Here’s How Britney Feels About ‘Blackout’ 10 Years Later

Released during what was arguably the most tumultuous year of Britney Spears’ life, Blackout now consistently ranks among the pop star’s greatest work to date. Fans loved it. Critics loved it. Even Pitchfork gave it a positive write-up, which is wild considering how limited their musical scope was at the time. But how does Britney feel about it? The FADER caught up with the superstar to find out.

In a piece celebrating the impending 10th anniversary of Blackout’s release, The FADER spoke with a dozen people who either collaborated on the album or were shaped by its innovative sounds, starting with the legendary Ms. Britney Spears herself.

“The magic of Blackout was actually pretty simple. It just wasn’t so thought out. I just did what I felt and it worked. Sometimes less is more I guess,” she told the magazine. “I still perform ‘Freakshow’ in my Vegas showit’s one of my favorite songs that was never released as a single. It’s so much fun and it gives me the chance to get the audience involved. Oh yeahit’s sassy. And I love sassy!”

The FADER also reached out to Charli XCX, who’s never been shy about her Britney stanning.

“I remember thinking that the songs felt very ahead of their time. They could still be on the radio now,” the singer said. “[When I was younger,] I just wanted to be her basically, so I think she was my first big pop icon. She’s the icon I grew up with, more so than Madonna or Cher, or anyone like that. Britney was that person to me.”

Head on over to The FADER to read the full piece, which also features interviews with Blackout producer Danja, singer and “Gimme More” songwriter Keri Hilson, rightful heir to Britney’s legacy Tinashe, and a handful of others.