One of the most iconic singers in the world is Britney Spears. Since 1998, she has produced hit after hit, from the iconic “…Baby One More Time” to the sultry “Slumber Party.” And for the first time ever, Britney is going to grace us with her presence for her first concert in the Philippines on June 15 at the Mall of Asia Arena!
The concert is a week away, so we decided to list the 10 songs we’re excited to hear when we finally get to see her live:
10. “Gimme More,” Blackout
There’s so much to love about Britney’s “Gimme More,” the lead single from her album Blackout. It’s also her first album since her erratic behavior. Sadly, the media chose to focus on her personal struggles, even panning her live performance of the song at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards. Blackout as a whole is great and “Gimme More” is the cherry on top, featuring the singer’s dance-pop roots and suggestive vocals. And come on, what can top the now-iconic phrase: “It’s Britney, b*tch”? Yes, she may have had her struggles, but this song signifies her return.
9. “Born to Make You Happy,” …Baby One More Time
This song is one of Britney’s classic and unforgettable ballads. What makes “Born to Make You Happy” curious is that it’s included in the same album that has “…Baby One More Time” and “(You Drive Me) Crazy,” but it further highlights how the singer can balance being a seductive pop sensation with being a girl next door. This balance is what made Britney popular, cementing her name in the history of pop culture.
8. “Womanizer,” Circus
“Womanizer” has all the trademarks of a Britney classic: a catchy chorus, a danceable beat, and a sexy Britney doing a suggestive dance in the music video. The song also stands out because of its empowering message: Britney, and every woman out in the world, is not going to fall for playboys who have no plans of taking them seriously.
7. “Lucky,” Oops!… I Did It Again
In Britney’s early days, she had a habit of writing or singing autobiographical songs. Just take a look at “Overprotected,” “My Prerogative,” “I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman,” and of course, “Lucky.” All these songs seem to share a common thread: she’s a young girl trying to grapple with sudden fame. “Lucky” is one of her strongest songs, and reveals a vulnerable Spears who is unhappy. Her earnestness while singing makes you sympathetic and of course, sing along.
6. “Stronger,” Oops!… I Did It Again
Like “Womanizer,” “Stronger” is one of Britney’s, well, stronger anthems. Her powerful vocals are perfect for the song’s message, which is about becoming strong enough to live life on one’s own. Ultra stans will notice that the lyrics “My loneliness ain’t killing me no more” is a direct response to the line “My loneliness is killing me,” released in “…Baby One More Time” from her last album.
5. “Toxic,” In the Zone
“Toxic” is unforgettable because of many things: the song has a great mix of drums, synthesizers, and guitars, matched with an incredible music video featuring Spears changing disguises. The best part? A dancing Britney wearing nothing but diamonds.
4. “Oops!…I Did it Again,”Oops!… I Did It Again
The sophomore slump is a challenge faced by creators who created a strong debut and must meet and exceed it in their second offering. Britney sure felt the pressure. After all, how can you top the success of her first album, which had the songs “…Baby One More Time” and “(You Drive Me) Crazy”? Oops!… I Did It Again, both the album and the song, proved that Britney is no one hit wonder, and can captivate audiences (even on Mars) with her voice, her songs, and her music videos. A legend is born.
3. “(You Drive Me) Crazy,” …Baby One More Time
Another one of Britney’s iconic songs is “(You Drive Me) Crazy,” the third single from her debut album. It’s here that she truly shows that she’s a double threat: she’s both a singer and a dancer. She proceeds to drive us crazy, we’re so excited, we’re in too deep.
2. “I’m a Slave 4 U,” Britney
“I’m a Slave 4 U” is peak Britney. It has all the things that make a song distinctly Brit: sexy lyrics, breathy vocals, great choreography, and a hot music video. It’s a departure from her previous bubblegum pop image, but it’s a change that everyone welcomed. The singer is all grown up.
1. “…Baby One More Time,” …Baby One More Time
Of course, the number one on this list is “…Baby One More Time,” the single that catapulted the singer’s career. No one could figure out what the young singer meant when she sang “Hit me, baby, one more time,” but who cared? The song was light, fun, and danceable. The music video is a classic, too. Schoolgirl Britney became one of the singer’s most celebrated looks.
Britney Spears will be performing in Manila for the first time on June 15, 2017, at the Mall of Asia Arena. Britney: Live in Concert is presented by #SmartMusicLive. Tomorrow, the network will be announcing the winners of its #SmartBritneySpears contest, so stay tuned. And for everyone else, see you at the Arena!
