Britney Spears has been a pretty public figure over the years.
From school girl to psycho mom, the pop sensation has garnered awards and tabloid headlines.
But despite all this, we don’t hold it against her.
“Hold It Against Me” is the first single being released from Spears’ upcoming album.
If you’re hoping for something similar to “…Baby One More Time” or “Oops! … I Did It Again,” prepare to be disappointed.
“Hold It Against Me” is a very different sound from Spears’ previous hits.
There are obvious dub-step influences mixed in with rave and techno beats, but, like previous songs, it’s easily a catchy dance tune.
With the new trance sound, “Hold It Against Me” could be a harbinger for something bigger.
It is possible Britney Spears has evolved as a singer and this will be her new sound.
It is equally possible that she was just experimenting and this song will be a lone deviation.
Either way, “Hold It Against Me” is extremely catchy.
Lyrically, it leaves a lot to be desired.
It’s as if Spears heard terrible pickup lines for the first time and decided to compile them all into a song.
There are no complex lyrics or clever wordplay here, but if you were expecting that, then you’re probably listing to the wrong singer.
“If I said my heart was beating loud, if we could escape into the crowd somehow, if I said I want your body now, would you hold it against me?”
This line pretty much sums up the entire song, with the lyrics only differing to offer other cliché pickup lines.
That seems to be the point, but it’s still an interesting choice for a dance song.
Not that “Hold It Against Me” is bad.
While the rest of the album remains unreleased, the song appears to be a terrific choice for the first single.
I’ve mentioned before that we can’t fault bands and artists for evolving and for their sound changing as they grow.
Even if you dislike where Britney is heading, you can’t fault her for trying something different.
I’ve never been a Britney fan and “Hold It Against Me” hasn’t changed that.
I won’t be blasting this in my car and it’s unlikely I will recommend it to friends; however, those who enjoyed Britney’s old stuff will be pleased by her continued ability to get a tune stuck in your head.
Keep an eye out for the music video and her new album.
Richard Solomon can be reached at rsolomon@spartans.ut.edu.
I think it’s absolutely beautiful that Richard can get in touch with his Britney Spears side. Great job, Rich.
say wat u want after 13years,she still cam put out a song dat cud debut at number 1 unlinke many of the artists dat came out in her time and even after (cough,christina arguilera and jessica simson and mandy more) her main competition is lady gaga