Pop Ghost

The Legendary Ms. Britney Spears. The ‘Baby One More Time’ singer stated in her best-selling, award-winning memoir that she is officially retired from the entertainment industry. However, rumors swirl on a daily basis that she’s since changed her mind and is mounting a major musical comeback. Unconfirmed reports say that the Grammy Award Winner will appear on Paris Hilton’s second album and on a new track with The Weeknd. Plus, this 30 second clip of a song titled ‘Listen Close‘ leaked on social media last week.

Whatever Britney is up to in her spare time, I just hope she’s happy, because her freedom is something many of us fought for almost three years. Again, unconfirmed rumors are saying that Spears will announce her next single this Friday, followed by the track dropping on all outlets one week later. Whether it’s another prank or a one-off return to music, I know I’m going to be waiting on pins and needles this Friday. But until then… Let’s take a look at the releases in the ‘Work Bitch’ hitmakers discography since her conservatorship ended.

Hold Me Closer: As part of Elton John’s Lockdown Sessions album, Britney Spears paired up with the equally impressive crooner for a modern mash-up of ‘Tiny Dancer’ and ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.’ The single peaked within the top ten in over 30 countries including America, which solidified Spears as one of just four female singers to have a top ten single in four different decades.

Toxic Pony/Toxic Las Vegas: These were merely soundtrack remixes for movies or special occasions. The original version of Toxic, released way back in 2004, never claimed the number one spot despite being recognized today as one of the greatest pop tracks of all time. However, with these new remixes, Spears did take the number one spot on Billboard Dance.

Mind Your Business: A trainwreck, a travesty. Will.I.Am served as a producer on Britney’s eight studio album Britney Jean. This song was presumably recorded around that time – 2012 or 2013 – and didn’t make the cut, unsurprisingly. With nothing else going on, the Black Eyed Peas frontman was quick to dust off and reboot this baby in 2023. Hoping to capitalize on the vibe of ‘Scream & Shout,’ this song failed on all accords and is honestly quite terrible.

I’m Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman: Netflix acquired streaming rights to Britney’s movie in October 2023. In preparation for the big streaming debut, several songs from the movie were remixed including this one and ‘I Love Rock & Roll.’ Crossroads remained the number one film on Netflix for two straight weeks.