The argued “Queen of Pop,” Britney Spears, returned to reassert her dominance of mainstream pop with the release of her new album on Aug. 26.
With its solid track arrangement, “Glory” is a nearly perfect pop record, and one which coincides with the music topping today’s charts. This is Spears’ ninth studio album, her first since 2013’s “Britney Jean.”
“Glory” is Britney in her best form, hearkening back to the “Circus” cycle of 2008. While today’s top 40 radio is not what it was when Spears made her debut in 1999, this pop-music veteran might just be better now than ever before.
This release opens with “Invitation,” a slow, but welcoming and aptly named track. “I just need you to trust me/Oh, that you see more with your eyes closed,” sings Spears.
A marriage of horns and jazz with today’s typical pop structure is what sets this recipe apart. This first appears in “Private Show,” the saucy third track in which Spears appeals to a lover. “Strutting on the stage, center of the lights/Dripping in smiles, they come on down/Take your seat now,” she sings.
The album’s first single, a track featuring G-Eazy, titled “Make Me,” debuted at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in July. By September, the song had already dropped all the way to number 58.
Top tracks on the album include, but are not limited to, “Man on the Moon,” “Just Like Me” and the alleged Justin Timberlake call-out track, “Liar.”
As for record sales, the album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 after selling 88,000 copies. This gives Spears her ninth top 10 Billboard debut, “Glory” being her first number three debut. Her last release, “Britney Jean,” debuted at number four and charted for 10 weeks.
“Glory” is available in stores, or on Apple Music and Spotify now.
Kimberly Firestine is the arts editor for the Spectator. She can be reached at ae.spectator@gmail.com.
By 2007, EU music students finally had a home, but the department housed there would go through radical changes in the following 13 years. |
By Zeila Hobson
The Spectator talks with illustration major Morgan Whitlow about the campus art community, branding and more. |
A gallery exhibition from EU student Zofia Chrzanowska featured art she made while studying abroad. |
Dream-pop duo No-Man dropped 'Love You To Bits' in 2019. It's their first release in over 10 years. |
All in all, the writing of “Last Christmas” was very funny and lighthearted when it needed to be, while the drama contrasted enough to still hit home. |
By Beau Bruneau
Dr. Steven Mauro publishes a new book about the pollutants in our water. |
Executive Editor Livia Homerski looks at the conclusion of the attendant care program and how it affected students.
Looking at enrollment statistics for EU during the last decade, it’s easy to see the change. Decreasing from 8,642 in 2010, to 4,646 in 2019, you’re looking at a 46% drop. After that, the question becomes why.
In our review of the last 10 years, The Spectator identified a focus on improving and refining STEM programs and facilities. We talked to Dean Dr. Denise Ohler and more about just that.