Alien

Album: Britney Jean (2013)
Play Video

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."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Producer Ron Nevison

Producer Ron NevisonSong Writing

Ron Nevison explains in very clear terms the Quadrophenia concept and how Heart staged their resurgence after being dropped by their record company.

Black Sabbath

Black SabbathFact or Fiction

Dwarfs on stage with an oversize Stonehenge set? Dabbling in Satanism? Find out which Spinal Tap-moments were true for Black Sabbath.

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.

Bob Daisley

Bob DaisleySongwriter Interviews

Bob was the bass player and lyricist for the first two Ozzy Osbourne albums. Here's how he wrote songs like "Crazy Train" and "Mr. Crowley" with Ozzy and Randy Rhoads.