For all its boundary-toppling invention—the effervescent swag of “Things Are Getting Better”, the twanging, lascivious riff on “Lapdance”—there’s an impressively singular vision propelling this lean celebration of N.E.R.D’s early career. Culled from their first two records, it shows off the Virginia trio’s progression, as, for instance, the unconventional rallying cry of “Rock Star” is echoed amid the riotous call-and-response of “Thrasher”. There are B-sides to savor too, with Kelis feature “Lil’ Suzy” providing a hopeful, mischievous riposte to the everyday contradictions that dog us all.