NOW 10 – VARIOUS ARTISTS: The Now That’s What I Call Music series, has been around before CDs were invented. The concept was simple: Produce a compilation featuring hit singles from original artists (a rare thing back in the 1980s), design a trendy looking cover, then sit back and watch them fly off the shelves. Now two short decades later, the Now brand is a multiplatinum international success, with over 50 volumes under its belt and sales of over 100 million albums around the world. In the last few years, the Now series has branched out in the North American market and the Middle East, producing individual compilations for the respective territories, which brings us to the tenth installment in the Now Middle East series.
Now 10, has something for everybody. Rock, pop, R&B/Hip Hop and dance music. All the tracks are bonafide hits, with most of them No. 1s. There are no fillers. The compilation starts with the No. 1 hit that thankfully derailed Michael Jackson’s so-called comeback. Kylie Minogue’s "Can’t Get You Out of My Head." If you don’t know this little gem, then shame on you. This track is currently the No. 1 dance song in America, and don’t get me started on the video that leaves very little to the imagination.
Also a No. 1 single is the Robbie Williams song "Eternity". A piano and acoustic guitar-powered ballad along the same lines as "Angels."
Another great track is the Roger Sanchez No. 1 "Another Chance." The Ibiza flavored track is as close to perfection as a dance tune can get.
The album also features hits from artists such as Radiohead, Janet Jackson, N ‘Sync, Aaliyah, Backstreet Boys and Daft Punk.
Overall, a good collection of songs, and all you need to stay in the loop.
CLUB NATION 2002 — VARIOUS ARTISTS: This is the second installment for the Middle East from the good folks at Ministry of Sound. Again the mixing duties are courtesy of the Planetarium’s DJ Charlie C. This will defiantly satisfy your quench for good dance music. The 18 tracks are a great retrospective of the final quarter of 2001, with the ministry seal of approval.
The first track is "Rapture." A funky pop house tune with catchy vocals. The song was crafted by New York-based producer Markus Moser and features the vocal talents of 21-year-old Nadia. A great track. The second track comes courtesy of the same label that brought us Daft Punk. "Right On" by Silicone Soul has a similar feel to Spiller’s "Groovejet" — a deeply infectious house track.
One of the many highlights of Club Nation is the smooth, 1980s disco-powered foot-stomper "Flawless" by The Ones. A killer bass line and vocodered vocals that talks about perfection and flawlessness to the point that you can’t help but agree.
For all you sample-happy music lovers, the track "Real Life" by Raven Maize is just what you’re looking for. The track features elements from Queen’s "Bohemian Rhapsody" and Simple Minds’ "Theme From Great Cities." Not surprisingly, Raven Maize had a hard time getting the clearance for the two main samples, but eventually won the support of both Simple Minds and Queen’s management.
The highlight of this compilation for myself has to be the Part One track "I’m So Crazy." Italian Sergio Casu blends house and rock in a unique fashion — sampling an INXS B-side. A great dance track, that keeps its original punk sensibilities. Overall, Club Nation 2002 is a must have for dance music enthusiasts, and if you’re throwing a party you won’t need to hire a DJ.
