R&B Collection (+DVD) - Various Artists

...the flavor de jour, and R&B Collection 2009 (As it is oddly entitled) features a round up of all the tracks that did the business in yes, 2008.

What we have is a nicely packaged, although the cover is a little bog standard, 2 CD set with a bonus DVD featuring 15 music videos. This will undoubtedly set this one apart from a lot of the field. But more importantly on a compilation such as this one, how does the track listing measure ...
...One of the biggest all-guy R&B acts to hit the US this year was 'The Dream' and 2 of their big hits of 2008, Falsetto and Baby featuring LL Cool J both appear towards the end of the first 20. Welcome inclusions. As well as the understated and beautiful 'Way That I love You' from Ashanti.

Moving onto CD 2, another 20 tracks with no particular thought process to their placings. An R&B CD showcasing the biggest hits of 2008 would not ... more

As another year draws to a close and the Christmas madness begins as sure as sure can be you know you the music store shelves will be packed full of compilations. Restrospective compilations are still the flavor de jour, and R&B Collection 2009 (As it is oddly entitled) features a round up of all the tracks that did the business in yes, 2008.

What we have is a nicely packaged, although the cover is a little bog standard, 2 CD set with a bonus DVD featuring 15 music videos. This will undoubtedly set this one apart from a lot of the field. But more importantly on a compilation such as this one, how does the track listing measure up! I will now take you on a whirl wind tour of the 40 tracks featured on the album commenting on some of the more stand out efforts. It is also important to note for those of you who will be interested to know this CD is unmixed and contains your basic radio edit, so each track you can expect to be around 3-4 minutes in length.

CD 1 kicks things off with the man who gets on absolutely everything and that is Akon with his current solo effort Right Now (Na Na Na) which is an annoyingly catchy track that you can hear pretty much constantly on most mainstream radio stations at present. There is nothing really different about this selection and the obvious artists and tracks make an appearance, Pussycat Dolls, Ne-Yo, Will I.AM and Chery Cole all make up the early running. Poptastic comes to mind! If you are wanting a more underground selection of tunes then this is probably not the album for you! However, if what you want is a large selection hit after hit then this one certainly ticks all the boxes. Track 10 is one to look out for, Lil Wayne & Lloyd combine on the absolutely stunning 'Girls all around the world' for a more classy and less pop moment, this may be a track that you'll hear for the first time on this CD. Things get a little more into the pop-hip hop territory with Soulja Boy's brainless 'Crank That' and yet more Lil Wayne with his 'Lollipop'. Two club bangers for sure. One of the biggest all-guy R&B acts to hit the US this year was 'The Dream' and 2 of their big hits of 2008, Falsetto and Baby featuring LL Cool J both appear towards the end of the first 20. Welcome inclusions. As well as the understated and beautiful 'Way That I love You' from Ashanti.

Moving onto CD 2, another 20 tracks with no particular thought process to their placings. An R&B CD showcasing the biggest hits of 2008 would not be complete without an appearance from Rihanna, and she starts things of with her lesser played to death 'Take a Bow'. A gentle beginning then it would seem as following closely is Robin Thicke's 'Magic' (this track was used on a mobile phone advert in the UK which is probably where you'll recognise it.) It's a classy effort from one of the scene's best male voices right now. Number 3, yes you've guessed it, Lil Wayne! Again! One of my favourite's from his latest album featuring that annoyingly catchy siren impression from his mate Bobby Valentino. Mrs Officer is huge right now, and it makes a welcome addition to the track list. The UK is represented with Dizzee Rascal's number 1 smash 'Dance Wiv Me' - you may well be very bored of this one by now! But if you want something a little more fresh and homegrown, check out Lemar and Sway on Saturday Night Hustle. Another top track and very pleased to see if make the album. Oddly enough Beyonce does not make it onto the CD, her number 1 track overlooked! However, lil sis Solange's I Decided is on here. Things take a terrible turn for the worse at around track 17, and the last 4 come from the god awful bassline/garage scene. Why they feel the need to go against the vibe and overall point of the album by slipping in a different genre is beyond me! But it's best staying away from these.

My verdict then is, if you want a good round up of the best hits of 2008 then you can't really go wrong with this. No massive exceptions, other than no Beyonce. There's the odd moment of really quality, whilst the main selling point of this album is how very pop-tastic it really is!

Top tunes: Lil Wayne & Lloyd - Girls All Around the World, Sway featuring Lemar - Saturday Night Hustle, Robin Thicke - Magic, N.E.R.D. - Everyone Nose, Ashanti Featuring Akon & Nelly - Body on Me 

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