This week Britney Spears released her sixth studio album titled Circus. The album, released on her 27th birthday, garnered high expectations in the months leading up to its release with many people expecting Circus to solidify her comeback and set the stage for her to take her place at the top once more. The album’s first single “Womanizer” received widespread acclaim from fans and critics alike, and went No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. With the bar set high by the first single, did Circus live up to the all the hype?

Well, ladies and gentlemen, there is no need to bother discussing a Britney comeback anymore. While she may not be sitting at the top quite yet, and technically she never really “left”, it can’t be argued that Britney Spears is officially back.

Circus is jam packed with radio friendly tunes and many potential hits from “Lace and Leather” to “If You Seek Amy”, and of course the albums second single and title track “Circus”. At times the album is ambitious revealing Britney’s matured and thoughtful side. Madonna’s inspiration on the pop singer is obvious on many of the album’s tracks, and while the album does present some disposable pop filler that slightly missed the mark, Circus is an all-around solid album. Authentic, sassy, and fun – the album gives fans danceable beats, catchy lyrics, and even some soft ballad vocals. As 2008 nears its end, I think it’s fair to say that Britney’s Circus is the best pop album release of 2008.

In support of her new album Circus Britney will be hitting the road in the new year with The Circus starring: Britney Spears tour – her first arena tour in five years. The tour will feature the choreography of Wade Robinson, as well as performances from the Pussycat Dolls.

The Circus starring: Britney Spears – with guests the Pussycat Dolls (dates subject to change)

3/3/2009: New Orleans Arena - NEW ORLEANS, LA
3/5/2009: Philips Arena – ATLANTA, GA
3/7/2009: American Airlines Arena – MIAMI, FL
3/8/2009: St. Pete Times Forum – TAMPA, FL
3/11/2009: Nassau Coliseum – UNIONDALE, NY
3/13/2009: Prudential Center – NEWARK, NJ
3/14/2009: Prudential Center – NEWARK, NJ
3/16/2009: TD Banknorth Garden – BOSTON, MA
3/18/2009: Air Canada Centre – TORONTO, ON
3/19/2009: Air Canada Centre – TORONTO, ON
3/20/2009: Bell Centre – MONTREAL, QC
3/23/2009: Nassau Coliseum – UNIONDALE, NY
3/24/2009: Verizon Center – WASHINGTON D.C.
3/26/2009: Mohegan Sun – UNCASVILLE, CT
3/27/2009: Mellon Arena – PITTSBURGH, PA
3/30/2009: Toyota Center – HOUSTON, TX
3/31/2009: American Airlines Center – DALLAS, TX
4/2/2009: Sprint Center – KANSAS CITY, MO
4/3/2009: Target Center – MINNEAPOLIS, MN
4/6/2009: Rexall Place – EDMONTON, AB
4/8/2009: GM Place – VANCOUVER, BC
4/9/2009: TacomaDome – TACOMA, WA
4/11/2009: ARCO Arena – SACRAMENTO, CA
4/12/2009: HP Pavilion – SAN JOSE, CA
4/14/2009: EnergySolutions Arena – SALT LAKE CITY, UT
4/16/2009: Staples Center – LOS ANGELES, CA
4/17/2009: Staples Center – LOS ANGELES, CA
4/19/2009: Honda Center – ANAHEIM, CA
4/20/2009: Honda Center – ANAHEIM, CA
4/24/2009: Jobing.com Arena – PHOENIX, AZ
4/25/2009: MGM Grand Garden Arena – LAS VEGAS, NV
4/28/2009: Allstate Arena – CHICAGO, IL
4/29/2009: Allstate Arena – CHICAGO, IL
6/3/2009: The O2 – LONDON, UK
6/4/2009: The O2 – LONDON, UK
6/6/2009: The O2 – LONDON, UK
6/7/2009: The O2 – LONDON, UK
6/10/2009: The O2 – LONDON, UK
6/11/2009: The O2 – LONDON, UK
6/13/2009: The O2 – LONDON, UK
6/14/2009: The O2 – LONDON, UK