Top 10 Underrated Britney Spears Songs
#10: “Lonely” (2001)
“Britney”
Top 10 Best Lonely Island Songs
Following "...Baby One More Time" and "Oops!...I Did It Again," the star's 2001 album sought to expand upon the dance-pop anthems which defined Britney's earlier sound. No longer a teenager, Ms. Spears' music took on a more mature tone, and this was also reflected in the lyrics. Held together by a truly wonderful hook, "Lonely" is – for a lack of a better term – the Pop Princess' rock song. Rather than being the one in control, "Lonely" finds a hurt Britney reminiscing over a failed romance and this anger is expertly reflected in the celebrity's vocal performance.
#9: “Change Your Mind (No Seas Cortés)” (2016)
“Glory (Deluxe Edition)”
While nearly always staying true to her roots, the Pop Princess loves to spice things up by experimenting with other styles and sounds. Included on the deluxe edition of 2016's "Glory," “Change Your Mind (No Seas Cortés)'s" Latin influence does not start and end with the title, as the mid-tempo number is bolstered by a stylish Spanish guitar that compliments and even enhances Britney's sultry delivery. "Change Your Mind" is a bit too laid-back to work on the dance floor, but it slips in perfectly between bangers like “Toxic” and slower jams like "Everytime."
#8: “Cinderella” (2001)
“Britney”
How was this not chosen as one of the six singles released from "Britney?" Supported by an enchanting dance-pop beat and some raw-sounding production, "Cinderella" is four minutes of heart-pounding perfection. Even if the title conjures up images of Disney and glass slippers, "Cinderella" is all about a woman seeking to ditch a relationship with an unappreciative guy. The synth-heavy instrumental would have not been too out of place on one of Michael Jackson's '90s albums, while the chorus is impossible to forget after a listen or two.
#7: “Liar” (2016)
“Glory (Deluxe Edition)”
AUR - Liar
"Glory" was a welcome return to form after 2013's disappointing "Britney Jean," and this renewed invigoration mostly came down to the singer's willingness to go out of her comfort zone. Dealing with false rumors and bitter ex-lovers, "Liar" could very well be Britney's angriest song to date, and a couple of lyrics even seem to harbor back to Justin Timberlake's "Cry Me A River." Backed by a rocking bassline and harsh vocals, the aggressive verses give way to a bridge and chorus which are classic Britney.
#6: “Ooh Ooh Baby” (2007)
“Blackout”
Top 10 Britney Spears Songs
When it comes to picking a lead single, Britney tends to gravitate towards something that oozes sensuality. The mid to late 2000s were a weird time for the Pop Princess, but Britney still managed to deliver the goods with 2007's "Blackout", and "Ooh Ooh Baby" could have easily been a hit if it was released as a single! Opening with a flamenco guitar, Britney sings about wanting to get it on with a guy, and the lyrics leave nothing to the imagination. It's straight up classic Britney but with an adult edge.
#5: “Touch of My Hand” (2003)
“In the Zone”
Touch The Buffalo - Heart Is For (Official Video)
The first track recorded for Britney's fourth album, this ode-to-masturbation quickly established the more adult and passionate tone which permeates 2003's "In the Zone." As she paints a blunt picture of a fun night spent alone, with the Pop Princess handling her own entertainment, “steamy” is truly the only way to describe "Touch of My Hands." The lyrics might be unabashedly sexual, but Britney's subdued delivery and the atmospheric instrumental turn "Touch of My Hands" into a surprisingly empowering anthem and it is comfortably among Spears' best.
#4: “Shattered Glass” (2008)
“Circus”
Most lead singles have to fight to land a spot on the US Billboard Hot 100; however, Britney Spears operates on a completely different commercial plane. Even her album cuts frequently attract radio play. Short and to the point, "Shattered Glass" juxtaposes an uptempo and clean electro beat with personal lyrics dealing with self-hatred and the consequences of superstardom, topics which were quite timely in 2008. Like most of Britney's best tracks, the hook is unforgettable, while the heavily auto-tuned vocals suit the emotional turmoil displayed in the verses.
#3: “Get Naked (I Got A Plan)” (2007)
“Blackout”
If "In the Zone" saw Britney cautiously adopting a more adult sound, "Blackout" marked the point when the Pop Princess' wholesome public image was shattered and a totally new artist emerged from the wreckage. "Get Naked (I Got a Plan)" lives up to its suggestive title, and might very well be the standout track on this consistently strong album. Clocking in at just under five minutes and with the verses mostly consisting of sporadic groans, the slick production compliments Britney's sparse singing and ensures that "Get Naked (I Got A Plan)" never overstays its welcome.
#2: “Inside Out” (2011)
Femme Fatale
Hitching a ride on the dubstep hype train, 2011's "Femme Fatale" saw the experienced entertainer modernizing her sound to better suit the digital age. Out of all the songs on the project, "Inside Out" arguably benefited the most from this influence and, despite not being chosen as a single, incorporates all of the best elements usually seen in Spears' biggest tracks. A mid-tempo electropop jam with enthralling lyrics and a chorus that hits all the right notes, "Inside Out" proved an older Britney Spears could still go toe-to-toe with any of the younger pop singers.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Alien” (2013)
“Britney Jean”
“Just Luv Me” (2016)
“Glory”
“Trouble for Me” (2011)
“Femme Fatale”
“(I Got That) Boom Boom” (2003)
“In the Zone”
“Kill the Lights” (2008)
“Circus”
#1: “Unusual You” (2008)
“Circus”
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Created during and clearly affected by the well-publicized personal issues plaguing the singer at the time, 2008's "Circus" often sees Britney presenting an overly sexualized or fantastical version of herself. "Unusual You" breaks away from this mold. While the lyrics center around a jaded woman experiencing a strange but refreshing type of love, "Unusual You" works even better when viewed as the singer's first step towards rehabilitation. More in line with something Madonna or Gwen Stefani might produce, "Unusual You" finds Britney in rare but welcome form.
