Pop princess sings mainly about -- surprise! -- sex.

The follow-up to her less-than impressive CD "Blackout," "Circus" finds Spears back in familiar territory. The dozen tracks are a collection primarily about no-good, two-timing, deceptive guys, while the rest range from seductive celebrations of sexy men ("Mmm Papi" and "Lace and Leather") to a tribute to her children ("My Baby").

With Circus, Spears addresses her critics and attempts to prove that she's still got it. The album resurrects the pouty-faced pop singing of the star's youth -- with mixed results. You'll hear some "Baby One More Time"-type vocals as well as an ultra-sugary sweet ballad ("My Baby").

There are some addictive beats and hooks on the album, most notably on the successful "Womanizer" and "Radar." But her try at Latin rhythms on "Mmm Papi," comes off as extolling the virtues of an Electra complex. Kids will probably just want to download the hot singles, not the entire album. And that's probably a good thing.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this steamy album has lots of seductive lyrics -- as well as moaning and purring -- but doesn't push the limits any farther than previous albums.

Families can talk about Britney Spears the singer and Britney Spears the media object. How does Spears' music differ from her public image? How does she treat the media on this album -- including the title's allusion to a "media circus?" Do you think she is hurt or helped by all the tabloid attention she has received? Why do you think that many of her songs refer to her publicized scandals?

 Artist: Britney Spears Genre: Pop Label: Jive Parental Advisory: No Edited Version: No Release Date: 12/2/2008

Reviewed by Jacqueline Rupp.

See more about "Circus" at Common Sense Media.