Spears new album Blackout released November 13th

October 7, 2007

Los Angeles - Singer Britney Spears is calling her first studio album in four years Blackout.

Britney's record label Jive claims the title "refers to blocking out negativity and embracing life fully."

Spears' comeback single, Gimme More, is already number three in the singles chart - despite the singer's horrible performance at last month's MTV awards.

The star's erratic behavior in recent months culminated in her losing custody of her two sons earlier this week.

Her ex-husband, Kevin Federline, was awarded custody after Spears failed to produce her driving license and missed a test for drugs and alcohol.

She was granted visitation rights - but must be monitored at all times when she is with Sean Preston, two, and Jayden James, one.

The singer's latest setback follows a year of unfavorable headlines after her separation from Federline last November.

She has spent several stints in rehab, shaved off her hair in full view of the paparazzi at a Los Angeles tattoo parlor, and separated from her management company.

In September, she was charged with hit-and-run and driving without a valid licence - and could face six months in jail and a $1,000 fine if convicted.

The singer, 25, is due to release her album on November 13th.

Jive Records says Spears will not be making the usual round of promotional appearances ahead of the release.

"It's not Jive's place to fashion a public-relations campaign with respect to Britney's personal issues," label spokesman Allan Mayer told MTV, "but Jive does care about her and does support her.

"There's no question that when you have someone at this level of celebrity, they become like cartoons or soap-opera characters, and we forget that they're human beings.

"People say that's the trade you make - that you have to give up your privacy or the ability to lead a normal life - but sometimes you make that bargain before you realize what it entails and it's too late."