It seems many of these initial responses are based solely on the fact that this is an international pop princess, rather than the quality of the single itself.
Overall, the song "Gimme More" is a decent track. It has a nice poppy, club-like sound to it which seems to be "in" these days. Lyrics read well, music is danceable and the chorus is semi-catchy. I can definitely see this as a potential cross-over hit for Britney. However, my sole concern is whether or not this track is best suit as the official "Comeback Single."
When I first heard the single, my first response was "too safe." Previous hits such as: "Baby One More Time," "Crazy," and "Toxic" showed much more aggression and emotion in the lyrics. They came across as a "this is me" kind of attitude.
Though the continued sex appeal in later years received critical reviews, and even hurt career success in the U.S. during "I'm A Slave For You," we at least knew that this was Britney. However, with this new single, it's much more neutral.
I hear no emotion or stance displayed in the track. I'm quite aware this is only one song of an entire album, but the first single, especially one this highly anticipated, should represent the overall theme of the album. As of now, we don't have that. There's absolutely no risk taken in the entire track. This may be good for chart performance today, but will initially hurt the overall success of the album, as well as her career in the future.
One would think that after the poor press and critical acclaim she has received over the last few years of her career, she would be more motivated to put out material that displayed a little more of who she is. However, to be blunt, all that we've seen thus far is a somewhat desperate attempt to get back on the charts. The last thing the music business needs is another generic music artist.
Don't get me wrong, I see "Gimme More" as a pretty good overall song. And with all the hype about the album itself, I think the single is screaming #1 hit. I believe everyone, including myself, is anticipating a debut in the Top 10 without a doubt. After all, let's be real, we are talking about Britney Spears here.
Her fifth studio album has been has been so highly anticipated that she could put out another cheesy rendition of "E-mail My Heart" and still debut in the Top 20. However, as I previously stated, the overall message of this single will determine the success of this album, and the success of this album could determine the success of future albums. She is going to have to take a lot more risks than displayed in "Gimme More" if she wants any sort of career in the future.
In sum, the single "Gimme More" is what I would call unfinished. Some may see that as a little too harsh, but I got news for those people, the music business itself is harsh. It would make a great generic single for an artist just starting out, or even as a song that wouldn't be a single, but not for an international pop sensation as a first single off of a very significant album in her career.
To be on the positive side, I'm sure everyone, including myself, is happy to see Britney back. Though this will result in an overall let down if the album is filled with generic songs such as "Gimme More." But, we at least have a comeback, which will hopefully open the doors for some newer, more emotional, material. Though off to a rocky start, I'm still expecting great things from Britney in the future. I think I speak for everyone when I say, "Welcome back Britney!"
