Don't hold it against her

Critics might say she can’t dance like she used to. They might even say she can’t sing like she used to. But they sure as hell can’t say Britney Spears doesn’t know how to deliver a fantastic pop album. On her seventh studio album, “Femme Fatale,” the Princess of Pop proves that the bitch is back and better than ever.

Teaming up with some of the most sought-after producers in the industry today, including Max Martin and Dr. Luke, Spears has recorded an album that will have fans dancing from start to finish. Spears avoids the heavy ballads that have weighed down her past releases and sticks to the heavily synthesized, pounding dance songs she does best.

More than ever, Spears has gravitated toward a more electro, dance-heavy sound, something she first tested out on her 2007 album “Blackout.” As evidenced by the first two singles, “Hold It Against Me” and “Till the World Ends,” the energy never seems to fade, and the result is an album full of single-worthy tracks. 

Surprisingly, the album’s weakest moment comes when Spears brings on new rapper Sabi to lend a verse on “(Drop Dead) Beautiful.” While Spears has never been much of a lyricist, it’s hard not to cringe when Sabi starts rapping about how she wants a boy to “steam me like a pot full of vegetables.”  

The other collaboration on the album, a pounding number with will.i.am titled “Big Fat Bass” goes over much better. 

Unlike her last album, Spears steers clear of any reference to her personal life. But for fans, that’s almost a relief as songs about the struggles of life in the limelight have been sung by pop stars time and time again. 

Critics might turn their noses up at “Femme Fatale,” as it seems that some people will never be happy with the music Spears is making. But this time, the joke’s on them, as “Femme Fatale” is without a doubt Spears’ best album to date, a raucous party from start to finish that will have everyone dancing when it comes on.