Franco
    Frankmusik
    Frank Ocean
    Fuller House
    Full House
    Gabrielle Union
    General Hospital
    Gil Scott-Heron
    Girl Meets World
    Girls Generation
    Gladiators
    Glory
    Gone But Not Forgotten
    Good To Know
    Grammys
    Grease
    Halloween
    Hayden Panettiere
    Hayley Reinhart
    Hip Hop & Rap
    Hocus Pocus
    Hugh Jackman
    Illegal Downloading
    Independent Artists
    Interviews
    It's Dio
    Jamaal D. Pittman
    James Lewis
    James Morrison
    Jamie Foxx
    Janelle Monae`
    Janet Jackson
    Jason Derulo
    Jay Z
    J.Cole
    Jennifer Hudson
    Jennifer Lopez
    Jessica Sanchez
    Jessie J
    Joe Jonas
    John Legend
    John Mayer
    JoJo
    Jonas Brothers
    Jordin Sparks
    Joss Stone
    Julianne Hough
    Juliette Barnes
    Jungle Book
    Junior Martinez
    Jurassic World
    Justin Bieber
    Justin Timberlake
    Kanye West
    Karmin
    Kate Winslet
    Katharine Mcphee
    Katy Perry
    Kelly Clarkson
    Kelly Rowland
    Kendrick Lamar
    Kenny Ortega
    Keri Hilson
    Kerry Washington
    Kevin Costner
    Keyshia Cole
    Kickstarter
    Kimbra
    Kings Of Leon
    K-pop
    Kris Allen
    Lady Antebellum
    Lady Gaga
    Lana Del Rey
    Lauren Alaina
    Lauryn Hill
    Leah Labelle
    Lea Michele
    Lee Crain
    Lemonade
    Lennon Stella
    Leonardo Dicaprio
    Lianne La Havas
    Liberation
    Lifetime
    Lip Synching
    Little Mix
    Luke James
    Madetobenow
    Madonna
    Man Of The Woods
    Mariah Carey
    Marie` Digby
    Maroon 5
    Match.com
    Mathew Knowles
    Meaning Of Life
    Media
    Megan Thee Stallion
    Meghan Trainor
    Mgmt
    Michael Jackson
    Michelle Williams
    Mick Jagger
    Miguel
    Miley Cyrus
    Misogyny
    Mj Johnson
    Morris Chestnut
    Mtv
    Musicals
    Music Business
    Music Consumers
    Music Nerd
    Music On Facebook
    Music Quotes
    Music Videos
    Nashville
    Nashville CMT
    Nelly Furtado
    N.E.R.D.
    Netflix
    Network Tv
    Nev Schulman
    Ne-Yo
    Nick Ashford
    Nicki Minaj
    Nick Jonas
    Nick Lachey
    Nick Nittoli
    Nikki & Rich
    No Doubt
    Now You See Me
    Octavia Spencer
    Olivia Rodrigo
    One Direction
    One Life To Live
    Pharrell
    Phylicia Rashad
    Pink
    Playlists
    Positions
    Power Rangers
    Prince
    Princess Jasmine
    Producers
    Proud Mary
    Queen Of Pop
    Quvenzhane Wallis
    Rare
    Raven's Home
    Raven Symone
    Rayna James
    R&B
    Reality Tv
    Reputation
    Rihanna
    Robin Thicke
    Robin Williams
    Roger Howarth
    Rolling Stone
    Ronald Matters
    Ron Carlivati
    Rowan Blanchard
    Roxie Bardo
    Ryan Tedder
    Sales
    Sam Smith
    Sam Sparro
    Sanaa Lathan
    Scandal
    Selena Gomez
    Seth Macfarlane
    Sex
    Sex And Cigarettes
    Shannon Bex
    Shannon Sanders
    Shonda Rhimes
    Simon Cowell
    Sister Act 2
    SNSD
    Soap Operas
    Social Media
    Solange
    Song Writing
    Sorry Not Sorry
    Sour
    Spell My Name
    Spotify
    Streaming
    Suga
    Superheavy
    Sweetener
    Sza
    Tamar Braxton
    Taraji P. Henson
    Taye Diggs
    Taylor Swift
    Tell Me You Love Me
    The Band Perry
    The Cosby Show
    The Day That Music Dies
    The Dealers
    The Dream
    The Exciters
    The Greatest Showman
    The Lion King
    The PinkPrint
    The Roots
    The Script
    The Seatbelts
    The Voice
    Three. Two. One.
    T.I.
    TIDAL
    Titanic
    Tlc
    Tlc Movie
    Tlc Story
    Toni Braxton
    Tori Kelly
    Trey Songz
    Tribute
    Tricky Stewart
    Tyler Perry
    Unbreakable
    Unbreakable Tour
    Unbreak My Heart
    Usher
    Vanessa Carlton
    Vanessa Hudgens
    Videoblogs
    Video Uploads
    Vontae`
    Wale
    Whitney
    Whitney Houston
    Whoopi Goldberg
    Will.i.am
    Women In Music
    Xfactor
    You Cant Win
    Younger Now
    Youtube Talent
    Zac Efron
    Zayn Malik
    Zendaya

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.