Britney (album) - Background and Recording

Background and Recording

Spears announced of the album, that much of the material of her third record reflects who she is, which is why she named it Britney. Spears recorded 23 tracks for Britney, and stated that choosing 12 of the tracks for the album was the most difficult part of the recording process. Writing, which Spears first attempted on "I'm So Curious" and "Dear Diary" on her first two albums, came more easily to the singer for Britney, due partially to the assistance she received from writing team Josh and Brian. While Spears simply came up with the concepts they developed on some of the tracks, Spears wrote both melody and words for others. "This is the first album I have ever really written and taken my time on," Spears said. "So when I actually listen to the whole album, it's just that much more special. I don't know if I'm the best songwriter in the world, but I had a lot of fun doing it and hopefully I will get better and grow."

It was Spears' idea to cover the song "I Love Rock 'n Roll", the Arrows' song that Joan Jett and the Blackhearts turned into a hit in 1981, with R&B producer Rodney Jerkins, and scratches performed by Corey Chase. Aside from Jerkins, who produced Spears' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction)" cover and other tracks on her prior album, Spears also worked with the Neptunes. She told MTV that, "I was inspired by a lot of hip-hop and R&B while I was on my last tour," Spears said. "I was inspired by Jay-Z and the Neptunes. She told Jive Records, "I really wanted to work with the Neptunes, and wanted to make Britney "nastier and funkier". Britney's "nastier" sound, which language-wise did not exceed a few "hells" and "damns," prompted some critics to wonder if Spears was outgrowing her audience. She said, "It's not my intention to leave my young fans. I just want an older generation to pick up on it as well," she responded. "I couldn't do "...Baby One More Time" number three. I had to change it up and pray people think that's cool."

She recorded the song "What It's Like To Be Me" with Justin Timberlake. She said that "I have to say I was a little nervous at first," of working with Timberlake. "I'm used to producers going in there and it's like work. And I go in and I work and I do my vocals and work. And I thought that it was awkward at first, because I was nervous recording with him doing my vocals." Max Martin also co-wrote a track called "Overprotected", on which Spears sings, "You're gonna have to see through my perspective/ I need to make mistakes just to learn who I am/ And I don't want to be so damn protected", which reflected her new, more adult approach.