Alien

Album: Britney Jean (2013)
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Songfacts®:

  • Spears opens Britney Jean with this song recalling a time she felt lost in her world. During the record's listening party, the singer revealed this is her favorite track on the album, explaining, "We have moments when we feel alienated, shy or nervous. That's what the song is about."
  • The mid-tempo track features warped burbles of synth courtesy of William Orbit. The English producer is best known for his work with Madonna, particularly her Ray Of Light album.
  • Britney Jean wasn't Spears' first quasi-self-titled album – her third LP was called Britney. She revealed the background to the record's name on London's Capital FM. "It's a personal album, and all my family, they always call me Britney Jean," she said. "It's like a term of endearment, and I just wanted to share that with my fans."
  • Spears explained the song's meaning during a Britney Jean Listening Party on Twitter. She explained that it, "deals with loneliness and how you can be surrounded at all times by friends, family and adoring fans who you love and still feel alone. Sometimes I need to remind myself that I'm not alone."
  • A demo version of the song was leaked with unedited vocals. However, fans criticized Britney Jean executive producer will.i.am when the final album version featured Auto-Tune effects and a slight jump in the track. William Orbit wasn't impressed either, telling Facebook followers: "Should I let this whole Britney demo thing lie? Yes. But will I? Hmmm, hard to when you care as much as I do. Will I ever clear my name of heinous autotune crimes? Time will tell."

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