Destiny's Child - This Is The Remix (2002)

This Is the Remix shows just why Destiny's Child is such a powerhouse: they have wicked songs that can survive almost any treatment. Not that the selections, culled from the group's three preceding albums, are mishandled here. The Neptunes aren't quite at the top of their game on "Emotion," but Timbaland's sexy remix of "Say My Name" is one of the best things he's done--and that's saying a lot. Despite too many rap interludes, the CD ends on a high note with feverish Maurice Joshua mixes of "Jumpin', Jumpin'," "Bills, Bills, Bills," and "So Good" that are simply fantastic dance-floor burners. The one misstep is the tucked-away "Heard a Word," a track from Michelle Williams's solo album. Still, this is state-of-the-art mainstream R&B designed to tide fans over until the triumvirate goes back to the studio together. --Elisabeth Vincentelli