Published on Sep 30, 2000
If anything proved to the music industry that compilations of
popular hits could be a good idea, it was the release of
Now That’s What I Call Music Volume 4 (hereafter
Now 4) and its subsequent topping of the charts. But just
throwing hits onto a disc is one thing; making it into a cohesive
disc that smoothly crosses genres is another. Fortunately, it seems
like the producers of this series finally got that idea right.
Oh, they’re still making some mistakes. I mean, I love “Larger
Than Life” by Backstreet Boys, but they have been included on every
single frippin’ album of the
Now series, and I think it’s time for a break. Same thing
goes for Britney Spears, who makes her third appearance with “(You
Drive Me) Crazy”. Fresh blood isn’t just needed; it’s vital if this
series is going to continue with the same level of success.
Fortunately, there are some wonderful surprises in store. Train
makes their first appearance with “Meet Virginia,” a wonderful
track off their self-titled album. (Maybe next time they can put
“Free” on; it’s an even better selection.) Also turning in great
performances are Marc Anthony (“I Need To Know”), Ben Harper And
The Innocent Criminals (“Steal My Kisses”, though this track does
get old quick) and Blink 182 (“All The Small Things”).
And if you’re a devotee to the top of the pops, there’s plenty
on
Now 4 that will please you. Eiffel 65 checks in with “Blue
(Da Ba Dee)”, as do Jenifer Lopez (“Waiting For Tonight”) and
Sonique (“It Feels So Good”). There’s enough on this disc to keep
you happily grooving.
Yet the dance area is the only other area of weakness on this
disc (besides constant featuring of the same groups). I just
couldn’t get into Sonique’s performance – not a good sign, seeing
I’ve had her disc lying around for months for review. As for Lopez
– well, frankly, I don’t see what people see in her as a singer.
Paula Abdul had better chops than this.
The surprise of the collection is Hanson – yes, Hanson.
Featuring the track “This Time Around,” some attention is
rightfully given to this trio and their latest work. If anyone
deserves to reap the benefits of the popularity of
Now 4, Hanson proves they should be the leaders of that
pack.
Now 4 is one of the better releases of this series, and its
success obviously paves the way for a fifth volume. (I was going to
sarcastically note this… until I discovered that
Now 5 will be released in November.) The producers of this
series still have a little to learn, but
Now 4 proves they’ve come a long way since the first disc in
the series.