Earlier today we were treated to a sneak preview of the new Britney album. Here's what we found:

  • Circus is essentially a sequel to last year's Blackout album - it has the same fierce electro sound, but Britney sounds more confident and there's less reliance on the vocoder.


  • Circus also has something Blackout didn't - a proper, teary-eyed ballad. It's called 'Out From Under' and it's really quite lovely.


  • The title track is a rampaging monster of a song whose chorus kicks off with a Max Martin-style thump. "I'm the ringleader, I call the shots, I'm a firecracker, I like it hot," Britney sings on the verses. It's been confirmed as the next single and the video's already been shot.


  • Britney's introduced as "our very own pop princess, now Queen of Pop" on 'Kill The Lights'. That's her off Madonna's Christmas card list then...


  • The song itself is almost as knowing as Blackout's 'Piece Of Me', with Britney taking the paparazzi to task. "You don't like me, I don't like you," she tells them. "Only difference is you still listen, I don't have to."

  • 'If U Seek Amy', on which Britney actually reunites with Max Martin, is 50% glam, 50% rave. The title has nothing to do with a certain Miss Winehouse and makes more sense if you say it quickly... just don't do so in polite company.