Customer Reviews

Now That's What I Call Music! 9

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(24)
3 star:		(19)
2 star:		(15)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

To see if these songs are chart-topping hits as they claim to be, i compiled a list of the songs and their peak position on the Hot 100 billboard chart:

1. Get The Party Started (Sweet Dreams Mix) - Pink---#4
2. I'm A Slave 4 U - Britney Spears----#27
3. Family Affair - Mary J. Blige-----#1 (6 wks)
4. Whenever, Wherever - Shakira----#6
5. Ain't It Funny - Jennifer Lopez----#1 (5 wks to date)
6. Livin' It Up - Ja Rule-----#6
7. Roll Out (My Business) - Ludacris----#17
8. Lights, Camera, Action - Mr. Cheeks----#16
9. Raise Up (All Cities Remix) - Petey Pablo-----#22
10. Caramel (Trackmasters Remix) - City High-----#18
11. Turn Off The Light - Nelly Furtado-----#5
12. Gone - *Nsync-------#11
13. Emotion - Destiny's Child-----#10
14. Differences - Ginuwine----#4
15. Drowning - Backstreet Boys------#31
16. Stuck In A Moment - U2------#52
17. Just Push Play - Aerosmith-----DID NOT CHART
18. Dig In - Lenny Kravitz-----#31
19. I Wish You Were Here - Incubus------#72
20. Giving In - Adema ----DID NOT CHART

hope this was helpful !

I Skipped reviewing Now! 8 because it wasn't worth reviewing, but I will review Now! 9, and this album is back in this lines of the NOW! series numbers, 4, 5, 6 and 7, the albums I consider to be the best ones in the series, and Now! 9, is right there. There are alot of surprising picks for songs on 9, like "Whenever, Wherever"(Shakira, which I am glad is on here)(Track 4), "Family Affair"(Mary J. Blige, another good one)(Track 3), "Aint It Funny"(Jennifer Lopez)(Track 5), "Stuck In A Moment..."(U2)(Track 16) and "Just Push Play"(Aerosmith)(Track 17). The only track I am not sure of is Track 20 by Adema "Giving In", I'm not sure if I like it or not. This Now album will get alot of use. Even songs like "Livin' It Up" (Track 6, by Ja Rule) and "Rollout"(Track 8 ,by Ludacris) are also good choices. This album gets a A-. Here are some choices for NOW! 10, which is next, Leann Rimes, "Can't Fight The Moonlight", Kylie Minogue's "Cant Get You Out Of My Head" and Brandy's "What About Us?". Now! 9 is a good buy.

Call it coinsidence, but the Top 3 Albums in the U.S. when "NOW 9" was released in late March 2002 were all compilations. (1)"NOW 9", (2) "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack and (3) "WWF Forceable Entry". What does this mean? That America enjoys compilation albums, and "NOW 9" gives them a great reason to. The album is a catchy, vibrant collection of late 2001 hits that always keeps everything moving:
(1) Pink feat. Redman "Get The Party Started/Sweet Dreams" B-. Considering how praised the original was, I'm sure most people were not wanting this remix. It's not that bad, it just lacks the stormin' energy and style of the original. But as compensation we get catchy Redman raps and an interesting use of The Eurythmics "Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)".
(2) Britney Spears "I'm A Slave 4 U" A-. Proof that the Neptunes are the greatest producers out there: they make Britney sound good! Their production mixed with a very tight beat, create a catchy, sexy dance song flowing with style. The entire song just brings you into it.
(3) Mary J. Blige "Family Affair" A+. This is what R&B, and music in general, should be. The material is standard but is given a new vibrant life with top notch rhythm, highly enjoyable lyrics and Mary's firey personality. This is THE best song for both her and 2001! I dare you not to enjoy it!
(4) Shakira "Whenever, Wherever" A. Shakira makes the transition from latin to pop with perfect ease. The song noit only keeps its Latin roots, but contains a quirky and catchy beat with some very original writing. It's small little treasure.
(5) Jennifer Lopez "Ain't It Funny" A. Another pop song that keeps it's latin influences. The remix was the #1 hit, but this trumps it in every way with more depth and emotion. J. Lo has true conviction in her lyrics and the track really hits hard under the surface with a perfect flow.
(6) Ja Rule feat. Case "Livin' It Up" B+. Back when Ja Rule didn't make standard music. The song contains alot of style, energy and rapid lyrics that always keep it moving. Even the R&B side with Case mends in well. A well done rap track, just not as good as "Always On Time".
(7) Ludacris "Rollout (My Business) A. The material seems standard, yet Luda finds a perfect vehicle with his southern style and some humorous lyrics. It's clearly one of his best and one of 2001/2's as well.
(8) Mr. Cheeks "Light, Camera, Action!" A. The song seems so standard, yet is so entertaining that it becomes a quite impressive debut single. Tight lyrics, killer beats and a top notch production make this a highly enjoyable and infectious dance/rap single.
(9) Petey Pablo "Raise Up" (All Cities Remix) C+. For some reason, this was hailed as an inventive rap, but it has too many problems. The lyrics are pretty standard, his voice is not very entertaining and the beat is not very good. If nothing else the song has some true energy to it.
(10) City High "Caramel" (Trackmasters Remix) A-. After "What Would You Do" and "City High Anthem", it's nice to see the groups lighter side. The track doesn't break new ground but is very catchy and has a great production and style to it. I just don't understand why Eve isn't given top billing, she's one the best parts of the song.
(11) Nelly Furtado "Turn Off The Light" A-. At the bare minimum, Nelly Furtado id different. This track has one of a kind writing and a unique beat. Nelly brings her own style to the song, making it sound like nothing else out there and packing uncanny depth and emotion.
(12) *N Sync "Gone" A-. Pop group or not, they create a quite and powerful R&B tune here. It's such a change to hear them without the flashy beats and upbeat lyrics. "Gone" succeeds to the degree that it does becuase it inspires the true emotions it aims to cause.
(13) Destiny's Child "Emotion" C. Always know for bold, firey songs like "Bootylicious", the girls fail to deliver the goods here. The song is a cover to bgin with, but they don't make it their own and in the end turns out to be standard, old fashioned R&B.
(14) Ginuwine "Differnces" B. This track works primarily because of Ginuwine's charisma and the style in his his voice. It's on the safe side, yet has true conviction and is sort of catchy. Good, but could have been better.
(15) Backstreet Boys "Drowning" A-. I'ts a huge relief to know that the Backstreet Boys can still deliver a terrific love ballad. This is one of their best ones, mainly due to lyrics that carry more weight and dimension than expected. A very good listen.
(16) U2 "Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of" A. A perfect pop/rock song flowing with weight, depth and dimension. U2 is able to accomplish so much with only a few lyrics. This is one heartbreaking song that should bring tears to everyone's eyes.
(17) Aerosmith "Just Push Play" B-. A dissapointment to hear after the U2 song, and not as good as "Jaded" either. It just seems plain and average for a rock song, but atleast the group still adds in their trademarked style and energy.
(18) Lenny Kravitz "Dig In" B. The exact work we expect Lenny to deliver, bt not much more. The guitars rock and Lenny is as talented as ever, but it never amounts to anything more than that. Lenny decided to take some time off.
(19) Incubus "Wish You Were Here" A-. Incubus tactic of kicking back and letting the music flow is such a refereshing breeze. This has both light insturmentals and lyrics that carry some emotion and turn out to be rather easing. This is a nice change of pace in the rock world.
(20) Adema "Giving In" B. A good hard rock track that is entertaining, just not that memorable. It starts out intriging, then falls into the safe zone for the genre. Not bad. yet still leaves you unsatisfied.
Bottom Line: ***1/2. The album may drag a little bit towards the end, but everything else hsas been so terrific that we don't mind. As usual, "NOW" has alot of diversity with something for everyone to enjoy. This one is definetly a keeper.

I rated this only two stars mostly because of the type of music I prefer. However, if you are into rap, hip-hop, and R&B, with a bit of Britney Spears and boy bands thrown in, this album is probably more likely to be for you. I also disagree with the notion that all of the songs on this CD are overplayed. It might just be because I haven't been listening to the radio enough recently, but I found that I didn't recognize most of the songs, and what is more, I didn't like them after I did get to recognize them. Other people I have discussed this CD with are also not impressed with this album. I preferred Totally Hits 2002 to this one, another mix of "chart topping hits." If you really want a NOW CD, I recommend an earlier one (NOW 6 being my personal favorite) which tend to go lighter on rap. It seems that rap fans etc. (of which there are many of; I just don't happen to be one) and those who don't know or don't have the equipment to mix their own CDs (which is perfectly alright; I don't know how to either) are the ones who mostly enjoy this CD.
P.S. If you would like to see it, the NOW website is offering a list of the tracking in NOW 10.

While the other Now discs are great, Now 9 is certainly the best compilation of tracks that this series has seen in quite a while. Things get underway with the Sweet Dreams Remix of Pink's hit tune "Get the Party Started". This is a great mix of an already good song. Other standouts include "Whenever Wherever" by Shakira, "Family Affair" by Mary J. Blige, and "Ain't It Funny" by Jennifer Lopez. For hip hop fanatics, Now has included hits such as "Raise Up" by Petey Pablo, "Roll Out" by Ludacris, "Lights Camera Action" by Mr. Cheeks, and "Livin It Up" by Ja Rule. This series is great for those who don't want to buy cd's by artists destined to become one hit wonders. The only weak spots on this stellar album are the songs by NSync and Destiny's Child. "Gone" and "Emotions" aren't up the the high standards that these groups have set for us with "Bye Bye Bye" and "Bootylicious". Otherwise, this album is perfect, and is worth every penny. Don't hesitate to pick it up today!

Now that's What I Call Music! 9... You can say that again. It's the very best CD that you can find. You shoud definitly buy it while it's in stock because when everyone finds out about it it will fly off the shelves. And while your at it buy the entire collection. This collection has a hot beat which is very modern and could go good at any party or if you just want to rock around your house. So go ahead. What are you waiting for?

Well, Now That's What I Call Music has a good selection of CDs to choose from and I must admit I had trouble choosing between Now! 9 and Now! 7 yesterday. My reviews are
***** Excellent song
**** Great song
*** Okay song
** Kinda trashy
* Really Bad
- Never Listened to it

1. Pink/Redman--Get the Party Started This song is good but if they didn't put Redman in the song it would have been better. -
2. Spears--I'm A Slave 4 U--The people who are listening to this song are slaves for Britney. Who would put the H word in their song? She's gonna become a rapper pretty soon and Ludacris'l become her wife (kidding.) **
3. Mary J. Blige--Family Affair This is a good dance song, as one of the reviewers say. It makes you move your feet around, and if it grows on you it will make you move around. I never used to like this song though. ****
4. Shakira--Whenever, Wherever--This is also a good song. I have heard it at a party and on the radio several times. I have to admit some parts of the song are better than others. ***
5. J. Lo--Ain't It Funny This isn't that good a song and it doesn't even seem like she sings the chorus. Another singer does it it seems and I don't like the song much anyway. **
6. Livin' It Up--Ja Rule--I haven't listened to it really, but I probably wouldn't like it because I don't like curses that much. -
7. Ludacris--Roll Out--I haven't listened to this much either although some people say 'he's ugly.' He is in the CD picture. -
8. Mr. Cheeks--Lights, Camera, Action!--Point 1: Get another name. Point 2: Stop saying curses. -
9. Peter Pablo (whatever his name is)-Raise Up. Never listened to it. -
10. City High--Caramel--Don't like it that much, but it's okay. **
11. Nelly Furtado--Turn off the Light--This is an o-k-a-y song. Notice how I spelled the word, okay. It is not that good. ***
12. *NSync--Gone--The beginning is stinky, but it is a pretty good song, besides the wierd parts when they say 'Gone'. ***
13. Destiny's Child--Emotion--This is a nice song although I like the chorus the best. ***
14. Ginuwine--Differences--I don't know why they call it Differences but this song is good also. ****
15. Backstreet Boys--Drowning--This is a great song. I like the chorus. The beginning sounds like the piano music for 'All or Nothing' by O-Town. ****
16. U2--Stuck In A Moment--This is a pretty good song, I like the chorus better though and Walk On on Now 8 is good too. ***
17. Aerosmith--Just Push Play--The beginning music is really funny, like somebody is playing their nose (hee hee). The chorus is good too. ****
18. Lenny Kravitz--Dig In--This is another song I like the chorus in. I have listened to it at an award show and liked it although the chorus is...****
19. Incubus--I Wish You Were Here--Never really listened. -
20. Adema--Giving In--Curse song. Don't waste your time. -

I got this about a couple years ago with birthday money. The cd was great! Except, I dont really like rap, so I couldnt listen through the whole cd...but good thing they put skip buttons on a cd player! The rest was real good, like Shakira, and Destiny's child were my favorite. But still, most of the songs were rap, and if you dont like rap, maybe you shouldnt get this cd.

This is a pretty good Now CD. Some of the others have more music that I myself like, but Now 9 does have quite a few good tracks on it.

This cd has a nice variety of tunes...but If you prefer continuous, beat on beat dance mixes like they're heard in dance clubs...the absolute BEST c.d. you can get right now is Louie DeVito's Dance Factory. In my opinion...it's hard to dance when the music goes fast one minute and slow the next...and Louie DeVito's c.d.'s are mixed by one of the best dj's out there...BAD BOY JOE. And the DIFFERENCE is definitely IN THE MIX!!