First off, big props to the BBC Radio 1 Chart Blog, which really does some terrific posts on the UK singles scene. I love reading their posts because, even though they’re part of a huge company, they seem like just another fellow blogger, not hindered by any agenda. That’s what this is all about, in my opinion.
Anyway, there’s a great post over there this week about Britney’s new single “If You Seek Amy”. For my money, I think this is all hype, and that the single will eventually get yanked in favor of something else. You know what they say about publicity…if it’s Britney, it’s gotta be a stunt! Musically, the song is pretty good, but the controversy surrounding the song is really a joke. I mean, if you speak English properly, and you enunciate, most people won’t hear the “hidden meaning”.
However, the more pressing matter is the continued puritanism of a large section of America. Seriously, we can get all up in arms about something that sounds like the “F” word, but what does that really mean in the grand scheme of life? I mean, a majority of my blogging compatriots talk like salty pirates every day, but I think most people do that in certain circumstances where they feel comfortable. Even my mom drops a curse every now and then, and she’s a saint.
Don’t.
All I’m saying is that if we feed into the hype, it just gets bigger and beyond us. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is ignore the negativity, and put our own positive energy out there. While I’m happy that Britney seems to be doing so well, does she really need a controversy like this, given how much attention her life gets already? As the sage Rick Astley once said, “why dont I hear her cry for help? ” In this case, you can’t help but notice.
Stumble It!
Pop Music Notes 
I agree, I don’t see what the big deal is with these goofy “scandalous” singles. I personally find much more of the rap records out today offensive than some goofy tongue-in-cheek joke written by Max Martin.
And really — they are making this seem as if it’s the most scandalous thing Brit’s ever done. Were they sleeping during 2007?
Yeah, this is pretty tame on the Britney-o-meter. And radio will never play it, especially after all the hype. Perhaps an edited version, but then there goes the “joke”.
Plus it’s not even a particularly amazing song. There is at least one other tune on the overrated Circus album that would make a better single for crying out loud!
I agree with Paul. I don’t really care for the song and I think there are better ones on Circus. Radio won’t play this, so why even try?
Mel, great reference on the rap music. What’s it say, though, when Britney’s music is more controversial than T.I.’s?
Yuri, *yawwwwwn*. I’m with ya
Paul, agreed, if not three.
ww_adh, with your airplay knowledge, I’m sure you’d agree announcing this as a single while two other songs are in the Top 10 is merely a publicity stunt. It’s just not gonna happen.
hmm. interesting observations.
i for one, think the single stands a great shot. britney is very much a publicity and video-dependent artist. we’ll have to wait for the video. although i like circus a lot, i do feel she is trying a little too hard with it all to be something she’s not – tame. hopefully we see more of her personality shine with this next single.
Will-W, I always love your enthusiasm for folks you really enjoy. This set-up just seems a bit too contrived for it to actually go off as they’re saying it will. I do like an edgy Britney, but only when there’s a little bit of integrity behind the vision.