One and a half years later, an analysis of ITZ by Cornflake

...Fresh, new, cool urban sounds on the the off-beat, top productions full of thudding impact but sung with a knowing, subtle, sexy purr. I had never heard anything quite like it - and I still haven't. Now it sits on top of my heap of most-played albums and I think it's one of the best.

Most vocalists are like actors who chew up the scenery, over-dramatising every little word and gesture. Britney is all understatement, the art that conceals art. No yelling, no 20-second notes, no climaxes, no grand finales. Instead, In The Zone is a feast of quiet little pleasures, moments that pass you by if you're not listening closely. I'm not going to tell you what they are unless you ask. But really, if you don't get them you don't deserve to.

When ITZ came out, it didn't get a great reception from the critics. But that wasn't because it was bad - it was because the critics were still obsessed with the idea of Britney the teeny pop girl trying to grow up - and, of course, bound to fail. Most of the reviews scarcely touched on the music - they were snide little essays based on the assumption that she was past her sell-by date and it would be terminally uncool to say anything good about her.

Things have changed. The critics still fulminate over the moral shortcomings and intellectual failings of Britney the woman, but a grudging respect has grown for her music. If ITZ was released now, nobody would be laughing...

Nicely written by Cornflake and I agree wholeheartedly.