2001–2003: Career development

Spears released her third studio album Britney in November 2001. Although not as successful as her previous albums, she assumed some creative control by co-writing five of the album's tracks. It surpassed Michael Jackson's album Invincible when it had a successful debut at number one in the U.S. by selling 745,744 units during its first week. To date, Britney has sold thirteen million copies worldwide. The album's success made her one of the few female artists to have their first three albums debut at number one. The album fared well with critics such as All Music Guide who gave it 4.5 out of 5 stars, describing the album's title tracks as being pivotal moments on Britney Spears's third album, the record where she strives to deepen her persona, making it more adult while still recognizably Britney. In contrast, Rolling Stone said of the album Britney belabors the obvious: Spears is one month away from entering her twenties and clearly needs to grow up if she's going to bring her fans along. The singles did not perform as well; Britney's lead single I'm a Slave 4 U peaked at 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 making it the album's biggest hit. To help promote the album, Spears embarked on the Dream Within a Dream Tour in November 2001. The tour was forced to cut short in Mexico City due to bad weather. With the end to her tour, Spears announced she would take a six month break from her career. Her career success was highlighted by Forbes Magazine in 2002 as Spears was ranked the world's most powerful celebrity. At a performance at the MTV Video Music Awards, she appeared with Christina Aguilera performing the song Like a Virgin, and was later joined by Madonna. Spears locked lips with Madonna in a highly-publicized kiss.

Audio samples:
I'm a Slave 4 U (2001)

Britney Spears's lead single from her third album Britney.
Toxic (2003)

Britney Spears's comeback single from In the Zone album.

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In November 2003, Spears released her fourth studio album, In the Zone, jettisoning the Max Martin-produced synthpop of her earlier releases. The album took in lesser-known producers such as RedZone and big names including Moby and R. Kelly. Spears co-wrote eight of the album's thirteen songs and co-produced several pieces of her material for the first time. In the Zone topped the U.S. charts in its debut week, selling over 609,000 copies. This made Spears the only female in music history to have her first four studio albums debut at number one. The album had a mild reception from critics. Stylus Magazine gave the album a D and even blamed Spears's career choices by stating, Ultimately, In the Zone suffers greatly from Britney's uneasy transition from teen tart to sexually powerful woman. Had Britney been in charge of her career direction instead of mercilessly prostituted by her management, she might have been able to produce something with some semblance of musical vision. The Guardian praised the album's melodies and her effort, giving it 4 out of 5 stars and writing, Unlike previous Britney albums, In the Zone has no filler and no shoddy cover versions, just 57 varieties of blue-chip hit-factory pop. There is southern hip-hop, deep house, Neptunes-style R&B, the ubiquitous Diwali beat and, most importantly, oodles of Madonna. The album spawned the international number one and U.S. top ten hit single Toxic, winning Spears her first ever Grammy in the category of Best Dance Recording. The Onyx Hotel Tour began in March 2004 to promote the album. The tour's choreography generated much controversy and heavy criticisms, with the presence of young children amongst the audience.