At this point, the formula for a Britney Spears hit has been nailed a dozen times over. The proof will be in large supply on November’s “Britney Spears Singles Collection,” and “3” — the lone new song on this greatest-hits set — has all the right ingredients, too. The Max Martin– and Shellback-produced track opens with sputtering synths and builds to a climax of wildly pulsing bass that summons fans to the dancefloor. She teasingly sings about threesomes with her signature coy delivery, asking her partner if he’s game for some “love in the extreme” while evoking numerology and references to Peter, Paul and Mary. The metaphor — and Spears’ vocals — may be as thin as ever, but if the past decade is any evidence, “3” will be another notch in this pop provocateur’s belt. –Monica Herrera
