Even at her lowest personal ebb, Britney Spears – the ultimate modern-day pop star – always let her gold-plated singles do the talking. All that changed, however, on 2013’s lacklustre Britney Jean, an album so devoid of personality it was practically vapour. Thankfully its follow-up feels much more engaged. From the sultry come-ons of Make Me, Invitation and the excellent Just Luv Me, to the downright odd electronic closer Coupure Électrique, sung entirely in French, it feels anchored by Spears rather than something happening around her. There are a few missteps – the awkward retro stylings of What You Need, the horrendous Private Show, Do You Wanna Come Over?’s half-baked chorus – but there’s still enough here to excite.
