Popular Post Lana Banana Posted June 12 Popular Post Share Posted June 12 (edited) On December 30, 2004, Britney made an unannounced radio appearance on KIIS-FM. barefoot accompanied by her security and dog. She played a rough mix of "Mona Lisa" a song which she said was the lead single from her new album 'Original Doll' slated for release in the next year. Spoiler "Mona Lisa" had actually been performed in rehearsals with her band during one of the stops on the Onyx Hotel Tour. She talks about a woman that's been cloned urging listeners not to have a breakdown. It was ultimately scrapped along with the album. 'Original Doll' has since been seen as what would've most likely been Britney's most personal work, but whatever the reasons for it getting scrapped she decided to make a not-so personal album since most of her life was now being plastered across magazines. Shortly after the birth of her oldest son, Britney gave an interview with People Magazine stating that she was anxious to resume her career, that she missed touring and also commented on the then-current pop scene stating "it's been boring … nothing's been wow to me." Spoiler In June 2006, Britney would tease a twelve-second snippet of a song called 'Rebellion' on her website, soon after a fifty-second snippet was posted. Jive Records forced Britney to take the post down citing "it wasn't the direction Jive Records was looking to take Britney in." Spoiler 'Rebellion' was an even darker turn than 'Mona Lisa' being a hip-hop influenced track with heavy strings and a dark production surrounding it. She speaks about rebelling against a group of people in which she has lost trust in. Spoiler Britney had fired her longtime manager Larry Rudolph around this time and was now managing herself, recording on her own time. She had also stopped communicating with Jive Records (apart from her A&R) not once going to them on handling of the album. Spoiler Britney asked her fans to help name her upcoming album – and one of her suggestions was a joke about Lindsay Lohan. Her official web site said, "Britney is asking her most die-hard fans for some assistance in order to name her upcoming album." The first of five possible titles was about the rehabbing Lohan: "Omg is Like Lindsay Lohan Like Okay Like." Spears, who herself recently left rehab, said the other possibilities were: "What if the Joke is on You," "Down Boy," "Integrity" and "Dignity." Members of her fan club could then vote, the vote-for-title item had the defiant headline: "You'll Never See it My Way, Because You're Not Me." Britney began working with J.R Rotem, Danja, Keri Hilson, Jim Beanz, Corté Ellis, Bloodyshy & Avant, and The Neptunes. The main objective was to create a high-energy dance album. Blackout remains the first and only time, Britney has ever taken on the role of executive producer. Spoiler The sound of Blackout leaned into EDM and the dance sound taking over the miami club scene at that time. Danja had seen how club goers would react to Benny Benassi's 'Satisfaction' saying "I was like, that's it. If my music doesn't make you feel like that, what are we doing?" Spoiler Nelly Furtado's 'Promiscious' was an example of the sound Britney was hoping the album would reflect, with J.R. Rotem stating "she's hearing all those hits on the radio, Promiscuous and things like that." Coincidentally, Britney and Timbaland who produced 'Promiscuous' had planned a studio session but she never showed, he would later say that he believed 'Gimme More' sucked and he would only work with her if she apologized. Spoiler Britney would regularly go to nightclubs and play tracks to see how the crowd would react, she would then go back to the studio at any time and rework them if needed. The choices for the lead single at one point were "Toy Soldier", "Get Back", and "Hot as Ice". However, "Gimme More" became the album's lead single. "Gimme More" is the opening track and lead single of the album. The opening line "It's Britney, *****" has become an iconic moment in pop culture and has been referenced many times in pop culture. Britney famously performed the song at the 2007 VMAs in what was critically panned. Britney hand-picked first time director Jake Sarfaty for the "Gimme More" music video. Originally the concept for the video had been vastly different than what was released, but for unknown reasons was scrapped. Britney has since called it her "worst video". Although there had been an unwritten rule against writing personal songs about Britney's life, there was an exception made for "Piece of Me". The track heavily discusses the media's fascination with her private life. The Japanese version of Blackout is provided with a lyrics booklet which, strangely, altered the lyrics to "Piece Of Me". At the end of the song, the text concludes saying: "And when the pieces fit together, it will finally become complete. The real me." It's unknown why this lyric was cut, but it might have been the demo lyrics. Britney came up with the treatment for the "Piece of Me" video and demanded to be credited as a co-director. She also said she co-wrote the song, but for unknown reasons has not been credited. Spoiler "Radar" was recorded in New York the day after Britney filed for a divorce from Kevin in November 2006. Ezekiel Lewis and Patrick M. Smith said that even tho she arrived late to the recording session she took directions well and "stayed in the booth until the sun came up." "Radar" was also added to Britney's sixth studio album, Circus (2008) she was contracted to release the song as a single for Blackout but it was placed on hold and as a result was eventually released as the final single from Circus. "Break the Ice" has become a fan favourite and has been deemed as one of Britney's best songs in her catalogue. An animated video was released due to Britney's hospitalisation in early 2008 and was inspired by her superheroine character from her "Toxic" music video. The original intro to "Break the Ice" had extended lyrics - during a leaked demo recording session, Spears can be heard saying "can you take this?". Spears saying "feels kinda good" in the bridge was originally "feels kinda nice". Initially wary at recording "Heaven on Earth" because of her divorce Britney eventually decided to record it. It was Inspired by Donna Summer's "I Feel Love" and is a metaphor for how she feels around her love almost akin to heaven. Britney once called it her favourite song. Spoiler "Get Naked (I Got a Plan" features guest vocals by producer Danja on the chorus whose work is prominent on the album. In 2023, Britney revealed that it is her favourite song she's ever released. Britney has been credited as one of the first artists to bring dubstep into the mainstream as seen with "Freakshow" which was built around the wobbler effect of the genre, pitching her vocals down making it sound more masculine. The instrumental to the song appeared on production duo Bloodshy and Avant's MySpace page a year before Blackout's release. "Toy Soldier" sees Britney express that she wants a real man not one who fails to imitate a real one, an artillery style beat is heard throughout the song. "Hot as Ice" highlights the clash of Britney's personality, using two elements that are opposed, fire and ice. She recorded this song only twice in the recording studio to avoid paparazzi gathering outside. "Ooh Ooh Baby" is a latin-pop track containing a flamenco guitar. It is one of only two songs along with "Freakshow" in which Britney has writing credits on the album. The song also samples "Happy Together", a 1967 song by The Turtles. Spoiler "Perfect Lover" is an electro-r&b song with pop influences and was one of the first songs to be written for the album. "Why Should I Be Sad" is the last song on the standard edition. It was written and produced by The Neptunes, written about Britney's divorce from Kevin and features a line in which Britney reveals that he cheated on her in Las Vegas. "Everybody" was included on the Deluxe Edition sampling Eurythmics "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)". It also features a rap verse written by Britney but went uncredited. Spoiler "Get Back" also included on the Deluxe Edition is an uptempo dance track with industrial influences, it features a spoken intro by Danja. The counting in the intro references Janet Jackson's song "The Knowledge", which likely also inspired its production. It went viral in 2023 being used in multiple TikTok videos. Spoiler "Outta This World" was originally supposed to be on the standard tracklisting, but due to Britney deciding this too late, it became a Target exclusive bonus track. The demo of this song also has an intro sung by Keri Hilson. Spoiler Most of the recording for Blackout took place during Britney's second pregnancy, and a number of the producers and writers on the album have praised the professionalism and work ethic they saw from Britney despite being heavily pregnant and hounded by the paparazzi. Keri Hilson who co-wrote three tracks on the album, stated "She gave 150 percent … as far as her work ethic, I haven't seen nobody come in like that and do what you got to do." Spoiler T-Pain who co-wrote 'Hot as Ice' said he "thought she was going to be sitting on the couch eating Doritos or nachos or something … but she came in, shook my hand, gave me a hug and went right in the booth. She got in there and put it down." Spoiler Britney's life in 2007 was in turmoil going through a public divorce and a heavily scrutinised custody battle, her aunt passing away, her mental health being questioned, and being hounded more each day by paparazzi. Recording sessions started becoming less and less. "She might have been going through more in her personal life than what we knew at that time, but throughout the whole process, she was very present, attentive, and interactive. She was one of the easiest people to get things done with." - Danja Spoiler Blackout was eventually released on October 27, and peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200 becoming at the time Britney's lowest charting album breaking a four-number one album streak. Billboard had sabotaged her by only allowing albums sold at one retailer to debut atop the chat. Blackout sold less favourably compared to her previous album, In The Zone (2003), with first week sales selling 290,000, the lowest at that point in her career. However it has sold over 5 million copies worldwide and has since been certified 2x platinum by RIAA. Retrospectively, it has been acclaimed by critics and has earned the title "Bible of Pop" for its impact in music, bringing electro-pop to prominence in the 2010s, and has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's musical library and archive. Many artists have since gone onto name Blackout as an inspiration for them including Sam Smith, Haim, Charli XCX, Tinashe, Julia Michaels, etc. Rolling Stone included Blackout in their "500 Best Albums of All Time" ranking. Spoiler Edited June 12 by Lana Banana 15 9 1 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slayn Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 Excited to read all this! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShadeIena Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 I wonder how Blackout would've turned out if Original Doll would've been released. Btw I think that her cover of Everybody is great! Wish 911 would've made the cut Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeremiah Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 It all started with a napkin 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirrtydiana Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 RE: hot as ice - aw Britney wrote in her book that she has a good memory of this session too and it was the highest her voice ever went 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeremiah Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 4 minutes ago, dirrtydiana said: RE: hot as ice - aw Britney wrote in her book that she has a good memory of this session too and it was the highest her voice ever went Break it down Break it down Break it down 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lana Banana Posted June 12 Author Share Posted June 12 1 minute ago, Jeremiah said: Break it down Break it down Break it down I illegally downloaded it in 2007 and played it on repeat on my tiny mp3 player as it was one of the first leaked demos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nico.Segura.T Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 I read the whole thing and you ATE! so well written and it shows how much you cared to gather the most relevant info and interviews from everyone involved, you did that 👏 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Onyxmage Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 Didnt she record some of this while she was pregnant? I feel she was her happiest during these times. She was also probably feeling very creative and wanted to change up her sound. I love when artists just experiment with something different especially after 4 or more albums. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toxicgenie Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 I wish Britney had worked with Keri Hilson on more albums. BTI and Gimme are pop perfection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. Mendes Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 Can we stop pretending Blackout is her masterpiece? It's so clearly In The Zone and it isn't even close. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erreur2 La Nature Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 I'm not reading all of this but I agree with everything 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dumbsparce Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 4 hours ago, Lana Banana said: I illegally downloaded it in 2007 and played it on repeat on my tiny mp3 player as it was one of the first leaked demos. The memories The leaked demo pre-Blackout era was such a moment. Exhale would be down for hours after every leak and the girls were fainting left and right. I'm surprised that Britney herself had access to her website and could upload stuff there if she felt like it. One would think her label had complete control and she was just a pupper as certain girls constantly claim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lana Banana Posted June 12 Author Share Posted June 12 1 hour ago, Mr. Mendes said: Can we stop pretending Blackout is her masterpiece? It's so clearly In The Zone and it isn't even close. This thread isn't about In The Zone. 3 hours ago, Onyxmage said: Didnt she record some of this while she was pregnant? I feel she was her happiest during these times. She was also probably feeling very creative and wanted to change up her sound. I love when artists just experiment with something different especially after 4 or more albums. The OP literally states that she was heavily pregnant and she didn't stop even after giving birth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
duybeeGAshantiGA Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 4 hours ago, Lana Banana said: I illegally downloaded it in 2007 and played it on repeat on my tiny mp3 player as it was one of the first leaked demos. Omg same. Then she changed it to Hot As Ice for the album. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
punisher Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 we need more threads like this! good work 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melancholy Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 Get naked had corte Ellis vocals tho Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lana Banana Posted June 12 Author Share Posted June 12 3 minutes ago, Melancholy said: Get naked had corte Ellis vocals tho Corte Ellis is only credited as "Background vocals" and as one of the writers. Ironically, we also have this coming out in 5 hours: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melancholy Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 1 minute ago, Lana Banana said: Corte Ellis is only credited as "Background vocals" and as one of the writers. Ironically, we also have this coming out in 5 hours: Yes and nowhere in the credits mentioned Danja vocals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leyaris11 Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 (edited) Good read... gimme MORE @Lana Banana Blackout is just a standout album by not just excellent music but the time, the situation she's releasing it and the whole mystery surrounding it and that made the album was so special. A moment and a herstory in the book!!! Edited June 12 by leyaris11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unusualyou Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 Such a fantastic album Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richie.Valdez Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 Timeless and outstanding work of art. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rev8 Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 I know this album is seen as overrated now, on this forum.. but the era experienced helluva hate back then. The fact that it got dubbed "The Bible Of Pop" by fans, and that is now used for other albums - is an impact on itself I would've expected it to just be a loved album by music fans as a whole, but artists have come out praising its songs and even articles got released on its 10th Anniversary, talking about it's influence then we have some songs going viral so many years after release.. It's truly a great piece of work the fact that Britney controlled the whole process too now you have so many artists who are doing the same and its actually praised Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
B-Luke Posted June 12 Share Posted June 12 I AM reading all of this. Happy for you, not sorry that happened. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lana Banana Posted June 12 Author Share Posted June 12 22 minutes ago, B-Luke said: I AM reading all of this. Happy for you, not sorry that happened. Hahaha <3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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