Countdown to Britney Spears’ Circus

After a tumultuous year of hair-shaving, crotch-flashing, family struggles and a historically disastrous performance at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards, Britney Spears is back in a big way with the coming release of her highly-anticipated album, Circus. The album will be out in stores on Spears' birthday, December 2. Jive Records already gave Britney fans a taste of Circus, as previews of the tracks are already available on New York radio station KTU's website, as well as on Amazon.com.

Circus is Spears' album after last year's Blackout, which was released during the height of the media frenzy over the pop star's personal problems. Circus is proof that Spears had already recovered from the troubles of last year, and for the album, she teamed up with top producers which include Max Martin, Bloodshy & Avant and Danja. Danja was the man responsible for Gimme More, one of Spears' hits from Blackout, while Bloodshy & Avant produced her 2003 hit Toxic.

The album's first single, Womanizer, was released to radio stations on September 26, and soon made the top spot at the Billboard Hot 100. The song's video garnered great reviews, which showed a naked Britney back in shape, and looking hotter than ever.

Rollingstone.com already gave Circus a favorable review, saying “Britney may have left the psych ward, but on Circus, she proves she’s still a freak. The clubby, adventurous pop on her sixth album — her first since getting committed and losing custody of her kids — would have made a fine follow-up to 2003’s In the Zone.”

The star is said to be planning a concert tour to promote the album.