I was first introduced to the Now That's What I Call Music collection last year when I joined a music club. My record collection needed updating and as soon as I saw these albums I realised that they were the solution.
Now 49 is the second Now album released this year. The advert seems to be on TV every commercial break. I already have the first Now album of this year, Now 48 (which I thought was brilliant) so I thought I would give this one a try with the added bonus that I wouldn't get any duplicates which is common amongst different compilations.
Now 49 is a double CD with 41 top chart hits.
Compact Disc One
1. Eternity (Radio Edit) - Robbie Williams
I love this one. It is rumoured to be a tribute to Robbie's pal Geri Halliwell. Lucky girl!
2. Out Of Reach - Gabrielle
This was written for the blockbusting film Bridget Jones Diary. Gabrielle actually insisted on reading the book before she wrote this song. Also featured on the album Rise.
3. Eternal Flame - Atomic Kitten
This is a cover version of the Bangles 1989 hit. I loved it then and I love it now.
4. All Rise (Radio Version) - Blue
5. Don't Stop Movin' - S Club 7
S Club 7 are my favourite pop band around at the
moment. Thanks to my kids. The record has been labelled the best disco record EVER by my local radio station and I'm not going to disagree. S Club 7 were voted Best British Newcomer at the Brits 2000 and have not looked back since.
6. It's Raining Men (Radio Edit) - Geri Halliwell
This is a cover version of The Weathergirls. Geri's voice may not have the power of the Weathergirls but she certainly has the stage presence.
7. Lovin' Each Day - Ronan Keating
8. Have A Nice Day - Stereophonics
This is a typical feel good song for the Summer, just right to sing along to on hot Summer days - or nights!
9. Teenage Dirtbag - Wheatus
Taken from the album Wheatus this record has remained in the charts for the majority of 2001. It's appeal being lengthened by its appearance in a certain car advert.
10. The Rock Show - Blink 182
11. Elevation (Tomb Raider Mix) - U2
The video for this track features a battle between the good U2 and bad U2 and actually features Angelina Jolie.
That can't do the ratings any bad.
12. Ms Jackson - Outkast
13. Survivor - Destiny's Child
Taken from the album Survivor. I like this track but I have heard Destiny's Child album and it may make me unpopular but I don't like it. I found it boring. The album sounded like one continuous song.
14. Way To Your Love - Hear'Say
The follow up single to Pure and Simple. This song does not have the same impact for me. My kids like it but
with the likes of giants like S Club 7 I think their lifespan is limited.
15. More Than That - Backstreet Boys
16. Don't Let Me Be The Last To Know - Britney Spears
17. Close To You - Marti Pellow
Marti Pellow the former heart throb of 80s band Wet Wet Wet. Taken from the album Smile. It's nice to see him back.
18. Thank You - Dido
19. Destiny - Zero 7
20. Pyramid Song - Radiohead
Compact Disc Two
1. Electric Avenue (Ringbang Remix) - Eddy Grant
This was originally a hit in 1983. It shot straight into the charts at no. 5 in June when it was released. There must still be a lot of fans around.
2. 19-2000 (Soulchild Remix) - Gorillaz
3. Do You Really Like It - DJ Pied Piper & Masters Of Ceremonies
This is one of those songs that just goes round in your head and you can't get it out of your mind. It has
well established itself as a dance anthem for Summer 2001 and a holiday would not be the same without
this blaring out in the disco.
4. All I Want - Mis-Teeq
5. Another Chance - Roger Sanchez
6. Romeo - Basement Jaxx
7. Meet Her At The Love Parade 2001 - Da Hool
8. Castles In The Sky - Ian Van Dahl
9. You Are Alive (Radio Edit) - Fragma
10. Here And Now - Steps
A pop compilation would not be complete without a Steps track. This was Steps 13th hit single taken from the album Buzz. Steps are currently writing a new album.
11. Upside Down - A*teens
12. Perfect Bliss - Bellefire
13. I Don't Want A Lover 2001 - Texas
This was Texas first hit in 1989, it reached no. 8. It was written by Sharleen Spiteri when she was just 18.
14. Never Enough (Radio Version) - Boris Dlugosch Feat Roisin
15. All For You (Radio Edit) - Janet Jackson
I like Janet but she is another singer who's songs sound exactly the same and songs seem to merge into one another. Taken from the album All for You.
16. Who's That Girl - Eve
17. Ride With Me - Nelly Featuring City Spud
18. Dance With Me - Sisqo
19. Ring Ring Ring - Aaron Soul
20. So What If I (7'' Version) - Damage
21. Lullaby - Melanie B
Mel wrote this song shortly after the birth of her little girl, Phoenix Chi. Phoenix features in the video which was strongly critisized by Jimmy Gulzar, the child's father. Taken from the album Hot.
There are several tracks, which are in the current charts. The album is predominately pop but there is a little bit of everything. As with Now 48, I tend to listen to Disc One more than Disc Two but maybe over time Disc Two will grow on me. As always this CD is great to sing along to and boogie the night away. My kids love the tracks on it too, which also persuaded me to buy it. This is very important because it means I can listen to what I like without someone changing the CDs over when I go out of the room.
If you're really into pop music you have got the greatest pop artists around including S Club 7, Atomic Kitten, Geri Halliwell, Robbie Williams and not forgetting Britney to name but a few. Even if you don't particularly like chart music, I'm sure there will be songs you know the words to as the type of hits which feature on this album are played continuously on most radio stations.
I would guess this album is aimed at the teen market but I would recommend this album to anyone, particularly if you are a fan of pop and chart music. You can buy Now 49 from Woolworths for £14.99 which I think is very good value for money.
by (77%):
12.10.2001 14:34
I still haven't gotten around to buying this. The next one will probably be out before I do, lol.
07.10.2001 19:16
Great review of a varied and good value for money album!
25.09.2001 12:30
Good and informative review...like the format of the track listings and your views of each track.