Britney Spears is back as the instant success of her new single "Gimme More" proves. On its release in the States, the song became the second highest debut in Britney's career - making its mark on the Billboard's Top 40 chart, and also become the most-requested song at several key pop radio stations in the U.S.
The song also reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100, hit No.1 in the Canadian Hot 100, and went straight into the top 5 in many European countries and Australia. The song reconfirmes the fact that even though her personal life may have attracted headlines in 2007, Britney remains one of pop cultures most enduring talents.
"Gimme More" is the first radio single off Britney's brand new album BLACKOUT, the singers first studio album since 2003's IN THE ZONE. The album reportedly sees Spears draw inspiration from the 80's and turn in a set of songs that are as forward-looking as they are retro.
Other highlights on the album include the defiant "Piece of Me", produced by Bloodshy & Avant, the Swedish producing team behind her hit "Toxic". "Break The Ice", another uptempo number featuring Spears's trademark vocals, was produced by Timbaland protegee Nate "Danjahandz" Hills.
Another standout is "Radar" which is also produced by Bloodshy & Avant while "Heaven On Earth" has been described by one music critic as a 'throbbing throwback to "I Feel Love" - era Donna Summer'. Britney works with T-Pain on the song "Hot As Ice" as well as Pharrell Williams on album closer "Why Should I Be Sad?".