PEOPLE critic Chuck Arnold on Britney Spears's new album

Britney sounds like she's looking back to the '80s as she moves forward toward the release of her fifth studio album (and first since 2003's In the Zone), due out Nov. 13.

In addition to the pulsating first single, "Gimme More," other tracks we heard at an exclusive preview have a synth-heavy sound that nods to new wave. The defiant "Piece of Me" the likely second single and possible album title, features Spears's heavily processed voice issuing the challenge: "You want a piece of me?" to her foes. The track was produced by Bloodshy & Avant, the Swedish producing team behind her hit "Toxic."

"Break the Ice," another uptempo number featuring Spears's trademark breathy vocals, was produced by Timbaland protegée Nate "Danjahandz" Hills.

The Rihanna-esque "Radar" (also produced by Bloodshy & Avant), sets Spears's chirpy delivery to a bouncy beat, while the driving "Heaven on Earth," an early fave, is a throbbing throwback to "I Feel Love"-era Donna Summer.

By Fabien Montique posted time [ 7:31 AM]