r/popmusic • u/Ok_Heron_5442 • 22h ago
Throwback 19 Years Ago Today: Britney Spears Released Her Magnum Opus and Pop's Ultimate Bible, Blackout
Charli XCX: Named Blackout as her favorite album of all time, frequently citing Britney Spears as a primary career inspiration and noting how the album's electronic, club-centric production influenced her own musical direction.
Macy Gray: Called Blackout "one of the best albums ever", sharing that she listens to it—specifically the track "Radar"—to give herself courage and energy before going on stage.
Jade Thirlwall (JADE): Praised Blackout as a "pop bible" and noted that lead single "Gimme More" is one of her favorite pop songs ever, stating that the project helped shape the sound of modern pop.
Adéla: Named Blackout the greatest pop record of all time, celebrating its production, self-awareness, and lasting influence on electronic pop.
Kesha: Frequently celebrated the album's legacy and its impact on the wave of electropop and celebrity-focused party anthems that followed in the late 2000s and 2010s
Slayyyter: Called the album "the blueprint for everything. For me, for everybody." In an interview with UPROXX, she noted that later defining eras of pop music—like Lady Gaga's—could not have existed without Britney paving the way with "Gimme More".
Rihanna: Expressed her love for the album right around its release, stating: "It's very European, it's very pop, and it's funky." She added that all the songs make you want to move and that there are "no boring songs on it—it’s just a good groove."
Marina (formerly Marina and the diamonds): Applauded Britney's inherent genius on the project, noting that "pop instincts are so ingrained in her brain." She pointed out that people don't give Britney enough credit as an actual songwriter and conceptual artist for what she built during that era.
Danielle Haim: Called the record "so refreshing for that time" and noted that coming off a series of meticulously managed, "prim and proper" eras, Blackout finally felt like "she was being herself and not letting anyone tell her what to do."
Britney Spears: Described it as one of the easiest and most satisfying albums she ever made. For its 10th anniversary, she told The Fader that "the magic of Blackout was actually pretty simple. It just wasn't so thought out. I just did what I felt and it worked." She also noted she loves the track "Freakshow" because "it’s sassy, and I love sassy."