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In the Zone
Studio album by
Britney Spears
ReleasedNovember 15, 2003 (2003-11-15)
RecordedNovember 2002 – August 2003
Studio
Genre
Length49:55
LabelJive
Producer
Britney Spears chronology
Britney
(2001) 		In the Zone
(2003) 		Greatest Hits: My Prerogative
(2004)
Singles from In the Zone
  1. "Me Against the Music"
    Released: October 14, 2003
  2. "Toxic"
    Released: January 12, 2004
  3. "Everytime"
    Released: May 10, 2004
  4. "Outrageous"
    Released: July 13, 2004

In the Zone is the fourth studio album by American singer Britney Spears. It was released on November 15, 2003, by Jive Records. Spears began writing songs during her Dream Within a Dream Tour, not knowing the direction of the record. She stated she was an autobiographical songwriter, although not to the point where she felt self-exploited. During the process, she ended her highly-publicized relationship with singer Justin Timberlake. With the tour's conclusion in July 2002, Spears planned to take a six-month break from her career; however, recording for the album commenced in November.

For In the Zone, Spears experimented with different producers, trying to find those with whom she had chemistry. She collaborated with artists such as Madonna and the Ying Yang Twins, while contributions came from a wide range of producers, including Bloodshy & Avant, R. Kelly, Trixster, Moby, Guy Sigsworth and the Matrix. Their final result was an eclectic record incorporating pop and urban music styles with instrumentation from techno and Middle Eastern genres. Its lyrical themes range from romance and partying to more explicit ones such as sex and masturbation. Spears explained that the album's sexual nature was subconscious and emerged while she was in the process of developing the album.

In the Zone received positive reviews upon its release, with music critics widely praising its innovative production, aesthetics, lyricism and blend of eclectic genres, though some criticized Spears' vocals on certain tracks for being distant and processed. A global commercial success, it debuted atop the US Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 609,000 copies, making Spears the first female artist to have her first four albums reach number one. Retrospectively, the album is widely considered a major turning point in Spears' artistic journey and a culmination in her transition from a teen pop star to a more adult artist. Various critics have considered it the album that pushed Spears past her contemporaries and establishing her as the definitive female artist of the 2000s.

In the Zone was promoted with four singles. "Me Against the Music", featuring Madonna, reached the top ten in nearly every country except the United States, where it only peaked at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Toxic" peaked atop the charts in eight countries and at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Spears' first US top-ten hit since "Oops!... I Did It Again" (2000), and won Spears her first and only Grammy Award. "Everytime" peaked at number 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and within the top ten nearly everywhere else. "Outrageous" was plagued by a lack of promotion due to Spears injuring her knee while filming its accompanying music video, and only peaked at number 79 on the US Billboard Hot 100. To further promote the album, Spears embarked on the Onyx Hotel Tour (2004).

Background and development

[edit]

In October 2001, Spears released her third studio album Britney, which portrayed more mature themes. Despite selling over four million copies in the United States, it was viewed as "poor-selling" in comparison to her previous efforts.[1][2] The following year, her three-year relationship with pop singer Justin Timberlake ended after months of speculation.[3] After the Dream Within a Dream Tour in support of Britney ended in July 2002, Spears announced a six-month break. In November, she revealed that she had started working on her next studio album. She explained: "Well, actually, I just said that I wanted two or three weeks off. [....] And the whole world was like, 'Ohmigod, [sic] she's gone..."[1][4]

While in Europe, Spears met with William Orbit and Daft Punk about possible collaborations, and originally confirmed previous collaborators Darkchild and the Neptunes as producers. When asked by The Hollywood Reporter about the direction of the record, Spears responded it was an organic evolution, adding: "It should just happen naturally from the way you feel. [...] Whatever happens, happens".[5] Additionally, Spears scheduled meet-and-greets with Timbaland and Missy Elliott in an effort to help evolve her sound.[6] Elliott was enlisted in further production work with Nisan Stewart for Spears' project; however, none of the initial material was released.[7] Spears also worked with James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem, but their work was unproductive; Murphy said: "We were both lying on the floor, head-to head, working on lyrics in a notepad. She seemed eager to please, but it went nowhere. She went to dinner and just never came back."[8] Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst wrote and produced three trip hop tracks recorded by Spears in January 2003. However, after news of an affair between them broke, Durst told Jive Records he would not let them use the songs.[9] In March 2003, Lauren Christy from the Matrix spoke about the development of the album with MTV News, and likened their work with Spears to Madonna's album Ray of Light (1998). Scott Spock, also from the Matrix, continued comparing her to Madonna by saying:

She's taking it to the next level in her career. Madonna constantly takes what's in the club and puts what she does on top of it and makes it mainstream. I think Britney is starting to embrace that concept where she's looking to work on different stuff, instead of using the same familiar, and applying it to her. [...] I don't think [her fans] will be freaked out or upset. I think they'll be really into what's going to happen.[10]

Spears previewed several songs to Quddus Philippe of MTV in May 2003, including "Touch of My Hand", "Brave New Girl" and "Everytime". Spears commented: "I've really been able to take my time and have creative control and make [the new album] special, special, special."[11] On August 27, Spears opened the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards by performing a medley of "Like a Virgin" and "Hollywood" with Madonna, Christina Aguilera and Missy Elliott.[12] The performance started with Spears appearing on stage on top of a giant wedding cake while wearing a wedding gown and veil; she sang the first few lines of "Like a Virgin" before Aguilera appeared from behind the cake and joined her.[13] Madonna then emerged from the cake wearing a black coat and a hat and started singing "Hollywood" before proceeding to kiss Spears and Aguilera on the lips.[14] Elliott came out from a wedding chapel to sing her song "Work It" halfway through the performance.[14] The kiss generated strong reaction from the media. The performance was listed by Blender magazine as one of the 25 sexiest music moments in television history.[15] In 2008, MTV listed the performance as the number-one opening moment in the history of the MTV Video Music Awards.[16]

Recording and production

[edit]
Westlake Recording Studios, one of the locations where In the Zone was recorded

For In the Zone, Spears worked with hit producers such as Bloodshy & Avant, R. Kelly, Diddy, Christopher Stewart, Moby, Guy Sigsworth and the Matrix.[17] She first started writing songs for the album during her Dream Within a Dream Tour. Spears commented about writing while touring: "The only thing that was scary to me is that I didn't know if they were good. [But] You can't trust anybody. You have to go with your feelings." Spears commented that she was an autobiographical songwriter, although not to the point she felt self-exploited.[1] Following the end of the tour, Spears invited her friend and backing vocalist Annet Artani to her home in Los Angeles. They started writing songs at the piano, and shortly after, they traveled to Lake Como in Lombardy, Italy. Among the tracks they worked on was "Everytime", which Artani confirmed to be written as a response to Justin Timberlake's "Cry Me a River", as well as "Shine", written by Spears about her sister Jamie Lynn, which was left unfinished.[18] Earnest recording of the album began in November 2002.[1] Spears commented that although she did not know initially what direction she wanted to go with the album, she took time to work with different producers and to find those who she had chemistry with. The first song recorded for In the Zone was "Touch of My Hand", and Spears said it "really did provide a balance for the rest of the record. We just went from there."[19] Following the recording sessions for "Everytime" at the Conway Recording Studios in Los Angeles, Spears complimented Sigsworth, saying: "I just basically told him exactly how I wanted the song to sound. And he was so amazing because there's a lot of producers you tell them things and they don't get it. And you're like oh, that's not the right way. He got it just right. He was amazing."[18]

Christopher Stewart and Penelope Magnet, known collectively as RedZone, presented Spears with the third song they had written and produced, titled "Pop Culture Whore". While her management liked the track, she rejected it, telling them the song "sucked". After bonding with Spears during a night in New York City to "get in her world", as Magnet explained, it was easier to "actually write and know what she would and wouldn't say, to know where her real vibe is". Stewart and Magnet began working on the first version of "Me Against the Music"; Stewart came up with the track, while Magnet developed the melody on a piano and some of the lyrics.[20] During the recording sessions, Stewart recalls that the studio's air-conditioning died for three days, but Spears "didn't complain or anything, and for me that shows she's where she is for a reason."[21] While rehearsing for their performance at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, Spears played a finished version of "Me Against the Music" to Madonna. After Madonna commented that she liked the track, Spears asked her to do the song with her.[22] RedZone then handed "Me Against the Music" to Madonna, who arranged and recorded her vocal additions on her own, therefore making the song a duet.[21] Spears, who had been a fan of Madonna for years, was "beyond surprised" when she heard Madonna's verse. She said "I just asked her to do a little thing, but she really went there. She did a lot of stuff to it."[1] RedZone were then enlisted to work on several more songs for the album, including co-writing "Early Mornin'", recording background vocals for "Outrageous" and producing "The Hook Up".[20]

Distant image of a blond woman. She is sitting on a swing hanging from two pieces of fabric. Smoke surrounds her. She is wearing a dress and has her legs crossed. She is holding a microphone and grabbing the swing.
Spears performing "Shadow" during the Onyx Hotel Tour in 2004

The Matrix commented that after they presented songs to Spears, she tailored them to suit herself, especially the lyrics. Member Lauren Christy said: "... she really knows what she wants. She knows if she's trying something on that doesn't fit right for her. She's like, 'No, that's not me.' She's not one to strap on some sort of fake image." Christy also claimed to be impressed with Spears's vocal ability during the recording of "Shadow".[10] Steve Anderson, Lisa Greene and Stephen Lee wrote "Breathe on Me" at Metrophonic Studios in London. Before meeting with the other writers, Anderson thought of two concepts for songs specifically for Spears: one he had worked on "for ages", and "Breathe on Me", which he drafted on the morning of the sessions. Greene and Lee did not like the first concept, and they wrote "Breathe on Me" with Anderson. The song was produced by Mark Taylor, who kept most of the programming done by Anderson. With Taylor, Spears recorded "Breathe on Me" and "And Then We Kiss", latter of which did not make the album.[23][24] Other recording locations for the album included the Battery Studios, Daddy's House Recordings and The Dojo in New York City; 3:20 Studios, Decoy Studios, Pacifique Recording Studios, Record Plant and Westlake Recording Studios in Los Angeles; The Chocolate Factory, in Chicago, Triangle Sound Studios in Atlanta, Olympic Studios in London, and Murlyn Studios in Stockholm.[25] Throughout 2003, Spears started testing tracks by playing them in nightclubs such as Show in New York City.[1] Before the album was released, Spears' manager Larry Rudolph commented that it was important for Spears to continue moving away from a traditional pop sound, citing "I'm a Slave 4 U" and "Boys" from Britney as departures from her previous music. Barry Weiss, then-president of Jive Label Group, added: "She has achieved what she set out to achieve, which was to make a mature album that didn't sound like something she would have done three years while still making a commercial album that has hit singles. [...] It's the kind of record she should be doing right now, and it came down to her to make it."[19]

Music and lyrics

[edit]
"Breathe on Me"
A 22-second sample of the song's chorus, with trip hop influences. The song was described as the most sensual of the album.[26]
"Touch of My Hand"
A 24-second sample of the chorus of "Touch of My Hand". The instrumentation contains elements of Middle Eastern music and its lyrics refer to masturbation.[26]
Problems playing these files? See media help.

According to Billboard, In the Zone marked a musical departure for Spears. Instead of traditional pop, the album is darker and more dance-oriented.[19] Spears talked about the overall sound of the album with Rolling Stone, saying: "I'd describe it as trance-y, kind of vibe record—something you could listen to that's no so song-structured [...] Of course I'm not doing '...Baby One More Time' and those massive hits anymore. I think this record is where I am at right now in my life. It's sensual, it's sexual. I'm probably writing about that subconsciously because I don't have that right now."[27] Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine described the record's sound as "bold mix of hip-hop and dance music",[28] while Amy Schriefer of NPR stated the album "mix[es] dance, house, crunk, Diwali beats and Neptunes-style hip hop".[17] Tom Bishop of BBC News stated that the record combines bhaṅgṛā, R&B and hip hop.[29] Caroline Sullivan of The Guardian deemed In the Zone "a happy collision of house, dreamy electro-pop and Britney’s lyrical preoccupations [...] which have her perched on the cusp between teen poppet and sexually confident woman."[30] According to William Shaw of Blender, the main theme of In the Zone is "Spears’s awakening to her sexuality as a single woman."[1]

"I just think once you start being so self-serving with your music... I did a little bit of that with the last record, and I really didn't want to put myself out there that much. I understand [when musicians write about personal things]. But when everything is about you, I just think.... Like, on this record, some of the songs, like 'Brave New Girl', I can relate to that song, but It's how personal you go. This record is definitely personal, but it's not shockingly personal – put it that way."[27]

— Spears talks writing about personal experiences

In the Zone opens with "Me Against the Music", constructed as a duet with Madonna after she was added to the track.[20] Spears and Madonna trade lines during the verses, and Madonna sings solo in the bridge. The instrumentation in the song includes influences of hip hop and funk guitars. The song's lyrics feature Spears and Madonna singing of the pleasures of letting go on the dancefloor, in "I'm up against the speaker / Trying to take on the music / It's like a competition".[21] The second song, "I Got That (Boom Boom)", is an Atlanta-style hip hop track featuring the Ying Yang Twins.[1][26][31] "Showdown" has "bubbly" beats and its lyrics, about "fighting and making up with carnal relations", include the lines "I don't really want to be a tease / But would you undo my zipper, please?" Rolling Stone classified the song pop-dancehall.[1][26][32] "Breathe on Me" was described as the most sensual song of the record and compared to Madonna's 1992 studio album Erotica.[33] On the Euro trance and ambient-techno song with trip hop influences, Spears sings: "Oh, it's so hot, and I need some air / And boy, don't stop 'cause I'm halfway there" and "Just put your lips together and blow."[28][26][33] "Early Mornin'" depicts Spears looking for men at a club in New York City. The song has a percolating beat and featured subdued vocals from Spears, who purrs and yawns through the track.[26] The nightclub Show is referenced.[1] "Toxic", which Spears later named her favorite song from her career, was originally offered to Australian singer Kylie Minogue.[34] It contains elements of hip hop, electropop, and bhangra music, and features varied instrumentation, such as drums, synthesizers, high-pitched strings and surf guitars.[28][35][36][37] Lyrically, "Toxic" talks about being addicted to a lover.[26]

"Outrageous" is a hip hop-inspired track which, according to MTV, features Spears "whisper[ing] and moan[ing] [...] with a snake charmer melody giving the song an exotic feel." The lyrics address materialism and amusement, with the singer referencing in the chorus a number of things that give her pleasure.[26] On "Touch of My Hand", which Spears felt it was comparable to Janet Jackson's "That's the Way Love Goes" (1993), she sings in a lower register.[11] The instrumentation contains elements of music from the Far East, particularly in its use of the Chinese instrument the erhu, and its lyrics refer to masturbation: "Into the unknown, I will be bold / I'm going to the places I can be out of control / And I don't want to explain tonight / All the things I've tried to hide."[26] "The Hook Up" has a reggae feel and features Spears singing in a Jamaican Patois accent.[20][38] The power ballad "Shadow" talks about how reminders of a lover can still linger after he's gone.[26] The lyrics of "Brave New Girl" talk about a young woman finding her passion and losing inhibitions. Backed by choppy, electro-funk beats, she sings in a bouncy near-rap: "She's gonna pack her bags, she's going to find her way, she's going to get right out of this / She don't want New York, she don't want L.A., she's going to find that special kiss."[26] The Eurodance and pop song was inspired by No Doubt, Blondie and Madonna.[28][1][39] "Everytime" begins with a piano introduction accompanying Spears's breathy vocals, which build from soft to strong throughout the song. Its lyrics are a plea for forgiveness for inadvertently hurting a former lover. In the song, Spears explains she feels unable to continue in lines such as "Everytime I try to fly I fall / Without my wings I feel so small".[11] During an interview with MTV, Spears said: "It's about heartbreak, it's about your first love, your first true love. That's something all people can relate to, because you all have that first love that you think you're going to be with the rest of your life."[40] When asked if "Everytime" was about Justin Timberlake, she responded: "I'll let the song speak for itself."[41] The Rishi Rich's Desi Kulcha Remix of "Me Against the Music" removes the original melody of the song and adds a clattering backbeat and Punjabi shouts.[31] On the international editions bonus track "The Answer", Spears sings that her lover is the answer to all her needs: "Who can hold me tight, keep me warm through the night? / Who can wipe my tears when it's wrong, make it right? / Who can give me love till I'm satisfied? / Who's the one I need in my life?". On the Australian, Japanese and UK editions bonus track "Don't Hang Up", she pleads on the phone for her lover to keep her satisfied long-distance.[42]

Release and promotion

[edit]
See also: The Onyx Hotel Tour
Spears performing "Everytime" during her Las Vegas concert residency Britney: Piece of Me in 2014

To promote In the Zone, Spears first performed the lead single "Me Against the Music" at the 2003 NFL Kickoff Live on September 4, 2003.[43] The performance segued into a medley of "...Baby One More Time" and "I'm a Slave 4 U", which included pyrotechnics.[44][45] On September 14, Spears played a surprise concert at Rain Nightclub in the Palms Casino Resort, and performed "Me Against the Music", "Breathe on Me" and a medley of "...Baby One More Time" and "I'm a Slave 4 U".[46] On October 18, she performed "Me Against the Music" and "Everytime" on Saturday Night Live.[26] Spears opened the 2003 American Music Awards on November 16 with a performance of "Me Against the Music".[47] The following day, a concert special titled Britney Spears: In the Zone aired on American Broadcasting Company (ABC).[48] On November 18–the day In the Zone was released in the United States–she performed "Me Against the Music" and "(I Got That) Boom Boom" on Total Request Live at Times Square.[49][50] The ABC special and Total Request Live performances would later be included on video album Britney Spears: In the Zone, released on April 6, 2004. The video debuted atop the US Music Video Sales and was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[51][52] "Me Against the Music" was also performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on November 17, 2003, and on Live with Regis and Kelly on November 24.[50] She also performed "Toxic", "Breathe on Me" and "Me Against the Music" as the headliner of the Jingle Ball on December 8, at the Staples Center.[53]

In November 2003, Zomba Label Group president Barry Weiss had spoken to Billboard and said that In the Zone was being promoted on a global level, exhausting areas such as print and electronic media, television, radio and video to raise awareness of its release. In addition, Jive worked with lifestyle marketer the Karpel Group to market the album to the gay community. Other broader-based marketing efforts included a tie-in with marketing company LidRock, where after ordering a soda at Sbarro, customers received a cup featuring the artwork and a three-inch disc in the lid featuring "Brave New Girl" and songs by two other artists; in December, an updated LidRock disc was made available, including a remix of "Me Against the Music" without Madonna, as well as songs by fellow Jive acts Nick Cannon and Bowling for Soup. Regal Theaters also showed a short film that included footage of the making of Spears's music videos. Two national television advertising campaigns had begun on November 1–one with a teaser ad on Saturday Night Live and another exclusively on MTV. No sponsored cross-marketing campaigns were planned, as Larry Rudolph explained: "[This time] it's going to be more about the music than about corporate tie-ins." In terms of international exposure, during a four-month period Spears was featured in seven mini TV-specials and over 150 interviews outside the US.[19] Among the international performances were Spears opening the NRJ Music Awards in France with "Toxic" on January 24, 2004,[54] and a performance of "Everytime" on the June 25 episode of Top of the Pops in the United Kingdom, which became the final televised performance in support of the album.[55]

Spears closing a show of the Onyx Hotel Tour by performing "Me Against the Music" in 2004

A tour to further promote In the Zone was announced in December 2003, originally titled In the Zone Tour.[56] However, Spears was sued for trademark infringement by the San Diego company Lite Breeze, Inc. and was banned from using the phrase "in the zone", hence the tour's title was changed to The Onyx Hotel Tour.[57] It commenced on March 2, 2004 at the San Diego Sports Arena. Spears felt inspired to create a show with a hotel theme which she later mixed with the concept of an onyx stone. The stage, inspired by Broadway musicals, was less elaborate than her previous tours.[42] The setlist was composed mostly by songs from In the Zone as well as some of her past songs reworked with different elements of jazz, blues and Latin percussion. Tour promoter Clear Channel Entertainment marketed the tour to a more adult audience than her previous shows, while sponsor MTV highly promoted the tour on television shows and the network's website.[58] The tour was divided into seven segments: Check-In, Mystic Lounge, Mystic Garden, The Onyx Zone, Security Cameras, Club and the encore. Check-In displayed performances with dance and advanced in the hotel theme. Mystic Lounge featured an homage to Cabaret and other musicals, while remixing some of Spears's early hits. Mystic Garden displayed a jungle-inspired stage. The Onyx Zone displayed a ballad performance with acrobats. Security Cameras was the raciest part of the show, with Spears and her dancers emulating different sexual practices. Club displayed a performance with urban influences. The encore consisted of a system malfunction interlude and Spears performed wearing a red ensemble. The tour received mixed reviews from contemporary critics, who praised it for being an entertaining show while criticizing it for looking "more [like] a spectacle than an actual concert".[59] The Onyx Hotel Tour was commercially successful, grossing $34 million.[60] In March, Spears suffered a knee injury onstage which forced her to reschedule two shows.[61] On June 8, Spears fell and hurt her knee again while filming the accompanying music video for "Outrageous". She underwent surgery and the remainder of the tour was cancelled.[62]

Singles

[edit]

"Me Against the Music" was released as the lead single from In the Zone on October 14, 2003. Jive Records' choice for the first single was originally "Outrageous", but Spears convinced them to release "Me Against the Music".[63] The song received mixed reviews from music critics; some felt it was a strong dance track, while others referred to it as lackluster and disappointing.[64][65] "Me Against the Music" achieved international commercial success, peaking atop of the charts in countries such as Australia, Denmark, Hungary, Ireland and Spain, as well as the European Hot 100 Singles. It also peaked at number two in Canada, Italy, Norway and the United Kingdom, and inside the top five in many other countries; however, it peaked at number 35 on the US Billboard Hot 100, being Spears' lowest-charting lead single.[66][67] The song won the Hot Dance Single of the Year award at the 2004 Billboard Music Awards.[68] In the song's accompanying music video, directed by Paul Hunter, Spears chases Madonna inside a nightclub.[22]

Spears performing In the Zone's second single "Toxic" during the Femme Fatale Tour in 2011

"Toxic" was released as the second single from In the Zone on January 12, 2004, to widespread critical acclaim. After trying to choose between Jive's suggestions "(I Got That) Boom Boom" and "Outrageous", Spears selected "Toxic" instead.[69] It attained worldwide commercial success, reaching the top five in 15 countries, while topping the charts in Australia, Canada, Hungary, Norway and the United Kingdom.[70][71] In the United States, it peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming her first single to peak inside the top ten since "Oops!... I Did It Again" (2000).[66] Directed by Joseph Kahn, the accompanying music video for the song portrays Spears as a secret agent in the search of a vial of green liquid. After she steals it, she enters an apartment and poisons her unfaithful boyfriend. The video also includes interspersed scenes of Spears naked with diamonds over her body.[72] "Toxic" won Spears her first Grammy Award, for Best Dance Recording (2005), and is often referred to as one of her signature songs.[73]

"Everytime" was released as the third single from In the Zone on May 10, 2004, to critical acclaim.[74] A commercial success, it peaked within the top five in most countries, while reaching the top of the charts in Australia, Hungary, Ireland and the United Kingdom, and number 15 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[66][75] Its accompanying music video, directed by David LaChapelle, portrays Spears as a star hounded by paparazzi, who drowns in her bathtub when she starts bleeding from a wound in her head. In the hospital, doctors fail to resuscitate her while a child is born in the next room, implying she reincarnated.[76] The original treatment would have had Spears killing herself from a drug overdose, but the plot was removed after it received criticism by several organizations, who perceived it as a glamorization of suicide.[77]

"Outrageous" was released as the fourth and final single from In the Zone on July 13, 2004. The song was finally chosen as a single after it was selected as the theme song for the film Catwoman (2004).[78] It received mixed reviews from critics, as some praised its funky sound, noting its influence from Michael and Janet Jackson, while others deemed it "forgettable".[31][65] Plagued by low promotion, the song became the album's lowest-charting single, peaking at number 79 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[66] Directed by Dave Meyers, its accompanying music video was being filmed in New York City on June 8, when Spears injured her knee and had to undergo arthroscopic surgery. The video was cancelled, as well as the remainder of the Onyx Hotel Tour and the feature in the Catwoman soundtrack.[62][79]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic66/100[80]
Review scores
SourceRating
About.comStarStarStarStar[36]
AllMusicStarStarStar[64]
BlenderStarStarStarStar[65]
E!B+[81]
Entertainment WeeklyB−[82]
The GuardianStarStarStarStar[39]
Rolling StoneStarStarStar[32]
Slant MagazineStarStarStar[28]
SpinB−[83]
VibeStarStarStarHalf star[38]

Upon its release, In the Zone received generally favorable reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 66, based on 13 reviews.[80] Jason Shawhan of About.com gave a positive review, saying that while the album's vibe is sexy, the result is a personal statement from Spears. He also added: "T[here]'s another thing about Spears' new record, as none of her previous albums ever managed to produce any kind of sustained emotional response than the pleasure that comes from a good pop record. I miss Max Martin, for sure, but it feels like Ms. S. has been paying attention to La Ciccone. To put it another way, this is Britney's True Blue."[36] Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic said that the album "[is] all club-ready, but despite some hints of neo-electro and the Neptunes, it doesn't quite sound modern—it sounds like cuts from 1993 or Madonna's Bedtime Stories and Ray of Light. Production-wise, these tracks are not only accomplished but much more varied than any of her previous albums."[64] Ruth Mitchell of the BBC called "Early Mornin'" the best track from the album, but added: "Sadly, her attempts to prove her new-found maturity are what overwhelm and cloud all that is good about In The Zone."[84] Mim Udovitch of Blender commented: "This I'm-coming-out record is an unhesitant move from songs of the heart to songs of the groin [...] No longer a girl, freed from slavery, now fully a woman, she makes a pretty convincing mistress."[65]

David Browne of Entertainment Weekly called "Brave New Girl" and "Touch of My Hand" the best and most straightforward moments of In the Zone, but added that "On a CD intended to celebrate her lurch into adulthood, Spears remains distant and submerged. For all her freedom, she's still finding her way."[82] Jon Pareles of Rolling Stone said: "[Spears'] voice is so processed, its physicality almost disappears. [...] In the Zone offers strip-club, 1-900 sex, accommodating and hollow. Beyond the glittering beats, Spears sounds about as intimate as a blowup doll."[85] Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine stated: "Britney's fourth album, In The Zone, finds the pop tart coming of age with a bold mix of hip-hop and dance music, wiping clean the last traces of her bubblegum-pop past. [...] For the most part, In The Zone is a big, fat, thumping love letter to the dancefloor, which makes Madonna's involvement [...] even more appropriate."[28] Dorian Lynskey of The Guardian commented: "Unlike previous Britney albums, In the Zone has no filler and no shoddy cover versions, just 57 varieties of blue-chip hit-factory pop. There is southern hip-hop, deep house, Neptunes-style R&B, the ubiquitous Diwali beat and, most importantly, oodles of Madonna."[39] Jason King of Vibe deemed it as "A supremely confident dance record that also illustrates Spears's development as a songwriter."[38]

Accolades

[edit]
For the complete list of awards won by Britney Spears and the singles from In The Zone, see List of awards and nominations received by Britney Spears.
Awards and nominations for In the Zone
Year Award Category Nominee(s) Result Ref.
2004 Japan Gold Disc Award International Rock Albums of the Year In the Zone Won [86]
2004 Premios Oye! English Album of the Year Nominated [87]
2004 Billboard Music Award Female Billboard 200 Album Artist of the Year Britney Spears Nominated [88]
2005 Grammy Award Best Dance Recording "Toxic" Won [73]

Commercial performance

[edit]
Image of two people kissing. In the left, the man wears underwear and boots. In the right, the blond woman wears lingerie, stockings and high heels.
Spears, flanked by one of her dancers, during the performance of "Breathe on Me" during the Onyx Hotel Tour in 2004

In the United States, In the Zone debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart dated December 6, 2003, with first-week sales of 609,000 copies.[89][90] It initially registered the highest first-week sales of 2003 for a female artist, before Alicia Keys surpassed Spears with The Diary of Alicia Keys two weeks later.[91][92] Spears also became the second female artist in Billboard's history to have four consecutive number-one albums, behind Janet Jackson who had the most at the time with five. In the Zone was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in October 2023, for album-equivalent units of three million copies.[93] It placed at number eight on the year-end Billboard 200 for 2004.[94] As of 2016, it has sold over three million copies in the country, according to Nielsen SoundScan.[95] In Canada, the album debuted at number two on the Canadian Albums Chart, with first-week sales of 31,000 units.[96] It was certified triple platinum by the Canadian Recording Industry Association (CRIA) for shipments of 300,000 copies.[97]

In the United Kingdom, In the Zone debuted at number 14 on the UK Albums Chart, selling 39,000 copies in its first week,[98] and peaked at number 13 in its 34th week, spending a total of 43 weeks on the chart. It was certified platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in March 2004.[99] The album attained higher peaks across mainland Europe, reaching the top ten in Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden and Switzerland, and peaking at number three on the European Top 100 Albums.[100][101] In France, it debuted at number one, becoming her second number-one album in the country after Oops!... I Did It Again (2000), and was certified double gold by the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP) in December 2004.[100] It was certified platinum by the IFPI in April, for selling one million copies across Europe.[102]

Across Latin America, In the Zone was certified platinum in Argentina and Mexico.[103][104] In Australia, the album debuted and peaked at number ten on the ARIA Top 100 Albums.[105] It was certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) in 2004.[106] In New Zealand, it debuted at number 28; in April 2004, it peaked at number 25 and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ).[107][108] The album was a commercial success across Asia, debuting at number one in South Korea.[109] In Japan, the album debuted at number three on the Oricon Albums Chart, selling 59,128 copies in its first week.[110] It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) in December 2003.[111] According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), In the Zone was the eighth best-selling album of 2003.[112]

Legacy

[edit]

"I'm not the type of person to put blame on other people, but I do feel that some things which were done for me were not always in my best interests. Looking back, I feel now that on my 4th album 'less is more' should have been the way to go."

—Spears reflects on In the Zone in November 2004.[113]

In the Zone has been declared a metamorphosis for Spears by numerous critics. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic commented: "If 2001's Britney was a transitional album, capturing Spears at the point when she wasn't a girl and not yet a woman, its 2003 follow-up, In the Zone, is where she has finally completed that journey and turned into Britney, the Adult Woman." Erlewine compared Spears to her peer Christina Aguilera, explaining that both equated maturity with transparent sexuality and the pounding sounds of nightclubs, but while Aguilera "comes across like a natural-born skank, Britney is the girl next door cutting loose at college, drinking and smoking and dancing and sexing just a little too recklessly, since this is the first time she can indulge herself."[64] Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine stated: "For a girl who's always seemed too sexed-up for her age, In the Zone finds Britney finally filling her britches, so-to-speak. Her little girl coquettishness actually works now—maybe because, at 21, she's finally a woman."[28] Jason King of Vibe said the album showcased a transformed Spears, "no longer a girl, and all the woman any man can handle."[38]

Following the abrupt conclusion of the Onyx Hotel Tour due to her knee injury, Spears embarked on a prolonged hiatus from performing,[114] and would not release another studio album until Blackout in October 2007.[115] She began a relationship with Kevin Federline, whom she met while on tour in April 2004 and married on September 18.[116][a] Her first greatest hits album Greatest Hits: My Prerogative was released in November, debuting at number four on the US Billboard 200. Spears was unable to promote it, though the album produced two international hit singles–"My Prerogative" and "Do Somethin'". In September 2005, Spears gave birth to her first son Sean Preston,[118] giving birth to her second son Jayden James a year later.[119] In November 2006, filed for divorce from Federline,[116] citing irreconcilable differences; the divorce was finalized in July 2007.[120] Within that period, Spears was involved in a series of media scandals and suffered from a mental breakdown, most notably shaving her head in February 2007.[121]

Several critics have credited In the Zone for influencing pop music of the 2000s. In 2009, Amy Schriefer of NPR listed the album among the "50 Most Important Recordings of the Decade". Calling it "a primer on the sound of pop in the '00s", she deemed Spears as the ideal vehicle for a futuristic sound, since she was still trying to break away from her teen pop past. Schriefer praised "Toxic" and "Everytime", and added: "While the decade's history of celebrity obsession, paparazzi voyeurism and conflicted constructions of female sexuality and motherhood are written on Spears' body, the decade's history of impeccably crafted pop is written on her body of work."[17] Celebrating the album's 15th anniversary in 2018, Jason Lipshutz of Billboard claimed it "signaled a more mature direction for Spears as she explored electronic music and hip-hop like never before. And the record's lyrics — which referenced her breakup with Justin Timberlake and pushed back at her critics in the media — celebrated new levels of independence and candor for the singer."[122]

Los Angeles pop-up museum The Zone, celebrating Spears' "iconic songs, videos, and outfits through Instagram-worthy photo ops, interactive displays and personalized content activated by special RFID wristbands", was titled after the album and opened in January 2020.[123]

Track listing

[edit]
"Touch of My Hand" redirects here; not to be confused with Touch My Hand.
In the Zone – Standard edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Me Against the Music" (featuring Madonna)
3:43
2."(I Got That) Boom Boom" (featuring Ying Yang Twins)
Hamilton4:51
3."Showdown"
Bloodshy & Avant3:18
4."Breathe on Me"
Mark Taylor3:43
5."Early Mornin'"
  • Spears
  • Moby
  • Stewart
  • Magnet
3:45
6."Toxic"
  • Dennis
  • Karlsson
  • Winnberg
  • Jonback
Bloodshy & Avant3:21
7."Outrageous"R. Kelly
3:22
8."Touch of My Hand"
  • Harry
  • Solomon
4:19
9."The Hook Up"
  • Spears
  • Stewart
  • Nkhereanye
  • Magnet
  • Trixster
  • Magnet[a]
3:54
10."Shadow"
The Matrix3:45
11."Brave New Girl"
Brian and Josh3:30
12."Everytime"
Guy Sigsworth3:53
13."Me Against the Music" (Rishi Rich's Desi Kulcha Remix; featuring Madonna; bonus track)
  • Spears
  • Madonna
  • Stewart
  • Nkhereanye
  • Magnet
  • Nash
  • O'Brien
4:31
Total length:49:55
In the Zone – International edition (bonus track)[25]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
14."The Answer"
  • Combs
  • Leslie
3:55
Total length:53:50
In the Zone – Australian, Japanese, Italy and UK edition (bonus track)[124]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
15."Don't Hang Up"
  • Spears
  • Kierulf
  • Schwartz
Brian and Josh4:02
Total length:57:52
In the Zone – US Walmart.com exclusive edition (bonus downloads)[125]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
14."I've Just Begun (Having My Fun)"
Bloodshy & Avant3:23
15."Me Against the Music" (Bloodshy & Avant's Chix Remix)
  • Spears
  • Stewart
  • Nkhereanye
  • Magnet
  • Nash
  • O'Brien
  • Trixster
  • Magnet[a]
  • Bloodshy & Avant[c]
5:17
Total length:58:35
In the Zone – DVD-Audio edition (bonus videos)[126]
No.TitleDirector(s)Length
14."Me Against the Music" (featuring Madonna)Paul Hunter4:03
15."Toxic"Joseph Kahn3:32
16."Photo Gallery"  
17."On-Screen Lyrics"  
In the Zone – DualDisc edition (bonus DVD)[127]
No.TitleDirector(s)Length
1."Toxic"Kahn3:32
2."Everytime"David LaChapelle4:16
3."Chris Cox Megamix[b]"
3:53
Total length:11:55
In the Zone – Chinese extended play edition[128]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Me Against the Music" (featuring Madonna)
  • Spears
  • Madonna
  • Stewart
  • Nkhereanye
  • Magnet
  • Nash
  • O'Brien
  • Trixster
  • Magnet[a]
3:43
2."Toxic"
  • Dennis
  • Karlsson
  • Winnberg
  • Jonback
Bloodshy & Avant3:18
3."Shadow"
  • Spears
  • Christy
  • Spock
  • Edwards
  • Midnight
The Matrix3:44
4."Everytime"
  • Spears
  • Stamatelatos
Sigsworth3:50
5."Me Against the Music" (Rishi Rich's Desi Kulcha Remix; featuring Madonna)
  • Spears
  • Madonna
  • Stewart
  • Nkhereanye
  • Magnet
  • Nash
  • O'Brien
4:29
6."The Answer"
  • Spears
  • Leslie
  • Combs
  • Combs
  • Leslie
3:56
Total length:23:00
Notes
  • ^[a] signifies a co-producer.
  • ^[b] signifies a vocal producer.
  • ^[c] signifies a remix producer.
Sample credits

Personnel

[edit]

Credits are adapted from the liner notes of In the Zone.[25]

  • Ed Alton – string arrangement (track 8)
  • Steve Anderson – keyboards (track 4), programming (track 4), songwriting (track 4)
  • J.D. Andrew – engineering assistance (tracks 3 and 6)
  • Annet Artani – songwriting (track 12)
  • Steve Bearsley – engineering assistance (track 7)
  • Tom Bender – engineering assistance (track 10)
  • BlackCell – backing vocals (tracks 3 and 6)
  • Bloodshy & Avant – arrangement (tracks 3 and 6), digital editing (tracks 3 and 6), engineering (tracks 3 and 6), instrumentation (tracks 3 and 6), production (tracks 3 and 6), programming (tracks 3 and 6), songwriting (tracks 3 and 6)
  • Ray Brown – styling
  • B.U.D. – backing vocals (track 9)
  • Sean "P. Diddy" Combs – production (track 14), songwriting (track 14)
  • Fran Cooper – make-up
  • Courtney Copeland – backing vocals (tracks 1 and 13)
  • Josh Copp – engineering assistance (track 2)
  • Tom Coyne – mastering (all tracks)
  • Cathy Dennis – backing vocals (tracks 3 and 6), songwriting (tracks 3 and 6)
  • DaCorna Boyz – keyboards (track 9)
  • Patrick Demarchelier – photography
  • Kara DioGuardi – backing vocals (track 11), songwriting (track 11)
  • Dan Dymtrow – management representation
  • Roxanne Estrada – backing vocals (tracks 1, 7, 9 and 13)
  • Niklas Flyckt – mixing (tracks 3 and 6)
  • Chriss Fudurich – engineering (track 8)
  • Matt Furmidge – engineering assistance (track 4)
  • Andy Gallas – engineering (track 7)
  • Abel Garibaldi – engineering (track 7), programming (track 7)
  • Roy Gartrell – banjo (track 2), guitar (track 2)
  • Şerban Ghenea – mixing (tracks 1, 2, 5, 7 and 9)
  • Brad Gilderman – engineering (track 8)
  • Lori Goldstein – styling
  • Lisa Greene – backing vocals (track 4), songwriting (track 4)
  • Mick Guzauski – mixing (track 10)
  • Rob Haggert – engineering assistance (tracks 1, 8 and 13)
  • Chris Haggerty – digital editing (track 3)
  • Roy "Royalty" Hamilton – arrangement (track 2), backing vocals (track 2), instrumentation (track 2), production (track 2), songwriting (track 2)
  • Dug Hanes – Pro-Tools engineering (track 5)
  • John Hanes – digital editing (tracks 1, 7, 9 and 13), Pro-Tools engineering (tracks 2 and 5)
  • Jimmy Harry – arrangement (track 8), guitar (track 8), keyboards (track 8), production (track 8), programming (track 8), songwriting (track 8)
  • Emma Holmgren – backing vocals (tracks 3 and 6)
  • Vance Hornbuckle – engineering assistance (track 5)
  • Isabel – make-up
  • Janson & Janson – string arrangement (track 6), string conduction (track 6)
  • Henrik Jonback – guitar (tracks 3 and 6), songwriting (tracks 3 and 6)
  • Juggy D – backing vocals (track 13)
  • Jennifer Karr – backing vocals (track 11)
  • R. Kelly – backing vocals (track 7), mixing (track 7), production (track 7), songwriting (track 7)
  • Brian Kierulf – engineering (tracks 11 and 15), guitar (track 11), keyboards (tracks 11 and 15), production (tracks 11 and 15), programming (tracks 11 and 15), songwriting (tracks 11 and 15), vocal editing (tracks 11 and 15), vocal engineering (tracks 11 and 15)
  • Laurentius – hair
  • Stephen Lee – songwriting (track 4)
  • Kyron Leslie – backing vocals (track 5)
  • Ryan Leslie – instrumentation (track 14), production (track 14), songwriting (track 14)
  • Vanessa Letocq – production coordination (track 4)
  • Vivien Lewit – legal representation
  • Thomas Lindberg – bass (tracks 3 and 6)
  • Paul Logus – mixing (track 14)
  • Stephanie Louise – hair, make-up
  • Steve Lunt – A&R, arrangement (tracks 1–3, 6, 9 and 13)
  • Donnie Lyle – guitar (track 7)
  • Madonna – songwriting (tracks 1 and 13), vocals (tracks 1 and 13)
  • Penelope Magnet – arrangement (tracks 1 and 9), backing vocals (tracks 1, 5, 7, 9 and 13), production (tracks 1, 9 and 13), songwriting (tracks 1, 5, 9 and 13), vocal arrangement (tracks 5 and 7), vocal production (tracks 5 and 7)
  • Marla Weinhoff Studio – set design
  • The Matrix – arrangement (track 10), backing vocals (track 10), engineering (track 10), production (track 10), songwriting (track 10)
  • Charles McCrorey – engineering assistance (tracks 1 and 13)
  • Sean McGhee – editing (track 12), engineering (track 12), mixing (track 12)
  • Mentor – keyboards (track 13)
  • Ian Mereness – engineering (track 7), programming (track 7)
  • Charlie Midnight – songwriting (track 10)
  • Jason Mlodzinski – engineering assistance (track 7)
  • Moby – engineering (track 5), instrumentation (track 5), production (track 5), programming (track 5), songwriting (track 5)
  • Lyn Montrose – engineering assistance (track 14)
  • Balewa Muhammad – songwriting (track 8)
  • Pablo Munguia – engineering (tracks 2 and 4)
  • Jackie Murphy – art direction, packaging design
  • Terius Nash – songwriting (tracks 1 and 13)
  • Andrew Nast – engineering assistance (track 10)
  • Kendall Nesbitt – keyboards (track 7)
  • Thabiso "Tab" Nkhereanye – songwriting (tracks 1, 9 and 13)
  • Gary O'Brien – guitar (tracks 1, 9 and 13), songwriting (tracks 1 and 13)
  • Oribe – hair
  • Jonas Östman – engineering assistance (tracks 3 and 6)
  • Pardeep Sandhu Orchestra – algozee (track 13), tumbi (track 13)
  • Rob Paustian – engineering (track 14)
  • Ranjit – photography
  • Jason Rankins – engineering assistance (track 2)
  • Rishi Rich – programming (track 13), remix production (track 13)
  • Emma Roads – backing vocals (tracks 1 and 13)
  • Tim Roberts – engineering assistance (tracks 1, 2, 5, 7, 9 and 13)
  • Chyna Royal – backing vocals (track 2), songwriting (track 2)
  • Larry Rudolph – management
  • Josh Schwartz – backing vocals (track 15), engineering (tracks 11 and 15), guitar (tracks 11 and 15), production (tracks 11 and 15), songwriting (tracks 11 and 15)
  • Alexis Seaton – engineering assistance (track 14)
  • Guy Sigsworth – instrumentation (track 12), production (track 12)
  • Slam – production coordination (track 14)
  • Shep Solomon – production (track 8), songwriting (track 8)
  • Britney Spears – arrangement (tracks 1 and 9), songwriting (tracks 1, 3, 5, 8–13 and 15), vocals (all tracks)
  • Mark "Spike" Stent – mixing (tracks 1 and 8), vocal engineering (tracks 1 and 13)
  • Mary Alice Stephenson – styling
  • Christopher Stewart – arrangement (tracks 1 and 9), backing vocals (track 5), instrumentation (tracks 1 and 9), production (tracks 1, 9 and 13), programming (tracks 1 and 9), songwriting (tracks 1, 5, 9 and 13), vocal arrangement (tracks 5 and 7), vocal production (tracks 5 and 7)
  • Stockholm Session Strings – strings (track 6)
  • Rich Tapper – engineering (track 2), engineering assistance (tracks 4, 5, 7 and 9)
  • Mark Taylor – engineering (track 4), mixing (track 4), production (track 4)
  • Brian "B-Luv" Thomas – digital editing (tracks 1, 5, 7, 9 and 13), engineering (tracks 1 and 9), vocal engineering (tracks 5, 7 and 13)
  • David Treahearn – engineering assistance (tracks 1, 8 and 13)
  • Mike Tucker – vocal editing (tracks 11 and 15), vocal engineering (tracks 11 and 15)
  • Seth Waldmann – engineering assistance (track 12)
  • P-Dub Walton – digital editing (tracks 1, 8 and 13)
  • Nathan Wheeler – engineering assistance (track 7)
  • The Wizardz of Oz – backing vocals (track 10)
  • Dan Yashiv – digital editing (track 8)
  • Ying Yang Twins – songwriting (track 2), vocals (track 2)
  • Jong Uk Yoon – engineering assistance (track 4)
  • Tony Zeller – engineering assistance (tracks 11 and 15)

Charts

[edit]

Certifications and sales

[edit]
Certifications and sales for In the Zone
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Argentina (CAPIF)[103] Platinum 40,000^
Australia (ARIA)[106] Platinum 70,000^
Austria (IFPI Austria)[176] Platinum 30,000*
Belgium (BRMA)[177] Gold 25,000*
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[178] Gold 50,000*
Canada (Music Canada)[179] 3× Platinum 300,000^
Czech Republic — 10,000[180]
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[181] 2× Platinum 40,000‡
Finland (Musiikkituottajat)[182] Gold 15,052[182]
France (SNEP)[183] 2× Gold 200,000*
Germany (BVMI)[184] Platinum 200,000‡
Greece (IFPI Greece)[139] Gold 10,000^
Hungary (MAHASZ)[185] Gold 10,000^
Japan (RIAJ)[111] Platinum 250,000^
Mexico (AMPROFON)[104] Platinum 100,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ)[108] Gold 7,500^
Norway (IFPI Norway)[186] Gold 20,000*
Poland (ZPAV)[187] Platinum 20,000‡
Portugal (AFP)[188] Gold 20,000^
Russia (NFPF)[189] 2× Platinum 40,000*
Singapore (RIAS)[190] Gold 5,000*
South Korea — 130,025[c]
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[191] Gold 50,000^
Sweden (GLF)[192] Gold 30,000^
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[193] Gold 20,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[99] Platinum 540,000[194]
United States (RIAA)[93] 3× Platinum 3,000,000‡
Summaries
Europe (IFPI)[102] Platinum 1,000,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and formats for In the Zone
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
Japan November 15, 2003 CD BMG [144]
Australia November 17, 2003 [195]
Germany [138]
Spain [196]
United Kingdom Jive
[197]
Canada November 18, 2003 BMG [198]
United States
Jive [199][200]
April 20, 2004 DVD-Audio
[201]
Canada April 26, 2005 DualDisc Sony BMG [202]
United States Jive [203]
Germany August 29, 2005 Sony BMG [204]
United Kingdom September 26, 2005 Jive [205]
Italy October 14, 2005 Sony BMG [206]
United States August 9, 2019 Vinyl (Urban Outfitters exclusive)[d] Legacy [210]
March 31, 2023 Vinyl [211]
Australia April 28, 2023 Sony Music [212]
Europe [213][214][215][216]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

In the Zone

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
In the Zone is the fourth studio album by American singer , released on November 18, 2003, in the United States by . The album incorporates genres such as , R&B, and electronic music, while exploring mature lyrical themes including romance, sexuality, and self-empowerment. Recorded over several months starting in late 2002, it features production from collaborators like , , and , with Spears co-writing eight of the thirteen tracks. The standard edition tracklist opens with the lead single "Me Against the Music", a collaboration with Madonna, followed by tracks like "(I Got That) Boom Boom" featuring Ying Yang Twins, "Breathe on Me", "Toxic", "Outrageous", "Touch of My Hand", "The Hook Up", "Shadow", "Brave New Girl", and the ballad "Everytime", which Spears co-wrote with Annet Artani. Subsequent singles included "Toxic", which became a global hit and won a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 2005, and "Everytime", a piano-driven power ballad. "Outrageous" was released as a single but its promotion was halted due to Spears' knee injury during the filming of its music video. Commercially, In the Zone debuted at number one on the US , selling 609,000 copies in its first week and earning triple platinum certification from the RIAA for three million units shipped. Worldwide, it has achieved approximately 10.5 million equivalent units (CSPC) as of September 2025, reflecting its strong performance amid a shifting market. The album was promoted through Spears' performance at the and supported by her subsequent (2004), marking her transition to a more adult-oriented image.

Creation and Production

Background and Development

Following the release of her third studio album, Britney (2001), which featured the single "I'm a Slave 4 U" and marked Spears' shift toward a more sensual and mature persona, she expressed a desire to further evolve her artistry and image as she entered her early twenties. This period was complicated by intense media scrutiny over her personal life, including the highly publicized breakup with longtime boyfriend Justin Timberlake in spring 2002, which influenced her emotional landscape during the album's early conceptualization. The Dream Within a Dream Tour, supporting Britney, concluded in July 2002, after which Spears initially planned a six-month hiatus but quickly pivoted to planning her next project amid ongoing tabloid attention. Conceptualization of In the Zone began in early 2002, with Spears seeking to explore themes of and self-discovery while experimenting with new producers to achieve a fresh sound. She contributed to initial songwriting, co-writing tracks like "Brave New Girl" and emphasizing personal input to reflect her growing independence. Key collaborations were pursued with innovative teams, including (Pharrell Williams and ), and the Swedish duo (Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg), who co-wrote and produced several songs starting from demo sessions that year. A pivotal influence came from Spears' admiration for Madonna's career reinventions, culminating in a personal meeting and creative partnership in 2003 that shaped the album's direction toward bold artistic risks. In her 2023 memoir The Woman in Me, Spears described as a mentor who encouraged her to embrace maturity and sexuality unapologetically, leading to their duet as the album's lead single. This collaboration was highlighted by their onstage kiss at the , symbolizing Spears' transition to a more liberated phase, aligning with the album's overarching vision of artistic growth.

Recording and Production

Recording sessions for In the Zone took place primarily between November 2002 and August 2003 across multiple locations, including in , Battery Studios in , 3:20 Studios in , Decoy Studios in , and Triangle Sound Studios in . These sessions followed the July 2002 conclusion of Spears' , after which she initially planned a six-month career hiatus but began work on the album in November 2002. The album's production involved a diverse roster of collaborators, with Spears actively participating in songwriting and vocal arrangements. Key producers included the Swedish duo (Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg), who handled tracks like "Toxic" and "Showdown," emphasizing electronic and dance elements through layered synths and beats. Christopher "Tricky" Stewart contributed to "Me Against the Music" (featuring ) and "Touch of My Hand," incorporating R&B-infused production with Spears' multi-tracked vocals for depth. (Pharrell Williams and ) produced "(I Got That) Boom Boom" (featuring ), building on their prior work with Spears by blending hip-hop grooves and futuristic synths. R. Kelly wrote and produced "Outrageous," focusing on upbeat funk rhythms recorded at Battery Studios. Technical aspects highlighted the era's shift toward digital workflows, with widely used for capturing Spears' vocal performances, including extensive layering to create rich harmonies and ad-libs that enhanced the album's electronic texture. Challenges arose from Spears' packed schedule post-tour, including promotional commitments and recovery from physical strain, yet she recorded vocals for over two dozen tracks during intensive studio stints. Mixing occurred at MixStar Studios in Virginia Beach, ensuring a polished, club-ready sound.

Musical Content

Style and Genre

In the Zone is primarily characterized by its fusion of , , and , incorporating elements of and to create a mature, club-oriented soundscape. This album represents a significant departure from ' earlier bubblegum pop roots, embracing heavier electronic production that aligns with early 2000s trends in urban and . The production emphasizes a futuristic aesthetic through prominent synthesizers and electronic beats, which drive the album's cohesive energy and mark Spears' transition to adult-oriented club music. Key innovations include the extensive use of vocoders and layered electronic textures, which add depth and sensuality to the tracks, allowing Spears to explore a more experimental vocal delivery. Tracks like "(I Got That) Boom Boom" feature influences with gritty hip-hop beats and guest vocals from , infusing Southern rap energy into the pop framework. Similarly, "Breathe on Me" draws on elements with its woozy, ambient beats and whispered vocals, evoking a hazy, atmospheric vibe. These choices contribute to the album's overall shift toward a bolder, more sexually charged sonic palette compared to her previous teen-focused work. The standard edition comprises 13 tracks with a total runtime of approximately 49 minutes, structured to flow as a unified electronic journey that prioritizes dancefloor appeal. For instance, "Toxic" exemplifies this through its pulsating synths, Bollywood-inspired strings, and surf guitar riffs blended with driving electronic rhythms, creating an exotic, addictive . "Me Against the Music," featuring , fuses hip-hop with sharp synths and a funky , highlighting the album's innovative genre-blending for high-energy collaboration. Overall, these elements solidify In the Zone as a pivotal work in Spears' , influenced by the era's rising electronic and urban pop movements.

Lyrics and Themes

In the Zone marked a significant milestone in ' career as she co-wrote eight tracks for the first time, asserting greater creative control over her music. This involvement allowed her to infuse the album with personal insights, shifting from the teen-pop formula of her debut ...Baby One More Time toward more mature expressions of self. The lyrics center on themes of empowerment, sexuality, independence, and vulnerability, capturing Spears' transition into adulthood amid high-profile relationships and public scrutiny. Empowerment emerges in tracks that celebrate self-assertion, while sexuality is explored through bold, unapologetic depictions of desire and physicality. Independence shines through narratives of breaking free from constraints, and vulnerability is revealed in raw emotional confessions, often drawing from post-breakup experiences. These motifs reflect Spears' evolving persona, blending confidence with introspection as she navigates fame's complexities. Specific examples illustrate this depth: "Toxic" employs a metaphor likening an addictive lover to a hazardous drug, underscoring the thrill and peril of toxic relationships—"With a taste of your lips, I'm on a ride / You're toxic, I'm slipping under." In "Breathe on Me," the lyrics evoke desire and escapism, inviting sensual surrender with lines like "Breathe on me / Baby just breathe on me / We don't need no words / As long as you're inside of me". "Shadow" delves into vulnerability through reflections on emotional absence, confronting the pain of an illusory relationship in verses such as "I'm watching you disappear / But you, you were never here." The collaboration with on "" highlights female , with Madonna's co-writing input shaping lyrics that emphasize playful rivalry turning to unity—"All my people in the crowd / Grab a partner take it down / It's ". This track reinforces by celebrating women's strength and in a male-dominated industry. Overall, the album's songwriting evolves from the flirtatious innuendos of Spears' early work to a more introspective maturity, contrasting the innocence of ...Baby One More Time with candid explorations of adult emotions. Sensual lyrics often pair with the album's dance beats to amplify themes of liberation and self-discovery.

Release and Marketing

Promotion and Release

In the Zone was released by Jive Records on November 12, 2003, in the United Kingdom and select international markets, followed by its United States release on November 18, 2003. The album was issued in standard CD format worldwide, with international variations including bonus tracks such as remixes and exclusive content in regions like Japan and Europe. A dual-disc edition followed in 2005, featuring the full album on one side and a DVD side with music videos for "Toxic" and "Everytime," along with 5.1 surround sound audio. Promotion for In the Zone included a cover story interview in magazine published on October 2, 2003, where Spears discussed the album's creation and her personal growth. The campaign also featured an ongoing partnership with , building on Spears' multi-year endorsement deal, which included promotional appearances and interviews tying into the brand during the album rollout. Digital promotion leveraged the newly launched , making the album one of the early major releases available for digital purchase shortly after the platform's debut earlier that year. Key promotional events included the ABC television special Britney Spears: In the Zone, which aired on November 17, 2003, showcasing live performances of album tracks like "Toxic" and behind-the-scenes footage from rehearsals. Spears marked the U.S. launch with an album signing event at the Virgin Megastore in , New York, on November 18, 2003, where fans gathered to meet her. A significant highlight was her performance at the on August 28, where she joined and for a medley ending in an onstage kiss with , amplifying buzz for the lead single "." In December 2003, Spears announced her supporting tour, initially titled the In the Zone Tour but renamed due to issues, which commenced in March 2004 as the primary live promotion vehicle.

Singles

The lead single from In the Zone, "" featuring , was released in October 2003 and peaked at number 35 on the US Hot 100. The collaboration showcased Spears' evolving pop sound with electronic and R&B influences, building anticipation for the album through its high-profile partnership. The music video, directed by , depicted a cat-and-mouse chase between Spears and Madonna in an abandoned warehouse, emphasizing tension and pursuit without direct physical contact between the artists. "Toxic," the second single, arrived in January 2004 and reached number 9 on the US , earning Spears her first Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording in 2005. Its strings-driven production and addictive hook became hallmarks of early 2000s . The accompanying video, directed by Joseph Kahn, adopted a James Bond-inspired spy thriller aesthetic, with Spears portraying a seductive assassin navigating high-stakes action sequences across global settings like a plane and a heist. "Everytime," the third single, was released internationally on May 10, 2004, and peaked at number 15 on the US through despite no commercial release in the United States. The piano-driven power marked Spears' first sole writing credit and explored themes of and . The fourth single, "Outrageous," was issued in July 2004 and peaked at number 79 on the US . Intended to highlight the album's urban edge with hip-hop elements, its promotion was limited after Spears suffered a injury during the filming of its in June 2004, leading to the video's cancellation. "Breathe on Me" served as a promotional single only, with remixes distributed to clubs and radio in 2004 but no commercial release or official video. The singles followed a phased rollout strategy, spacing releases from late 2003 through mid-2004 to sustain momentum around the album's November 2003 launch and sustain radio play. International markets saw variations, such as "Do Somethin'," an In the Zone outtake, released as a single in the UK and in February 2005 to capitalize on regional demand. Post-release, "Toxic" achieved diamond certification in the United States in 2025 for surpassing 10 million units sold, underscoring its enduring commercial success. These singles reinforced Spears' transition to a mature dance-pop icon, blending provocative visuals and club-ready tracks that influenced subsequent pop production and performance styles.

Reception and Performance

Critical Reception

Upon its release in November 2003, In the Zone received mixed-to-positive reviews from music critics, aggregating a score of 66 out of 100 based on 13 reviews, reflecting generally favorable but divided opinions on its artistic evolution. Reviewers frequently praised the album for showcasing Spears's maturation as an , moving beyond her roots into more adult-oriented themes of empowerment and sexuality, with standout tracks like "Toxic" highlighted for their infectious hooks and innovative production. AllMusic's described it as Spears's strongest effort to date, commending the "slick and smart" production and memorable songs that demonstrated her savvy as a pop star. The album's blend of dance-pop, hip-hop, and electronic elements earned acclaim for its cohesive energy and lack of filler tracks. The Guardian noted that, unlike prior releases, In the Zone offered "57 varieties of blue-chip hit-factory pop" without weak moments or covers, positioning it as a confident step forward. Similarly, Entertainment Weekly's David Browne awarded it a B grade, appreciating how the techno and hip-hop beats captured Spears's lusty, revelatory persona, particularly in empowerment anthems like "Stronger" follow-ups. Village Voice critic Sterling Clover lauded its "unmitigated, unapologetic pleasure," viewing it as a triumphant assertion of Spears's voice amid her growing fame. Critics also pointed to drawbacks, including perceived over-sexualization and formulaic elements in its club-focused sound. Rolling Stone's Rob Sheffield gave it 3 out of 5 stars, praising "Toxic" as a glittering highlight but critiquing the album's overall emotional shallowness, likening Spears's delivery to "a blowup doll" amid strip-club vibes. AllMusic acknowledged the mature shift but suggested some tracks felt overly reliant on trendy beats, bordering on predictable. The collaboration with R. Kelly on "(I Got That) Boom Boom" drew early scrutiny for its explicit tone, with Sheffield calling it a misstep that undercut the album's stronger moments, a criticism that intensified retrospectively amid Kelly's legal issues. In retrospective assessments, particularly following the #FreeBritney movement in the late , In the Zone has been reevaluated as an underrated gem in Spears's discography, celebrated for its bold creative control and influence on pop's dance-electronic fusion. Crack Magazine's 2023 overview highlighted its cohesiveness and hot, heavy bangers as a pivotal outburst of Spears's identity, contrasting initial mixed takes with its enduring impact.

Commercial Performance

In the United States, In the Zone debuted at number one on the chart, selling 609,000 copies in its first week according to Nielsen SoundScan data. The album was certified double platinum by the (RIAA) on December 16, 2003, for shipments exceeding two million units. By November 2005, it had sold 2.9 million copies domestically. In October 2023, the RIAA updated its certification to triple platinum, recognizing three million album-equivalent units sold or streamed. Internationally, In the Zone achieved strong commercial performance, reaching number one in , number two in , and number three in . It also reached the top five in 15 countries overall, with robust sales in where it earned a platinum certification from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) for one million units shipped. The album's global success was bolstered by multi-platinum certifications in over 20 countries, reflecting its broad market appeal. By 2004, In the Zone had sold approximately 8 million copies worldwide, according to the IFPI. The enduring popularity of "Toxic," which peaked at number nine on the and later achieved six-times status, provided a significant boost to long-tail sales through the mid-2000s. Factors including , which grossed over $34 million, and a post-2010 resurgence in digital streaming further sustained its commercial viability, with equivalent sales of approximately 8.56 million units as of September 2025.

Recognition and Legacy

Accolades

In the Zone received several notable awards and nominations, particularly for its "Toxic," which earned Spears her first Grammy Award. The album and its tracks were recognized across various music industry ceremonies, highlighting its commercial and artistic impact during the early pop landscape. These accolades include wins at major events like the and , as well as certifications reflecting long-term sales success.
YearAwardCategoryRecipientResultSource
2004Billboard Music AwardsHot Dance Sales Single of the Year"Me Against the Music" (feat. Madonna)Wonhttps://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/2004-billboard-music-awards-winners-65348/ []
2004Teen Choice AwardsChoice Music Single"Toxic"Wonhttps://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/2004-teen-choice-awards-winners-67001/ []
2004MTV Europe Music AwardsBest FemaleBritney Spears (for "Toxic")Wonhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005453/awards/ []
2005Grammy AwardsBest Dance Recording"Toxic"Wonhttps://www.grammy.com/artists/britney-spears/15406 []
2004Billboard Music AwardsTop Female ArtistBritney SpearsNominatedhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_awards_and_nominations_received_by_Britney_Spears [] (Note: Using as reference for nomination list, but primary from Billboard archives)
2023RIAA3× Platinum CertificationIn the ZoneCertified (3 million units)https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Britney+Spears&ti=In+the+Zone []
The album's enduring recognition culminated in updated certifications in 2023, coinciding with its 20th anniversary, underscoring its sustained popularity and streaming resurgence.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

In the Zone played a pivotal role in the evolution of pop music by incorporating electronic and dance elements that foreshadowed the mid-2000s electropop revival, blending mature themes with innovative production techniques that influenced subsequent artists. The album's lead single "Me Against the Music," featuring Madonna, and tracks like "Toxic" introduced a fusion of electropop and R&B, marking Spears' transition from teen pop to a more sophisticated sound that laid the groundwork for her later electronic-leaning work. This shift was evident in "Toxic," a dance-pop track with electropop influences that became a blueprint for club-oriented hits, sampled and interpolated by artists in the 2020s, including Beyoncé during her 2023 Renaissance World Tour and Coco Jones in her 2025 single. The album has endured as an icon in LGBTQ+ communities, celebrated for its empowering dance anthems and themes of self-pleasure and independence that resonated during Spears' promotional performances at gay clubs in 2003. Tracks like "Touch of My Hand" and "(I Got That) Boom Boom" embodied a bold sensuality that positioned In the Zone as Spears' queerest project, fostering a lasting status through its unapologetic exploration of desire. Furthermore, the album's legacy intertwined with Spears' narrative, amplified by the 2021 documentary , which reignited the #FreeBritney movement and led to a surge in streams for her catalog, including In the Zone, as fans reevaluated her artistry amid discussions of autonomy and . This feminist reinterpretation in the 2020s framed the album as a of Spears' pre- agency, highlighting her vocal contributions to eight tracks as a marker of creative independence. Serving as a bridge to her 2007 album Blackout, In the Zone represented the peak of Spears' creative control in her discography, where she co-wrote much of the material and steered toward edgier, electronic production that anticipated her later innovations. In 2023, the album's 20th anniversary sparked fan-led campaigns, including online tributes, megamixes, and discussions of its enduring relevance, coinciding with a RIAA triple platinum certification for three million equivalent units. By 2025, In the Zone had amassed over two billion streams on Spotify, underscoring its sustained cultural resonance and the movement's role in revitalizing interest in Spears' early 2000s output.

Album Details

Track Listing

The standard edition of In the Zone consists of 13 tracks with a total runtime of 49 minutes and 48 seconds.
No.TitleDurationWriter(s)
1."Me Against the Music" (featuring )3:43, , Christopher A. Stewart, Penelope Magnet, Thabiso Nkhereanyane, Terius Nash, Gary O'Brien
2."(I Got That) Boom Boom" (featuring )4:49, , Roy "Dog" Carson, Eric Seats, , Ezekiel "Zeke" Lewis, Patrick "J. Que" Smith, Balewa Muhammad
3."Showdown"3:16, Christopher A. Stewart, Penelope Magnet, T.J. Jackson, T. Jackson
4."Breathe on Me"5:25, Peter John Vettese, Sophie Alexandra Woodman-Wilkins
5."Early Mornin'"3:57Richard Melville Hall ()
6."Toxic"3:18Christian Karlsson, Pontus Winnberg, ,
7."Outrageous"3:26Joshua Schwartz, Brian Kierulf,
8."Touch of My Hand"3:24Christian Karlsson, Pontus Winnberg, , Anita Lipnicka
9."The Hook Up"2:49Spears, , Christian Karlsson, Pontus Winnberg,
10."Shadow"3:35Spears, , Graham Edwards,
11."Brave New Girl"3:28,
12."(You Drive Me) Crazy (The Stop Remix!)"3:17, Per Magnusson, , Eric Foster White
13."One Kiss from You"3:25,
International editions of the album feature additional bonus tracks, such as "Don't Hang Up" (writers: Spears, Brian Kierulf, ; 4:03) and "The Answer" (writers: Spears, , ; 3:56), particularly on Australian, European, and Japanese releases. A dual-disc includes a bonus DVD with remixes of select tracks, such as the Bloodshy & Avant's Chix Mix of "." The sequencing progresses from upbeat, club-oriented tracks to slower, more reflective ballads toward the end.

Personnel

Britney Spears provided lead and backing vocals throughout In the Zone. Madonna is featured on vocals for the lead single "Me Against the Music". Backing vocals were contributed by artists including Courtney Copeland and Penelope Magnet on various tracks. The album's production involved multiple collaborators. Bloodshy & Avant (Christian Karlsson and Pontus Winnberg) served as producers for tracks including "Showdown", "Breathe on Me", "Toxic", and "(You Drive Me) Crazy (The Stop Remix!)". R. Kelly wrote and produced "Outrageous", though the track later faced scrutiny due to his legal issues. Other producers included Moby for "Early Mornin'", Christopher "Tricky" Stewart and Penelope Magnet for "Me Against the Music", and Roy "Royalty" Hamilton for "(I Got That) Boom Boom". Instrumentation credits feature keyboards and programming by Henrik Jonback, who collaborated closely with Bloodshy & Avant on several songs. Additional instrumentation included guitars by Gary O'Brien and bass by Paul Jackson Jr. on select tracks. Engineering and mixing were handled primarily by Serban Ghenea at MixStar Studios in Virginia Beach, Virginia, with assistance from John Hanes and Tim Roberts. The album was mastered by Tom Coyne at Sterling Sound in New York City. For the album's visual elements, art direction and design were led by Jackie Murphy. Photography for the cover and promotional images was by Markus Klinko and , capturing Spears in a signature red latex ensemble. Hair styling was by Oribe, , and Stephanie Louise, while makeup was applied by Fran Cooper, Isabel, and Stephanie Louise.

Charts and Certifications

In the Zone debuted at number one on the US chart, selling 609,000 copies in its first week and marking ' fourth consecutive number-one on the chart. It held the top position for one week before descending the ranking. Internationally, the achieved strong peaks across multiple territories, reaching number one in several markets including , , , and . The following table summarizes its peak positions in select top-performing countries:
CountryPeak PositionChart
United States1Billboard 200
Canada1Canadian Albums Chart
Australia1ARIA Albums Chart
France1SNEP Albums Chart
Germany1GfK Entertainment Charts
Italy2FIMI Albums Chart
Norway2VG-lista
Ireland4Irish Albums Chart
Switzerland6Swiss Albums Chart
Belgium (Flanders)7Ultratop
On year-end charts, In the Zone ranked number 14 on the 2003 US , reflecting its late-year release impact. In 2004, it climbed to number 8 on the same chart, underscoring sustained sales throughout the year. For the decade, the album placed at number 143 on the 2000s year-end list. The album has received numerous certifications worldwide, denoting strong commercial performance. In the United States, it was certified 3× Platinum by the RIAA in October 2023 for three million album-equivalent units, including pure sales and streaming activity, with no further updates as of 2025. In the , it earned Platinum certification from the BPI in March 2004 for 300,000 units shipped. awarded it Platinum status by in 2004 for 70,000 units. Other notable certifications include 3× Platinum in (CRIA, 300,000 units), Platinum in (RIAJ, 200,000 units), and Gold in several European markets such as , , and . As of 2025, In the Zone has achieved approximately 14 million equivalent album units globally according to comprehensive sales metrics that incorporate streaming, with over 2.1 billion streams contributing significantly to its modern totals.

Release History

In the Zone was initially released internationally on November 12, 2003, through , a of Zomba Recording Corporation, with the North American release following on November 18, 2003. The album was distributed in standard formats including (US catalog number 82876-57128-2) and limited-edition cassette tapes in select markets such as the , , and . Digital download versions became available shortly after, on November 16, 2003. Regional editions featured variations, particularly in Asia, where Japanese and other Asian pressings included bonus tracks such as the "Me Against the Music (Rishi Rich's Desi Kulcha Remix)" featuring Madonna and a megamix. These editions often carried specific catalog numbers, like 82876-59320-2 for international variants. A DualDisc reissue, combining the album on one side with a bonus DVD featuring 5.1 surround sound mixes, music videos for "Toxic" and "Everytime," and a megamix video on the other, was released on April 26, 2005, under Jive Records (catalog 82876-68134-2). Following the 2008 acquisition of Zomba by and the subsequent folding of into in 2011, subsequent reissues fell under RCA and its imprint. In 2023, to mark the album's 20th anniversary, a vinyl LP edition was released on March 31 by /, available in standard black and limited-edition blue variants.

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