Now That's What I Call Music Vol.62 - Various Artists > Reviews > Now 62, how many more can they make?

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Standard
Quality and consistency of tracks	Mixed
How does it compare to the artist's other releases	Not applicable
Value for Money	Satisfactory

Advantages:	A selection of the finest tracks released by big name artists .
Disadvantages:	Song styles mixed and varied, but not enough .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

As far as I am concerned, with the music I listen to, I would pick out a few Now compilations out of the collection that have fought their way into my household somewhere near the top. Now 62 is no different in that respect. It has a selection of pop music, r'n'b, and a few other styles that I can't remember, which makes for interesting listening. As a listener of all types of music (where possible), I tend to personally judge each song on its own merits. I take each song differently, and produce a personal experience description based on the fact that they are all classified as music.

Personal influences will dictate how I review each song on this compilation album, but I will try and look at it from a music critic's point of view.

CD1

1) Sugababes - Push the button.
Similar in a few ways to their song Freak Like me, the harmonies are effective in various points of the song, but there are some down sides. Some parts have a few too many words tried to be sung too quickly that I can't understand half of them, for the styles of music it could be, it doesn't come across too badly. 8/10

2) Robbie Willams - Tripping
Such a strong vocalist, trying his hand at something slightly different, but I don't personally think he carries this one off well. I was slightly disappointed, because there are a lot of songs of his that I like. Even so, he does stretch his vocal chords well, so i'll go for 7/10

3) Pussycat Dolls featuring Busta Rhymes - Don't Cha
Musically, this is the first bit of the CD that shows changes. A pretty good track through and through, its one that a lot of people today will listen to. It even has a catchy chorus that people would sing along to. 9/10

4) Daniel Powter - Bad Day
Bringing the piano back into life, this song is full of simplicity, but the effectiveness is proven with the fact it was one of the 5 songs up for the title of something I cant remember now, but Westlife won it with a song that is later on this CD. Vocals are OK, but they could be better. Simple, Standardised, but Sophisticated and successful. 8/10

5) David Gray - The One I Love
Not one of his better songs. In fact, I personally would have to go back to Babylon to find one of his best. Disappointed with the vocal weakness above the well timed use of guitars and drums. 6/10

6) Kelly Clarkson - Since U Been Gone
This young girl reminds me a bit of Avril Lavigne, and this song is no different really to something the Canadian could produce. However, it has a little bit of originality to it. This song lacks 'uniqueness', which therefore would devalue it a little, but I'd still listen to it. 6/10

7) Will Young - Switch It On
Something a little different from all the slower songs I have heard from him. His voice is so unique that almost anything he does, you could pick out the fact it was him from that alone. Mind you, i'd stick to the slow songs Will... 6/10

8) Girls Aloud - Biology
Its quite difficuly usually to bring 5 voices together, and manufacture a successful band out of them, but these 5 girls have not covered a few songs and sold a few million copies on a wider than national scale without talent and dedication. And that is something that really shines through this song. 8/10

9) McFly - I'll be OK
These 4 boys have shown a real mixture of Pop Rock songs that other boy bands (Busted for one), failed to nail down. This song is relatively simplistic in its approach, and there is a sense of not knowing whats going to happen next. Excellent choice by the people of EMI. 8/10

10) Kaiser Chiefs - I predict a riot
Interesting Introduction to the song, followed by a set of unusual vocals, really come together quite well in this. There is a sense of piano being used without the overuse of it. I would still drop this down onto the decks of a DJ set because I guarantee someone would like to groove to it. 9/10

11) Franz Ferdinand - Do You Want To
Definitely not one of their better ones. A few interesting repetitions in this song, make it catchy, but I would never be hooked. Good choice though, to really change the feel of the album. 7/10

12) KT Tunstall - Suddenly I See
Female guitarists are a little more common these days, but to have to vocal distinction and the ability to play an instrument, is very helpful for this girl. This song has a nice uptempo beat, and many of the words are understandable within it. Great blend of instrument volume and vocal power stabilise the heaviness of the chorus. 7/10

13) t.A.T.u - All About Us
When these 2 came about with 'All the things she said', it etched itself into my head as one of those annoying songs. Because of the repeated use of the title words. Again, this song tends to annoy me because of that. There is no real thought into the lyrics that would sway me to listen to this one. 5/10

14) Hilary Duff - Wake Up
Sometimes, going from something else which makes you famous to singing doesn't work. And I feel that this one does the music industry no justice, because although she might have the perfect look for popstar, her vocal ability doesn't stand out as much as it should. 6/10

15) Rachel Stevens - I said never again (but here we are)
I know this girl is favoured for her figure, and she was really wasted in S Club 7. Having stretched out on her own quite well, I would like to see something different from her placed onto a Now CD. This song has too many similarities to a few songs off of her Funky Dory album. 7/10

16) Liberty X - Song 4 Lovers
Another manufactured band who haven't done too badly for themselves. Not as strong as Girls Aloud (who have consistently done well), this song really shows that they can do a mixture of things. Maybe over-complicating the song helps, but in this one, it doesn't. 6/10

17) Friday Hill - Baby Goodbye
I really don't know much about this band. but I did enjoy this instalment from them. Certain parts are too complex, but that is balanced out by the simplicity of the parts played by the various instruments used. 6/10

18) Simon Webbe - Lay Your Hands
Having been part of one of the successful boy bands, Blue, This really simple song from the young man, is just a bit too simple for me. This doesn't bring out the best in him, because I feel he is better at the group harmonies. 6/10

19) Mariah Carey - We belong together
Really, what does this diva have left to prove? She has an excellent vocal range, and has the right style of music as well. How well has she done since she burst onto the scene over 10 years ago? This song is not quite up there with her better ones though. 7/10

20) Elton John - Electricity
He has played music for over 35 years now, and made so many records, that I really do not know where to turn to rate this one myself. Simple introduction, and a few other simple parts to it, really show his vocal talents off again. The piano is better being simple for this song, and there is even use of a guitar other than the bass, which brings out complications in the chorus. 7/10

21) Katie Melua - Nine Million Bicycles
Not so keen on this song myself, but as a critic, I would say there is the essence of mixing simple plus complex parts for the instruments, with a voice to match. Some parts however seem to make me think that she is going to go off key. 6/10

22) Westlife - You Raise Me Up
This fascinating cover of Josh Grobhams single, really is let down by the fact that, with 4 members in the group, and 4 times through the chorus, that we only get to hear 2 of them. Having a big fan base, they were also able to claim Record of the year for the 4th successive year. 8/10

CD2

1) Gorillaz - Dare
This bunch of people who have the animated character videos, have really gone and produced a stunning track that really does show off a few talents that would not look out of place almost anywhere. 9/10

2) Gwen Stefani - Hollerback Girl
A 35 year old who has been at the top of her game for a while, really shows that even after 1 hit with No Doubt and Don't Speak, and the band seemed to have gone under, she brings herself back to say, I AM talented. Not one of my favourites of her solo songs. 7/10

3) Kanye West - Diamonds from Sierra Leone
By using a portion of Shirley Bassey's smash hit from the James Bond film Diamonds are forever, Kanye West really shows a lack of originality here. 6/10

4) Coldplay - Fix You
after a few complex songs, this simpler one really shows off the ability of the band to adjust and create different levels of competency within themselves. This song makes me feel that there is something missing until the solo comes alive with the simple guitar riff. 8/10

5) Oasis - The Importance Of Being Idle
The rock brothers are back. Oasis have been so successful, with their intuitiveness and creativity is brought out here. Simple creativity, and great song. They haven't been successful for no reason. 8/10

6) The Black Eyed Peas - Don't Lie
A complete difference to the stuff they are renowned for serving up, this mix of pop (harmonies), and the usage of the bass line, really brings the best of the talents of each of the members of the band. 7/10

7) Pharrell featuring Gwen Stefani - Can I have it like that
This really shows the diversity that Gwen Stefani can go to. Someone as highly rated with such a small part in a song, it doesn't really make the song sound too good. I am impartial, but this really doesn't hit the right spots of the ear drums for me. 6/10

8) Goldfrapp - Ooh La La
This really is a weak link within the album. Reminds me of one of Rachel Stevens songs from the past. Repetitivity outdoes this song to the point where all I can do is hear the beat going over and over again. 4/10

9) Mylo vs Miami Sound Machine - Doctor Pressure
Definitely a song that could have a use in a dance club. Something that could be used as a floorfiller even. But there is not a lot of originality in this. As there are so many dance/trance style tunes out that have such a similarity. 6/10

10) Bob Sinclair featuring Gary 'Nesta' Pine - Love Generation
Really, a cultural mix here from two not-so-well known artists in my book. Mixing a style of guitar based pop with something approaching reggae vocals, this is a real let down for the album. 3/10

11) Daddy Yankee - Gasoline
This song sounds like it doesn't have a lot left in the tank, yet its cultural diversity leaves me wanting more. Sounding like something indian, mixed with a little r'n'b style beat confuses me to the extent that after a minute, I want to turn it over. 4/10

12) Rihanna - Pon de Replay
A song that I would listen to again and again and not get bored. The vocals and lyrics show the style off nicely. I'm disappointed they didn't place it on CD1, especially in place of t.A.T.u. 8/10

13) Amerie - 1 Thing
This is a repetitive song, that gives me the impression it would be better suited to Jennifer Lopez. Because Amerie doesn't have the vocal talent to suit this song. Certain areas really show up the vocal weaknesses. 5/10

14) Akon - Belly Dancer (Bananza)
Now Akon, an artist who had that hit with 'Lonely' and that 'chick' singing along, has a few different tricks up his sleeve, the melody line here is a little awkward, but he really carries it off well. The chorus is simple in comparison to the verses, and the lyrics don't have much of an effect. 6/10

15) Mattafix - Big City Life
Not heard of this band before listening to this song. The song brings simple bassline to a reggae sounding chorus, and gospel/choir like vocal verse that makes this song so simple, but it reminds of the Eamon vs Frankee and Don't want you back/F U right back. I don't rate this as a musical song, but it will do something for people who like it. 6/10

16) Damian 'Jr Gong' Marley - Welcome to Jamrock
There is definite similarity to Bob Marley through this song, and the use of the hard hitting vocals ruins this song as far as I can tell. The minimal use of instruments here, suggest that this song could probably be better sung a cappella. 6/10

17) Depeche Mode - Precious
Having been around for a while, Depeche Mode have built up a decent enough repertoire, yet still produce something that could possibly do with a little more. There is the air of unfinishedness about this one. However, there is a little more usage of instruments that impressively blend well. 8/10

18) U2 - City Of Blinding Lights
When you have been around for 20+ years as U2 have, sometimes, you don't know which way to turn, but these people certainly don't know when to stop. This may be a good thing, and I personally am impressed with the way they have been able to come out with so many decent songs. No difference with this one. 8/10

19) The Magic Numbers - Love Me Like You
I cant really find a lot thats good to say about this song. How it made it to this compilation I don't know. Really, I just dont think that they should have even been allowed to make this. 3/10

20) Texas - Getaway
I don't think they are going in the right direction with this one. Even with their latest one 'Sleep' in which Peter Kay is featured, this shows how low they are going. Their music isn't that bad normally, and I don't know what has happened. 5/10

21) Bon Jovi - Have a nice day
Definite rock music to finish off the album, however, its a sketchy one, that leads me to believe that athough they have produced some good tracks, this one makes me believe they shouldn't go on much longer, else they would have outstayed their welcome. 7/10

Having rated each song, I would like to add that I would prefer listening to CD1 over CD2, because of the styles of music that I would listen to on a regular basis are more apparent through that. However, if you are really diverse with the choices of song you listen to, I would recommend the real distinctive differences between both discs.