The bonus disc that comes along with the "Limited Edition" package includes five remixes. The first of which is the Armand Van Helden edit of "Toxic." While still not a stellar tune, at least Van Helden inserts some energy and schismatic synth workouts into the mix making it a fair improvement over the original version. Likewise "Everytime" gets the boost thanks to Hi-Bias. Injecting a mock symphonic vibe, they turn the song into a Euro-ballad supreme that shares more in common with the likes of Annie Lennox or Enya than anything Spears has ever done. Junkie XL kills "Outrageous," giving it some rubber band boogie bump and aggressively downplayed and ominous synth embellishment.
The remix disc contains two additions that weren't part of the initial Greatest Hits disc. Jacques Lu Cont lends his deft dance magic to "Breathe On Me," mixing in burbling synth ambiance over repeated loops of Britney's breathy, rhythmic exhalations. The Euro-house groove that next undulates underneath is at once derivative and sparklingly refreshing. Perhaps Spears should consider hiring cats like this to produce her actual album, as this particular remix is practically better than anything she's done in her short career. The "Chris Cox Megamix" is exactly what the name implies, a crazed out mix of various bits and pieces of Britney's career all strung together in a seamless audio collage. Sadly, it doesn't flip the script enough (not like the other remixes included on this disc). Despite the fact that it only contains four proper songs, the bonus remix disc presents Britney in a whole new (and surprisingly intriguing) musical light and is heads and shoulders better than most of what comprises its sister disc.
If Britney Spears Greatest Hits: My Prerogative illuminates anything it's that Spears is a fairly proficient sonic chameleon, able to mimic and adopt the stylings of those who have come before her with enough panache and verve to convince younger generations that she's a bona fide pop revelation. Those of us who are a bit older and more versed in the history of modern pop will recognize the influences that she hides under her sleeve, and find ourselves smiling while simultaneously cringing at the '80s excess funneled into the late '90s and early double-0's. This is the kind of kitschy album that you can get away with having because Spears is such a prevalent component of pop culture. Of course if you already own all four of her albums there's really no need to plunk down the cash for the few remixes and unreleased tunes to be found here. This is more a collection for either diehard fans or those looking to round out their cheesy dance/pop selection and have something to slap into the CD changer for that next theme party.
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