Britney Spears has unleashed many a bop during her time and this week’s From The Vault salutes one of her most seismic – ‘Stronger.’
The 2000 effort was the third single from Spears’ hit sophomore album ‘Oops!… I Did It Again,’ it was produced by the ever-potent Pop maestro Max Martin and remains a fan and critic favorite almost 20 years after its release.
On the track, the songstress sings about not needing anybody and doing things her way.
After the album’s second single, ‘Lucky’, didn’t match the success of the LP’s title track, ‘Stronger’ returned the Pop royal to the Top 20 in the US, peaking at #11. Internationally, it performed very well, charting at #7 in the UK, #4 in Germany and #13 in Australia.
The tune’s cinematic music video was directed by Joseph Khan and presented Britney in a darker light. Many believe this was the arrival of the sassier Brit, who would captivate the masses a few months later with the iconic ‘Slave 4 U.’
A huge hit, the visual was nominated for a VMA for Best Pop Video in 2001.
While the song’s lyrics could be compared to the material on Janet Jackson’s breakthrough album ‘Control’ – particularly the title track – its music video took an obvious leaf out of Ms Jackson’s discography. Indeed, Brit’s solo dancing was very reminiscent of Jan’s classic ‘Pleasure Principle’ choreography.
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It’s so refreshing watching pre-2007 Britney in action. The hunger she possessed and the charisma she exuded were inspiring to say the least and always made for an exceptional Pop moment whenever she would be in front of a camera.
At this point, we’re not even hoping for a return to form, but rather a rebranding.
She’s not the girl she was at her peak, which is ok. But it doesn’t mean there aren’t other areas she can explore artistically. Areas and avenues that could prove equally as compelling in the contemporary climate.
With that being said, we can’t wait to observe her next move.
One of the few who make strong videos
Britney is one of the few unproblematic White singers, which is a shame.
Madonna tries too hard.
Britney put me on to many talented Black producers and songwriters.
What she lacks in voice, she makes up for in production value. She should have a wholesome YouTube channel with her boys and just become a producer/choreographer, etc
So she can sell her recycled dance moves? No thanks
Britney had a great career before she got federlined. She had some great comeback songs since then like Womanizer, Work B|tch, Circus, Gimme More, and the entire album Blackout but she is not the same as before she got feelings in terms of her stage presence and promotional campaigns.
Yeah TROLLmine I AGREE!!!
FAGMine remember i own u
She’ll always be America’s sweetheart!
Honestly she is a kindhearted singer who is always making what she enjoys the most ☺️
A women’s body with a child’s heart and great talent.
Love Her
I remember being excited to watch this on MTV’s Making the Video. Remember when BET created the same type of program, Access Granted? Good times.