There’s no reason to cry over the demise of Destiny’s Child. The powerhouse R&B trio played its final concert in Vancouver, British Columbia, last month, leaving behind a legacy of sterling hits and enough gold-spangled gowns to ward off any imminent Dark Ages. Yes, the group’s peak period singles like “Say My Name” and “Bootylicious” were pure pop bliss, the perfect collusion of well-oiled studio technology and honest spunk clamped onto melodies so insidious that the words, “I don’t think you ready for this jelly,” will follow an entire generation to the grave. But, honestly, surveying Destiny’s Child’s entire career on this set — 13 hits, three new tracks — it’s obvious their hearts slipped away around the same time Beyonce’s solo album sold its first million. And let’s not forget that the other band members were totally interchangeable. Compare the pre-Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland material with the later stuff — the difference is negligible.

“Survivor” and “Independent Women Part I” still sound like proper girl-power anthems, while the group’s sensual cover of the Bee Gees’ “Emotion” exemplifies devotion without submission. Not so much the songs from its last album, “Destiny Fulfilled” — “Soldier” and “Cater 2 U” (sample lyric: “When you come home late/ Tap me on the shoulder/ I’ll roll over”) seem to grow more limp and lifeless with every passing second. And the less said about the very new stuff, including the single “Stand Up for Love (2005 World Children’s Day Anthem),” the sweeter the memories.

- San Francisco Chronicle