Top 10 Britney Spears Songs We Listen to Differently Since Reading Her Memoir
#10: “Chillin' with You” feat. Jamie Lynn Spears “Britney Jean” (2013)
Remember when Britney featured her little sister on a track from her 2013 “Britney Jean” album? “Chillin’ with You” describes a solid sisterly relationship where both can let their guard down around each other. Well, given their highly publicized feud, we don’t think these sisters have done much “Chillin’” together lately. In her book, Britney doesn’t hold back on describing her sister’s bratty behavior growing up— let us tell you, she doesn’t paint her as the kind of person with whom we’d want to be “Chillin’.” But Britney has said she’s “Working to Feel More Compassion” for he sister, so maybe they’ll be “Chillin’” together again soon.
#9: “Just Luv Me” “Glory” (2016)
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As the story goes, Britney’s ninth album,” Glory,” was named to reflect her satisfaction with the project, although she credits her son Sean Preston with coming up with the title. In her book, Britney writes, “It was the one thing in the 13 years of the conservatorship that I really put my heart into,” adding, “Writing that album gave me my confidence back.” The album “Glory” marked a departure from Britney’s typical sound, subtly conveying her desire for understanding and compassion. Songs like “Man on the Moon” express feelings of invisibility. Meanwhile, “Just Luv Me” reflects a longing for unconditional love, possibly directed at the public and her family.
#8: “Piece of Me” “Blackout” (2007)
Britney’s experiences with public scrutiny were well-known even before she released “The Woman in Me.” But now she could finally tell us how it felt to be caught in that tempestuous media storm. Still, she hinted at growing up in the spotlight and tackled media intrusion head-on in several of her songs. In “Unusual You” from her “Circus” album, she subtly addresses growing up under a harsh spotlight. “Kill the Lights,” also from “Circus,” takes a more direct aim at the unrelenting paparazzi. Meanwhile, “Piece of Me” from “Blackout” serves as her defiant response to the relentless media and public judgment she faced. After reading her book, this fight song only reverberates louder.
#7: “What It’s Like to Be Me” “Britney Spears” (2001)
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Even though these songs were released before the conservatorship, they now hold more meaning than ever. “Lonely” revolves around a woman realizing her worth and independence after a tumultuous relationship. “Let Me Be” is another track on the album where the singer pushes back at being misunderstood or controlled and rejects doubts and insecurities imposed on her by others. “What It’s Like to Be Me” echoes themes of self-worth and respect, a potent anthem that could have easily offered an alternative title for her memoir. The lyrics deliver a clear message of self-appreciation and a demand for respect. After all, who can judge until they’ve walked a mile in another’s shoes?
#6: “Alien” “Britney Jean” (2013)
This song profoundly speaks to anyone who’s grappled with feelings of isolation and a strong desire to belong. Every lyric becomes heavier when we reflect on some of Britney’s harrowing revelations, exposing the high cost of fame and her personal hardships. Her vivid descriptions of alienation and the simple desire to connect resonate deeply. It’s heartbreaking to imagine how lonely Britney must have felt, with the world watching, often disregarding her mental and emotional well-being. But in her despair, there’s a glimmer of hope. As she looks at the stars, she finds comfort in knowing she isn’t entirely alone. A fact we hope she knows is reinforced by her fans.
#5: “Lucky” “Oops!... I Did It Again” (2000)
StereoRiots - Lucky Zero
“This is a story about a girl named Lucky.” Or is it actually a story about a girl named Britney? Lucky appears to have it all— fame, adoring fans, and a dream life. But beyond the glitz and glamour lies a different reality. When the song first debuted, many sensed it hinted at her private struggles. Little did we know how eerily accurate it would prove to be. 2005’s “Mona Lisa” feels like a haunting follow-up to “Lucky,” where Britney narrates the fall of the iconic figure, a victim to the cost of fame. Dark stuff, indeed. So, if you need a mood boost, crank up “Stronger” and feel the singer’s strength and resilience.
#4: “Gimme More” “24th MTV Video Music Awards” (2007)
In 2007, Britney’s performance of “Gimme More” at the VMAs was brutally panned for being lackluster and chaotic. But in her book, Britney details how, behind the scenes, she dealt with a string of mishaps and was already feeling pretty rough anyway. An unexpected run-in with her ex, Justin Timberlake, only added to her distress. She admits it wasn’t her best performance but says, “I went out there and did the best I could at that moment in time.” She also recounted her iconic 2001 performance, sharing her fear of the Albino Burmese Python draped around her shoulders. We don’t think we’d have been able to keep performing with a huge python hissing in our faces.
#3: “I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman” “Britney” (2001)
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Britney’s 2001 album aimed to break her teen pop mold, and “I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman” captures this transformation perfectly. In the song, Britney voices the need for self-discovery and independence during the challenges of growing up. Her lyrics resonate with the universal struggle of maturing and finding one’s path. This song also features in the 2002 film “Crossroads,” where Britney landed her first leading role on the silver screen. In her book, she reveals how her intense method acting blurred reality and fiction, impacting the future of her film career. Her memoir’s title is also inspired by the song, reminding us of Britney’s triumph over adversity whenever we hear it.
#2: “Overprotected (Darkchild Remix)” Single (2002) & “Greatest Hits: My Prerogative” (2004)
“Overprotected” reflects Britney’s desire to escape control, seeking freedom to make her own decisions, something that was denied to her for far too long. But we want to talk about the “Darkchild Remix ”music video. She shares that while on set, she received a text from her then-boyfriend, Justin Timberlake, simply reading, “It’s Over.” Of course, she was devastated, but director Chris Applebaum urged her to channel that emotion into her performance and make JT eat his heart out. Britney transformed her pain into power, creating an iconic video where her confidence and allure shine brightly. As far as revenge music videos go, this one is fire!
#1: “Everytime” “In the Zone” (2003)
When we first heard “Everytime,” many of us assumed it was a response to Justin Timberlake’s “Cry Me a River.” But then, in her memoir, Britney revealed that she had terminated a pregnancy during the relationship, a decision she might not have made if it were solely up to her. This revelation shed new light on the song, prompting speculation that it could be a lullaby to the unborn child she never got to meet. Adding weight to this theory, the music video depicts Britney in a maternity ward where a woman has just given birth to a baby girl. If it’s true, we’ll be crying harder “Everytime” we hear this song from now on. Which Britney song do you hear differently since “The Woman in Me” was released? Let us know in the comments.