Britney Spears: Femme Fatale

It appears that Britney Spears has made it back after years of being a Whiskey Tango Train Wreck.  According to a  press release in January:

"Britney has proven yet again that NO pop artist has the longevity, fanatical fan base and sheer sizzle that she does! In a marketplace littered with supposed heirs to her throne [Queen of Pop], the first single from her forthcoming 7th studio album, "Hold it Against Me," exploded on impact. First week sales of well over 400k show the huge demand for her music, and all things Britney. In fact, “Hold it Against Me” enjoyed the biggest first week track sales for a female artist EVER, eclipsing the previous record holder Taylor Swift. Britney is just the second artist (joining Mariah) in Billboard’s history to debut multiple songs in the #1 slot. Outside the US the single debuted at #1 in over 20 (!) countries, proving once again that Britney Spears IS the worldwide Queen of Pop.

The US radio picture has been equally explosive. “Hold it Against Me” shattered all previous records for most number of spins at radio in a first day (and one day) period at both Mediabase and BDS! Strong early call out and a flood of requests were immediate. The video will be a sexy, edgy dance piece directed by Jonas Akerlund and showing Britney at peak form and ability. 

In short, Britney has one of the biggest records of her unparalleled career with “Hold it Against Me.” This rabid reaction is sure to feed the already unbridled anticipation for her brand new album [Femme Fatale], due out on 3/15. [Actual release date was March 25][End of Press Release] Once again the industry’s creme de la creme have lined up to work with the legendary Ms. Spears. Back with multiple songs to add to their amazing track record with Britney are Max Martin and Dr. Luke (“Hold it Against Me”). The album also features tracks/production by proven hitmakers Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, Fraser T. Smith, and Bloodshy & Avant, to name a few."

According to Billboard, Femme Fatale debuted in at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart  selling 276,000 copies in its first week, according to Nielsen SoundScan.  "Femme Fatale is Spears' sixth chart-topping album. "The feat ties her for the third-most No. 1s among women with Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson. Only Barbra Streisand (nine No. 1s) and Madonna (seven) have earned more No. 1s.

Britney Spears CIRCUS by netmen

Spears has hit the top with six out of her seven studio albums, only missing with 2007's "Blackout," which debuted and peaked at No. 2 (290,000). Her last effort, 2008's "Circus," started more robustly than "Femme Fatale," as it launched at No. 1 with 506,000 following its Dec. 2 release. "Femme Fatale's" debut of 276,000 is Spears' second-lowest sales start with a studio set -- only her 1999 debut effort, "Baby One More Time," began with a smaller figure (121,000 at No. 1). [Billboard]