EW Reviews Circus

Britney Spears is making a habit of putting out albums with titles that promise more self-revelation than she’s ultimately able to provide.

Last fall, she released “Blackout” … which turned out not to have anything to do with experiencing blackouts. This year, it’s “Circus,” with a title track that’s not about the madhouse her life has become but just a brag about her prowess as a whip-cracking sexual ringmaster.

In the studio, however, she’s no auteur, and with her producer-writers seemingly calling the creative shots, Spears is only as interesting as they are on any particular day.

Initially, that’s not interesting enough. “Circus’ ” first half has hitmakers like Dr. Luke and Max Martin bringing their B game to rote dance tracks like “Shattered Glass” (pronounced glah-ee-ass) and the puerile “If You Seek Amy” (sound it out to hear why it’ll be a middle-school sensation).

But halfway through, “Circus” shifts from defiant booty calls to subtler material; suddenly, it’s a first-rate electro-pop album.

The Danja-produced “Blur” is a remarkably pretty song about (finally!) an actual blackout. “Mmm Papi” giddily sets her littlest-girl voice against a guitar right out of 1960s go-go rock.

The standout is “Unusual You,” a pulsating ballad where a woman of experience finds unexpected love: “Didn’t anyone tell you you’re supposed to/Break my heart, I expect you to/So why haven’t you?” Mostly, Spears still presents herself as fantasy object, but here might be her own fantasy — of real acceptance.

Next time, Britney, flash us more of that.

Grade: B