Britney - The Singles Collection
by Duprie Casey 02/02/2010
Rather than revisit each of Britney
Spears' singles, this review will focus on what sets
Britney
- The Singles Collection apart from the usual crass, commercial
double/triple-dips. While it is most certainly an attempt to seduce fans into
spending their money on a lot of material that they likely already own, a fair
amount of effort has gone into making this a fun, value-added experience for
Britney lovers.
Fans of varying levels of devotion can chose between a slew of different
versions of the release. Those who want to pick and chose can rummage through a
collection of 2-song digital 45s at the iTunes music store. Then there's the
standard version, a simple 18-track album that includes "3," Britney's latest
hit single.
Then we get into superfan territory with the Ultimate Fan Box Set, a 58-song
collection with all of Spears' 29 singles paired with either a B-side or a
remix. Each single comes in its own case with artwork and a booklet of facts
about each song. Oh, and there's also a DVD of the videos.
A Digital Deluxe Edition is essentially the Ultimate Fan Box without the videos
or sexy packaging -- our pick for best value at $29.99 on iTunes.
It's worth noting that the B-sides presented in the are not necessarily the ones
that were grouped with the singles originally, so if you're expecting something
entirely completist you'll be disappointed. But, really, this should be more
than enough to make the average Britney fan drool.
Fans bothered by the fact that they already shelled out for 2004's Greatest
Hits: My Prerogative should note that it captured the highlights from
Britney's heyday, but lacks the more mature club-oriented material that she's
churned out in recent years. That helps make this collection a justifiable fan
purchase.
(Rated 4 Stars)
