Anybody who has social media has inevitably seen the viral #FreeBritney movement: conspiracy theories, celebrity support, court cases and legal enforcements. Following the #FreeBritney movement is equivalent to falling down a rabbit hole, eventually landing in a messy, complicated, conspiracy rumour mill. In a nutshell, the movement is fighting for the release of Britney Spears from her conservator agreement. What is most difficult about this movement, beyond our own emotional attachment, is our powerlessness – no hashtag, video, campaign or protest can infiltrate through Britney’s the layers of legal ‘protection’, publicists, family and her social media façade. To Britney Spears’ ride-or-die fanbase, those who are currently campaigning for her release, this is simply an obstacle to overcome; outside of the movement, however, it reminds us how little we truly know about Britney and her lifestyle and, consequently, how wrong we could be.

Back in 2008, Britney momentously shaved her head. Followingly, the world went wild, memes were made, jokes were made, and even today photos from this moment circulate the internet as a pop-reference, for example ‘If I had to rate my stress, I’d say I’m pretty close to 2007 Britney’ and ‘If Britney can make it through 2007, I can make it through today’. Yet today we know this is an ignorant and insensitive joke, since Britney’s shaved head has since come to signpost her struggles with Bipolar Disorder and an episode of mania. It is this point which many fans pinpoint as the beginning of Britney’s conservatorship with her father (in 2008), one of the moments which led to the transference of Britney’s autonomy over her estate, assets and business affairs, to Jamie Spears. Notably, this was intended to be a temporary response to Britney’s declining mental health. However, to her fans, it is a red flag, an inhumane form of control, since Britney – now 38 – appears healthy, happy and in the prime of her life. But remember, this is through a screen: everything we know is from carefully contrived tweets, Instagram posts and TikToks and, although Britney is said to have freedom over her social media presence, we are unable to distinguish between the truth, the fabricated and the lies. Are we informed enough to make such strong judgements?

Fast forward to September 2^nd, 2020, Britney’s lawyer fought for the legal proceedings regarding a conservator to be made public as opposed to hidden and undercover. Later in November 4^th 2020, Britney filed an official motion to regain autonomy, removing her father as a co-conservator. Followingly, November 10^th, 2020, the judge denied her request. Reading into these legal events, the #FreeBritney movement has gained both speed and legitimacy because it is difficult to conclude anything other than Britney’s unhappiness with her current arrangements.         

When taking a look at Britney Spears’ TikTok and Instagram account, it is easy to see why people believe that something isn’t right; a childlike innocence is juxtaposed to somewhat erratic and unexplained behaviour. This is the fuel for the #FreeBritney movement. On the one hand, Britney reassures her followers ‘I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life’ in an Instagram video, but on the other, fans claim this doesn’t add up.

“I’m the happiest I’ve ever been in my life“

Britney Spears

On TikTok, her most viewed video – having been played 29.5M times – shows Britney twirling around with a bouquet of flowers, explained in her caption as a surprise from her florist which she ‘just had to SHARE’. Initially, Britney is glowing, smiling and dancing with the flowers however the video progresses so that we watch her walk back and forth, from left to right, on a continuous loop whilst posing at the camera. Expectedly, the comment section is wild and ranges from accusations of a mental health episode and secret clues and hints from Britney herself regarding what many deem her captivity. To watch the video is without doubt confusing, perhaps even uncomfortable, but what it neglects to tell us is the reason and purpose behind the video. It could be that the #FreeBritney movement is reading into something which isn’t there; it could be that the #FreeBritney movement is on point, and Britney does need helping. Perhaps it is both, and perhaps it is none: again, the difficulty is that we just don’t know.

More than 15 years later, The New York Times’ ‘Framing Britney Spears’ documentary has resurfaced the movement, as society is re-introduced to the private life of their forgotten sweetheart. In response, publications, celebrities and fans echo ‘We’re sorry Britney’, recognising their toxic part in Britney’s breakdown. On the 12^th February 2020, we were told of the court’s denial of Jamie Spears’ request for additional control over Britney’s finances, insisting instead he shares the role with (court appointed) Bessemer Trust.

Although we may try to figure everything out, we cannot. No matter how many articles we read, videos we watch or posts we find, any viewpoints we might form will remain only a theory until we gain more understanding and access into the life of Britney Spears. Until then, it is important to remember that regardless of your view on #FreeBritney, the media must change to become more responsible and considerate. Britney Spears, undeniably, is only a human being: a woman who rose to fame as a vulnerable, impressionable 11-year-old. The ignorant unsensitivity with which the paparazzi, tabloids, gossip magazines and society treated Britney is perhaps the most prominent take-away to this story. Until this changes, the freedom of Britney – and her fellow celebrities – will never be possible.   

Words by Hannah Emery

The post Everything You Need To Know About #Freebritney appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Now that we have more time our usual playlists have been overplayed, it is time for something new or maybe something old. We would enlighten you with our 50 favourite underrated songs from your favourite artists. Did you know about Katy Perry’s 80s dance song or Britney’s dance-gospel masterpiece? Exactly! Prepare yourself for a musical journey, hopefully resulting in you discovering new songs to dance to. Let your hair down and join us in dancing/sobbing to these underrated classics.

1. ‘Successful’ – Ariana Grande

Beginning our playlist is this badass anthem from reigning pop princess, Ariana Grande. The production is soft, dreamy and ever so slightly funk-inspired, much like the rest of her album sweetener. The lyrics exude confidence and quite simply make you feel like you are on top of the world.

2. ‘Break the Ice’ – Britney Spears

This underrated gem is one of my favourites and quite possibly the best Britney Spears song ever released. The song opens with the enticing words, “it’s been a while, I know I shouldn’t have kept you waiting, but I’m here now.” The song is an utter musical explosion of gospel singers, pounding drums and whining synths, all complemented by some of the strongest vocals Miss Spears has ever delivered, all at the peak of her “breakdown” in 2007. Pretty legendary if you ask me.

3. ‘Trouble for Me’ – Britney Spears

Femme Fatale was a pure electro-pop masterpiece and this track is merely a window into the album. The song is a whirlwind of roaring synths and Britney’s sassy yet despairing lyrics. Behind the seemingly simple message of Britney falling for a “bad guy” is actually the sad reality of Britney’s addiction. “Me and you were a disaster and you’re only a danger to me,” Britney sings. The masking of the deep lyrics behind an effortlessly intoxicating song makes it all the more captivating.

4. ‘Roulette’ – Katy Perry

‘Roulette’ is a total explosion of 80s pop in all its best forms. The playful lyrics complimented by the electrifying synths make the song gripping from start to finish. The song hits its peak at the chorus when the beat plunges into an unapologetically 80s dream. It’s hard to describe just how stimulating those first moments the chorus hits are but I am envious of anyone who gets to experience them for the first time. Katy wants us to “lose control” with us on this track and we are absolutely dancing our hearts out alongside her.

5. ‘Close Your Eyes’ – Kim Petras

Despite this song being taken off of Kim’s Halloween album, Turn off the Light, it does not discount it in the slightest from being perfection and a year-round bop – you may just need to ignore the plainly Halloween nature of the lyrics. Kim’s sassy speak-singing in the verses and powerhouse vocals in the chorus, listen in for those notes at the end, topped by the gripping beat make the song thoroughly enthralling from beginning to end, a perfect window into the artistry of Kim for any new listeners as well.

6. Venus – Lady Gaga

‘Venus’ is the absolute pinnacle of Gaga’s 2013 album, ARTPOP. The song is a curated compilation of Gaga yelling over various stirring and explosive, obdurately electronic dance-pop beats. Despite being promoted on various shows in 2013, it was never released as a single, which I think is a crime to pop music. The song is a musical ticket to another dimension, one with an abundance of dance, sex and joy.

7. Cherry – Lana Del Rey

Lana has a certain bewitching way about her that means she can so much as cough into a microphone and the world is enchanted, and ‘Cherry’ exemplifies this in the greatest possible way. The simple stripped back production is eerily alluring and manages to grip the listener from the moment Lana opens her mouth. The chorus is irresistibly catchy and embodies the essence that is Lana Del Rey, the sexy-sad playfulness is inescapable and almost certainly manages to pull you deep under the spell of the Mother Witch herself.

8. Genetics – Meghan Trainor (ft. The Pussycat Dolls)

A day will not go by where I do not try and convince someone to listen to this song. ‘Genetics’ is utter exuberant, bubble-gum pop perfection. The sassy lyrics are refreshing and empowering and the warping beat of the song echoes the unavoidably catchy nature of previous Meghan Trainor body empowerment anthem, ‘All about that Bass’. Meghan and The Pussycat Dolls sound incredible and the confidence this track exudes can’t help but make the listener feel slightly happier than they did before they pressed play.

9. Vulnerable – Selena Gomez

Radiating confidence and self-assurance, ‘Vulnerable’ ushers the listener into Selena’s mind, one of peaceful euphoria and soft, thoughtful contemplation. Selena’s voice is enticing and as the song descends into the chorus, as opposed to the habitual EDM beat familiar in Selena songs, it exchanges it for a smooth dreamy mix, shadowing her softly spoken words and completing the track entirely. Definitely one for playing around the pool, if/when we are eventually allowed out of our homes.

10. – I Did Something Bad – Taylor Swift

Reputation era Taylor Swift was possibly one of the most powerful, fearless and badass figures in recent pop history and criminally underrated deepcut, ‘I Did Something Bad’. As petty as it is catchy and endearing. it shows a (bitter and better) Taylor harnessing the heartbreak and hurt of her precious work and totally reimagining the outcome, giving the listener an apathetic psychopathic swift seemingly showing no remorse for her alleged wrongdoings. thunderous stomps of the beat, mixed with roaring synths pull the listener in and out of the song, the lyrics spill over each line as if a reptilian Taylor is hissing them out, entirely consuming you, chewing you up and spitting you out. leaving you reeling from an all bodily encompassing musical experience.

Words by Joe Gardner

Graphics by Georgia Walters

The post 50 Underrated Songs That Will Lift Your Lockdown Mood appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Britney Spears, the thirty-eight-year-old superstar, has attracted the spotlight in the media with a movement orchestrated by her fans named . In 2008 Britney was issued a conservatorship resulting in her losing independent control over various aspects of her life including financial and personal matters. As such a strong role model with a down-to-earth demeanor and ability to find light in the darkest of times, her fans have been eager to give something back to their idol, standing in solidarity as they fight for the freedom she deserves.

Britney captured our hearts back in the late ’90s with her iconic first single ‘…Baby One More Time’, and her stardom rocketed from there. An icon of our generation, Britney has won a variety of awards for her timeless hits including the ‘best song of the decade 2000s’ which she received in 2018 for the incredibly catchy ‘Toxic’. A pop success, her hits will always be the ones we cannot help but sing along to!

Britney Spears… Baby One More Time from Britney Spears Youtube Channel

A worldwide success from such a young age, we can only imagine the pressure that has accompanied Britney’s fame and we credit her for the strength of character she has shown throughout her career. There has been media coverage surrounding Britney’s mental health and her personal battle through these difficult times. In 2008 when her struggle was at its peak, the conservatorship was put in place. As a Superstar with driving ambition, as shown by her many well- deserved number one singles, fans have been stricken to see Britney in this position for so long.

Although fans have been fearing for the welfare of the star, Britney seeks to calm their concerns with her Instagram page that glows with positivity. Sharing videos of herself dancing to her favourite songs by Rihanna, Beyoncé, Otis Redding, and many more, we see a true talent sharing what she does best; performing. Sometimes filming herself without makeup or even brushed hair, we are refreshed to see her social media account which is incredibly relatable and genuine.

Britney Spears

Britney not only hopes to achieve personal growth but seeks to inspire that contagious touch of optimism. Alongside a quote inspiring courage, the singer honestly states: “I get how some people might not like my posts or even understand them, but this is me being happy…this is me being authentic and as real as it gets!!!!! I want to inspire people to do the same and just be themselves without pleasing others…that’s the key to happiness!!!!”

We are so pleased to see Britney placing her mental wellbeing as a priority, as she shares a serene video of herself doing yoga on the beach. Again, Britney brings her attention to helping others with the caption “we as people are all filled with so much anxiety…taking a moment to breathe truly helps…just know we are all in this together!!!!” She also regularly shares pictures of beautiful flowers with heartfelt captions, inspiring us all to find love and meaning in life. We salute Britney for channeling such a positive outlook in her difficult circumstances.

The conservatorship may limit her personal independence, but it has not impeded her strength from within: the place that holds the true “key” to happiness. Strong, resilient, and most importantly true to herself, we can see why the movement has gained such support. According to metro, over 134,000 people have signed the accompanying online petition, highlighting just how much she is admired. Truly deserving we wish Britney best wishes and luck for the future.

Words by Brooke Savino Graphics by Clare Stephenson

The post Every time Britney Spears Has Inspired Us To Be Positive #FreeBritney appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or not, Pride Month is the perfect opportunity to celebrate freedom of choice, self-acceptance, and of course, pride. What better thing could accompany celebrations other than music? Some songs hit different for queer people: those listened as curios teenagers and others played on repeat at the local bar were all about experimenting sexuality, daydreaming about true love or simply partying.

Now, these tracks have become international LGBTQ+ anthems present in the background of every Pride parade, praising diversity and representing some of the queer community’s struggles. This is a list of classic queer anthems to consider adding to your Pride playlist.

Born This Way – Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga

‘I’m beautiful in my way ’cause God makes no mistakes’, sings Gaga in what can be considered the absolute ode to diversity and being yourself. Addressing both religion and social prejudices, this track encourages you to accept yourself for who you are and to be proud.

Firework – Katy Perry

Katy Perry

Everyone who listened to this song can identify in the lyrics. When the world is letting you down, just let your firework burst and light up the sky. ‘Baby you’re a firework, come on let your colours burst’, Katy sings. This track is an encouragement to be brave and show people ‘what you’re worth’.

You Need To Calm Down – Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift

As one of the latest entry among these LGBTQ+ anthems, ‘You Need To Calm Down’ is a satirical, all-queer song poking fun at every hater of the rainbow community. ’Shade never made anybody less gay’, sings Taylor, celebrating Pride and diversity with her friends in the equally queer music video.

Break Free – Ariana Grande feat. Zedd

Ariana Grande

If you have attended any Pride parade, you will have surely heard this song playing non-stop. ‘Break Free’ is all about coming out of your shell and be you are. ‘Tried to hide it, fake it, I can’t pretend anymore’, Ariana sings as the beat breaks down in a frenetic rhythm.

Toxic – Britney Spears

Britney Spears

The early 2000s gifted us with this iconic pop anthem that now holds a heartfelt spot among queer music. What makes this song so appealing to the LGBTQ+ community are the sultry and sexy vibes coming from each section of the track. ‘With a taste of your lips I’m on a ride’, sings Britney as the seductive rhythm guides you through the song.

Take Me To Church – Hozier

Hozier

As one of the most dramatic and religious-themed tracks among these titles, ‘Take Me To Church’ is a representation of all the prejudices and stereotypes associated with queer couples. With many religious analogies and metaphors, the song describes the struggles of living and loving in a cruel conservative society.

I Will Survive – Gloria Gaynor

Gloria Gaynor

As mentioned before, not all songs have to deliberately talk about acceptance or pride. ‘I Will Survive’ is a clear example of a song that serves as the party starter during a parade. The early 80s track, originally written as a breakup song, is now the happy melody accompanying the rainbow marches all over the world.

I Kissed a Girl – Katy Perry

Katy Perry

Once considered a corny bisexual-curious song, ‘I Kissed a Girl’ is now a favourite pick for Pride manifestations. Experimenting with your sexuality shouldn’t be an issue because once you do, you’ll realise ‘you liked it’, and that’s what this song is all about.

I Want to Break Free – Queen

Queen

Another classic that made its debut in queer music in the 80s, ‘I Want to Break Free’ is a homage to the drag community (in the music video all the band members are dressed in drag) but also represents an anthem to the freedom of love.

It’s Raining Men – The Weather Girls

The Weather Girls

As a lyrical excitement for different kinds of men, the 80s dance song has been one of the greatest addition to Pride playlists. In a funny and comedic tone, the two black singers’ voices blend together to celebrate with a ‘hallelujah’ the diversity of their male possible lovers.

Call Me Maybe – Carly Rae Jepsen

Carly Rae Jepsen

If you’ve ever experienced falling in love at first sight then this track was made for you. Carly sings about moving too fast and falling for this kind of infatuation. The LGBTQ+ community can’t keep from dancing to this dreamy beat on the notes of ‘here’s my number, so call me maybe’.

Girls Like Girls – Hayley Kiyoko

Hayley Kiyoko

Coming from a queer artist, this track celebrates lesbian love in both lyrics and music video. It’s no surprise that the LGBTQ+ community holds a special spot for this song. ‘Girls like girls like boys do. Nothing new’, sings Hayley challenging conservative mentalities and stereotypes.

Raise Your Glass – P!nk

P!nk

P!nk has always been an LGBTQ+ icon and supporter. Her music is an essential element of Pride parades because it has that tough and unbothered attitude necessary to praise being diverse. ‘We will never be never be, anything but loud’ she sings provocatively. Just like other songs, ‘Raise Your Glass’ invites you to get your freak on and party like never before.

I Follow Rivers (The Magician Remix) – Lykke Li

Lykke Li

A manifesto for the queer community, ‘I Follow Rivers’ is a house track which was also featured in the 2013 film ‘Blue Is the Warmest Colour’. This track has frequently been present in Pride parades since its appearance in the movie, becoming one of the main LGBTQ+ anthems.

Really Don’t Care – Demi Lovato feat. Cher Lloyd

Demi Lovato, Cher Lloyd

Demi Lovato teamed up with Cher Lloyd to create a song that would empower those people who are often the victims of bullying and discrimination. ‘Now if we meet out on the street I won’t be running scared I’ll walk right up to you and put one finger in the air’, sings Demi in an attempt to provoke haters. The track turned out to be perfect for Pride parades: the music video was filmed during the LA Pride in 2014.

Words by Gennaro Costanzo

Graphics by Clare Stephenson

The post Top 15 Anthems to Bop to For Pride appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Throughout history, few things fail to bring limitless joy like Britney Spears’ music. As we find ourselves painfully slogging through the gigantic mess of a year that is 2020, one small glimmer of joy to celebrate is among us, the 20th anniversary of one of the most iconic and successful sophomore albums of all time ‘Oops… I Did it Again’.

In honour of this, Team Britney are releasing a commemorative, gorgeous, picture disc vinyl, coming August 14th and available to pre-order now. Plus, the release of ‘Oops!… I Did It Again (Remixes & B-Sides) EP’, including rare remixes of the hits “Oops!… I Did It Again,” “Lucky,” “Stronger” and “Don’t Let Me Be The Last To Know,” plus four rare songs from the album sessions only released outside the U.S., including a cover of The Jets’ classic ballad “You Got It All.” coming on September 26th.

To celebrate the anniversary and announcement of the new releases, we have decided to revisit the album (as if we don’t already weekly) and discuss some of our favourite tracks and why they are so incredible.

Counting down from 5 to our absolute favourite.

5. ‘Can’t Make You Love Me’

In fifth place, ‘Can’t Make You Love Me’ s uptempo, funky beat is at such stark contrast to the despairing lyrics. She sings, “I might be sitting with the movie stars… but I can’t make you love me”. Britney is longing for a “normal” life here by trying to diminish her international fame and calling herself “just a girl with a crush on you”. However, overlooking the drama of the lyrics, the song itself is a playful, pure 2000s bop, effortlessly captivating and easily hair-whip-able.

4. ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’

Although a cover, this powerful banger perfectly details Britney’s life at the time, continuing to ride the wave of success from her incredibly successful album ‘Baby One More Time’, the song showcases Britney struggling to transition from teen idol to adult pop star in the public eye. This song is the first of many, including other ‘Oops..’ tracks ‘Lucky’ and “What U See (Is What U Get’), showing Britney struggle with the same problem. The 2000 VMA performance, where she infamously ripped off her black suit to reveal a nude two-piece, elevates the songs’ message and perfectly exemplifies the emotion Britney is trying to convey here.

3. ‘Lucky’

‘Lucky’ is probably one of the most haunting songs of Britney’s entire discography. At only age 19, Britney is eerily accurate in foreshadowing her career infamous, unfortunate downfall in 2007-8. The star of the song, “Lucky” (Britney) is struggling to deal with fame and success yet is continuously portrayed as having everything, being ‘lucky’ if you will. Although deeply painful to listen to, knowing the trials and tribulations celebrity life has put Britney through after the song’s release, the song is one of the first times Britney had the confidence to address her unprecedented fame, one that should be celebrated. Not to mention the song is pure bubble-gum-pop perfection and infectiously catchy.

2. ‘Oops… I Did It Again’

When thinking of early 2000s nostalgia, a few things may come to mind, flip phones, low-waisted jeans and last but not least, ‘Oops… I did It Again!’. Everything from the red catsuit, the spoken word bridge and the instantly recognisable choreography results in the song oozing iconicity. We’re sure we don’t need to describe the intoxicatingly catchy lyrics or the warping, enthralling beat but it’s safe to say this playful, unforgettable hit will always have a place in our hearts.

1. ‘Stronger’

If you are looking for a timeless, self-empowerment anthem then look no further than ‘Stronger’. This song manages to electrify the listener from the first, almost indescribable, sound (once hilariously accurately compared to that of a coffee machine.) The chorus (listen for that long note in the final chorus as well!) leaves the listener both exhilarated and empowered. Maybe I am biased because I possibly did or did not cry when watching her perform this, but writing about it now, I am struggling to find one bad thing to say about ‘Stronger’. When adding the context of Britney’s tumultuous personal life and her triumphant comeback, the songs’ message really is that of emancipation. Britney is “Stronger” now than ever before and that makes the song all the more special to us.

Although we could carry on talking for ages about how ‘Oops’ is possibly Britney’s most accomplished and vocally talented album in her discography or the clear, important turning point it showcased in Britney’s career from a one-hit-wonder teenager to adult, living legend, it is probably best to leave it here.

Make sure to go and re-listen to ‘Oops… I Did it Again’ if you haven’t recently and immerse yourself back in the pure nostalgic, 2000s bliss.

Words by Joe Gardner

Graphics by Katie Janes

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