Customer Reviews

Now That's What I Call Music! 18

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(14)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(14)

 

 

Usually, I go totally crazy over NOW albums, but Now 18 has too many of those songs that you don't care about. There are some classics on here, making the album worth buying. Nows 16 & 17 weren't that great either. It's too bad; there are a lot of good songs that didn't make it on here. Now 19 better have some more classics and less mediocre follow-ups to classics ("Dissapear", "Vitamin R").

1. U2 - Vertigo (3:10) A-
Awesome, classic rock song. U2 is awesome, and this song is no dissapointment for fans and non-fans alike.
2. Gwen Stefani - What You Waiting For? (3:37) A-
Awesome beginning! The actual song is pretty good, but the follow-up to the song, "Rich Girl" is a lot better. It had better be on Now 19. Great song with great lyrics and music.
3. Lyndsay Lohan - Rumors (3:08) B+
Kind of annoying, but a lot better compared to most of the other songs on this album. "Over" is a MUCH BETTER SONG by far and if it isn't on Now 19 I'm going to be angry. "Rumors" is pretty good, even though it's totally overplayed on the radio.
4. Snoop Dogg & Pharell - Drop It Like Its Hot (4:28) A
One of the best songs on the album. Just plain classic. Best Snoop song ever. No way to describe it, its just a weird but good song that will be stuck in your head for years.
5. Destiny's Child feat. Lil Wayne & TI - Soldier (4:03) B
What happened? Destiny's Child used to be much better. "Soldier"'s version on the album "Destiny Fulfilled" is longer and better than the radio version. The chorus makes it a classic, but the raps kind of kill it.
6. Ashanti - Only U (3:06) B
Whoa. The riff that echoes throughout the song is incredibly annoying and is a total opposite to Ashanti's voice. The vocals and lyrics make up for the irritating music.
7. Chingy - Balla Baby (3:33) C
Nope. Doesn't cut it. Being one of two rap songs on the album, one being a classic and one being a mediocre follow-up, this is answer B. Chingy used to produce huge classics like "Right Thurr" and "Holidae In" but his new album is nothing to go crazy for. All this song is here for is to teach the world about the meaning of the word "balla".
8. John Legend - Used To Love U (3:29) B-
Decent, but the "holla, holla, holla, holla!" is extremely annoying. Good, though, but not memorable at all.
9. Nelly & Tim McGraw - Over & Over (4:11) B+
Even after the radio butchered the song by playing it "over and over again", the song is still pretty good. Best mix between a rapper and a country artist, a mash-up kind of like Jay-Z and Linkin Park, only quite different (lol). Good song, but I dislike that Nelly is now an R&B artist.
10. Frankie J & Baby Bash - Obsession (3:42) A
One of the best songs on the album, only because its new, catchy, and not butchered yet by the radio. Actually, it has been overplayed, but it's still good.
11. Omarion - O (4:06) B+
Good song (actually MEMORABLE), but the title and chorus stink. "O"? Without the chorus and different title, this song would be A material. Despite O not making sense, the rest of the chorus is catchy, at least. Also, truthfully, I think Omarion is an Usher wannabe, and he's not close yet.
12. Howie Day - Collide (4:06) B-
This song is somewhat irritating. The "doo, doo, doo" is EXTREMELY ANNOYING AND I WISH IT WASN'T IN THE SONG AT ALL! Otherwise, it's just OK.
13. Hoobastank - Dissapear (3:58) B
This song is good, but nothing compared to "Reason". Again, like #11, the chorus stinks! The verses and guitar riffs are great, but the song is ruined by the chorus.
14. Chevelle - Vitamin R (Leading Us Along) (3:42) B
Decent, but compared to Chevelle's earlier songs, this song isn't much. OK, though.
15. Three Days Grace - Home (3:58) B+
Every Three Days Grace song is good, and "Home" is no dissapointment. It's angry rock, like usual. Good song.
16. Lenny Kravitz - Lady (3:40) C
I hate this song. It's mediocre with not-very-good lyrics and annoying guitar playing. Not like Lenny at all; his previous songs have been so good and "Lady" is not at all up to his standards.
17. Good Charlotte - I Just Wanna Live (2:44) A-
Great song. Good Charlotte NEVER dissapoints. The screechy chorus is on purpose and isn't that bad. Definitely worth a listen. The second song on the album about hating publicity, the first being "Rumors".
18. Frickin' A - Jessie's Girl (2:54) A
AWESOME COVER of a good song. I don't see what people dislike about it, because it has great lyrics and vocals. Great new band with a horrible band name.
19. Skye Sweetnam - Tangled Up In Me (2:41) B-
Not very good. Just mediocre. That's about it. Yeah.
20. Keith Urban - You're My Better Half (3:58) A-
Country isn't that bad! Keith Urban is a great singer who always releases good country songs like this and "Days Go By", on Now 17. While I'm confused why the NOW people keep on including country music on pop/rock/rap albums, whatever! Who cares? This song is great. Catchy chorus, good music, and great singing. Nice way to end the album.

Overall, the album gets a B+. No songs that are a real reason to buy the album (like "Ocean Avenue" on Now 16), but there are some great classics on here. There are some mediocre fillers also included, which prevents the album from getting an A. Not the worst NOW, but not the best either. Buy it, only because of some great songs.

Oh, also: where are these songs? (Hopefully they will be on NOW 19...wink wink).

1. JLo: Get Right
2. Gwen Stefani: Rich Girl (and "Hollaback Girl" on NOW 20)
3. Kelly Clarkson: Since U Been Gone
4. Lyndsay Lohan: Over
5. Bowling For Soup: Almost
6. Ciara feat. Missy Elliot: 1,2 Step
7. Ludacris: Get Back
8. Jay-Z & Linkin Park: Numb/Encore
9. 50 Cent: Candy Shop (or "Disco Inferno")
10. Mariah Carey: It's Like That
11. Will Smith: Switch
12. Rob Thomas: Hurt No More
13. Jet: Look What You've Done
14. Green Day: Blvd. of Broken Dreams
15. Jessie McCartney: Beautiful Soul
16. Alicia Keys: Karma
17. Natalie: Goin' Crazy
18. Britney Spears: Do Somethin'
19. Amerie: 1 Thing
20. TI: Bring 'Em Out

Nope, this tracklist will never happen because NOW never has that many good songs.

This Review is Written By: Person (Since You Can't Write Two Reviews)

Pop

"Rich Girl" Gwen Stefani/Eve
"Incomplete" Backstreet Boys
"Get Right" Jennifer Lopez
"Dirty Laundry" Lisa Marie Presley

Hip-Hop/Rap/R&B/All That Kind Of Stuff

"Candy Shop" 50 Cent
"Goin' Crazy" Natalie
"Lonely" Akon
"Girl" Destiny's Child
"Don't Phunk With My Heart" Black Eyed Peas
"Baby I'm Back" Baby Bash/Akon
"Okay" Nivea/Lil' Jon
"Girlfight" Brooke Valentine
"Oh" Ciara/Ludacris

Rock

"Let Me Go" 3 Doors Down
"Almost" Bowling For Soup
"You And Me" Lifehouse
"The Geeks Get The Girls" American Hi-Fi
"Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own" U2
"We Believe" Good Charlotte

Country

"Making Memories Of Us" Keith Urban

I only liked about 8 songs on the CD.

So, I give it 2 stars.

Buy it if it's less than $10 like at a used CD store or something.

Just when you think they could get no worse...guess what...they do. This one is horrible. Many of these songs were not even significant hits and even that could be forgivable if they were good songs, but they are not. Of course, it is not all the "Now" people's fault. Music on the radio is pretty bed right now. However, you could search in the dumpster and find better songs than some of these.

1. U2- Vertigo: C+/ Hit the top 40, but why the leadoff track?
2. Gwen Stefani- What You Waiting For?: B/ Good song, but wasn't a big hit.
3. Lindsay Lohan- Rumors: C/ This wasn't a hit.
4. Snoop Dogg- Drop It Like Its Hot: B+/ One of the few good tracks.
5. Destiny's Child- Soldier: B-/ Gets annoying.
6. Ashanti- Only U: F/ Yuck.
7. Chingy- Balla Baby: F/ See above.
8. John Legend- Used To Love U: C-/ So-so.
9. Nelly w/ Tim McGraw- Over & Over: B-/ Overplayed
10. Frankie J- Obsession: C-/ So-so.
11. Omarion- O: F/ What the heck is this tripe?
12. Howie Day- Collide: C-
13. Hoobastank- Disappear: B-
14. Chevelle- Vitamin R: D
15. Three Days Grace- Home: C
16. Lenny Kravitz- Lady: C-
17. Good Charlotte- I Just Wanna Live: B-
18. Frickin' A- Jessie's Girl: D-
19. Skye Sweetnam- Tangled Up In Me: D-
20. Keith Urban- You're My Better Half: D+

This is the worst NOW album by far! There is only 2 rap songs! That is crazy! Half of the album is bad. I have no idea what the NOW creators were thinking. Here is my review for the songs:
1.U2-Vertigo:C Okay song and deserving one
2.Gwen Stafani-What Are U Waiting For?:D This is bad. Kinda old.
3.linsay Lohan-Rumors:F This is not a hip-hop song if thats what the creators are thinking. I hate her SO much
4.Snoop Dogg feat Pharrell-Drop it like its Hot:B- Most deserving song here. This song dosen't have REAL music
5.Destineys Child-Soilder: B Okay but this is not the complete version. Deserving song
6.Ashanti-Only U:C- This does not deserve 2 be on here. Below average
7.Chingy-Balla Baby:B They put every Chingy song every NOW album after NOW 14. Okay song
8.John Legend:Used 2 Love U:A Good song but why is it on here? They should have Ordinary People
9.Nelly feat Tim Mcgraw:Over and Over:A+ Awesome song. Deserving song
10.Frankie J feat Baby Bash:A+ Too new, but good song
11.Omarion-O:A+ They made the song shorter again! Good song but not deserving.
The rest of the songs don't appeal 2 me so forget them. Worst NOW album. Not Recommended

This CD shows us that there are still possibilities with good Nows coming out. Less rap, and more recent stuff helps shape this CD into an enjoyable piece.

The CD starts out with "Vertigo" which seems like an okay choice. This song would've blended in better with the other rock songs on this CD. "What You Waiting For" is definetely an awesome choice to put on this CD. Although a little old, it gives the CD spice, life, and everything nice. Lindsay Lohan makes a first appearance on a Now with "Rumors" a bland and unenjoyable experience.

Amazingly, there are only two rap songs on this album. "Balla Baby" by Chingy, and "Drop it Like it's Hot" with Snoop. Now 17 bombarded us with amazingly dumb, pointless, and just stupid rap songs. "Balla Baby" and "Drop it Like it's Hot" are great choices, cuz it shows the good side of rap, the side you can actually listen to without your ears bleeding.

Destiny's Childs' "Soldier" and Ashanti's "Only U" compete with each other, neck to neck and Ashanti wins. "Soldier" becomes more pop than the classic R&B Destiny's Child used to sing, while "Only U" shows that Ashanti is not a fake, and can sing with emotion, and actually HAS talent. "Used to Love You" by John Legend is by far one of the best songs on the album. A little more "poppy" than Ordinary People, but still an instant classic.

The most annoying song "Over and Over" is put on this album and shows that country and rap go together like water and oil. Just horrendous... gosh, just talking about it is making me throw up mentally. Thank the heavens a good song is placed next to it. "Obsession" by Frankie J is one of the bests in 2005 so far. It's got a catchy tune, and hot video, which no doubt will make it zoom up the charts. "O" by Omarion is very similar to "Obsession" but just doesn't "get" me like "Obsession"

We're entering the rock zone of Now 18 and the section starts out with a soothing song, "Collide" by Howie Day and goes into Hoobastank's "Disappear" a very disappointing and boring song compared to The Reason. Chevelle's "Vitamin R" is also just plain pointless, just a spot-filler on the CD, the same with "Home," Three Days Grace.

Lenny Kravitz' "Lady" is actually mighty fine. Catchy tunes, and good guitar playing fit into this song perfectly. Good Charlotte's "I Just Wanna Live" is the fun song of the album, such as "1985", and "Stacy's Mom" from previous Nows. Frickin A's "Jessie's Girl" reminds me thoroughly of BBMak and LFO... remember them? Nevertheless, "Jessie's Girl" is a pretty good song.

Another first on this Now is Skye Sweetnam with "Tangled Up in Me" a more than pop song, sang with "cute" Avril Lavigne vocals. Catchy song, but gets annoying the third time you here it. Reminds me of Fefe Dobson... again, do you remember her?
Keith Urban's "You're My Better Half" is a good song itself, but I just don't get why they had to squeeze in yet another country song on a Now, just doesn't seem to fit. Gavin Degraw's "I Don't Wanna Be" or "Chariot" would've been a better choice to put as the last song.

This is by far the BEST now in such a long time... I hope the Nows will keep on to this pattern.

This is quite a difficult album to review; the first half contains some of 2005's best singles (so far), the second half has some of the most average ones. Strangley enough, the most exciting and livley tracks are the pop, R&B and rap ones, whereas the rock songs are, in general, the most plain ones. Considering how rap is dominating the charts these days, they should have included some more rap/hip-hop on here. Still, each genre is covered, no matter how unevenly (Keith Urban unfortunetly gets tacked on the end again). Your "20 Chart-Topping Hits":
(1) U2 "Vertigo" A-. Not great U2, but a welcome addition to their impressive, ever growing discography. It captures alot of the techno/dance flair they used on the "Zooropa" LP. Catchy, skilled, passionate and somewhat original; this is definetly worth a listen.
(2) Gwen Stefani "What You Waiting For?" A. Was there any doubt that Gwen Stefani's solo LP would be catchy, vibrant and original? Not at all, and this song fits all that criteria to pefection with her intelligent lyrics and a unique beat. If nothing else this sounds like no other pop music out there.
(3) Lindsay Lohan "Rumors" A. There's been some complaints that Lindsay is "trying to rap too much" on this song: so what if she puts some hip-hop into it? The end result works because it is fiery, fast paced and (to some extent) about something. She shows herself as a talented young artist, and as pop music goes; this is in the same league as the best works by Janet and J. Lo.
(4) Snoop Dogg feat. Pharrell "Drop It Like It's Hot" B. Here's a song that is succesful and unsuccesful at the same time. The vocals are interesting, there's a nice flow through out the whole song and it remians highly enjoyable. On the flip side; the writing could be more original and you expect better beats from the Neptunes. Still, the track does have its charms.
(5) Destiny's Child feat. T.I. and Lil Wayne "Soldier" B+. In late 2004, Destiny's Child returned to the music scene, and it top form! Usually known for their stormin' dance numbers; the girls succed in pulling off a cool, catchy hip-hop song. The material isn't blindingly original, but it's so polished that it sounds new. Even T.I. doesn't sound half bad.
(6) Ashanti "Only U" A. This is Ashanti doing what she does best; creating a mesmerizing contemporary R&B tune. The song is captivating from the very first chord, and remaians consistent throughout. While "Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)" is similar, but this takes the material to a naughtier level and makes it even more engaging. A small treasure.
(7) Chingy "Balla Baby" B. His works are starting to grow little repetitious, but that OK because he still sounds great doing them. The song has no ambition to be deep, and is effective on it's chosen level of a "playful rap". It's a fun, flowing rap that could've been more; just look at "One Call Away".
(8) John Legend "Used To Love U" A-. What a nice balance to have John Legend performing traditional R&B...well kinda traditional. A moderen edge runs beneath everything to give it a retro AND contemporary feel at the same time. Also helpful to the track are the heartfelt lyrics and haunting beat. This is now the best thing Kanye West has been involved in.
(9) Nelly feat. Tim McGraw "Over & Over" A-. No, your eyes are not playing a trick on you: Nelly has collaborated with Tim McGraw. Don't fear thought; the single is touching, heartfelt and has sweet tone to it. It also acomplishes a diffucult feat of appealing to BOTH the rap AND country genres. What a remarkable song, although I would have like to hear more from Tim McGraw.
(10) Frankie J feat. Baby Bash "Obsession (No Es Amor)" A. Both artists have hit new career high points on this mesmerizing, passionate, slick single. Everything just falls into place so perfectly, and a cetain depth is carried throughout. Part R&B, part rap; all terrific entertainment.
(11) Omarion "O" B. Not a phenomenal R&B tune, but a decent one with nice vocal work from Omarion. B2K always had a hip-hop edge to them, but his solo work sheds (most of) that and creates a somewhat touching track. It's a good song without being great.
(12) Howie Day "Collide" C. He follows the same steps as John Mayer and Ryan Cabrera, yet never picks up their talents. The whole song is pleasant enough, but not very original or compelling. We've heard this done better many times before. Too little in the cutting edge music world.
(13) Hoobastank "Disappear" B+. Nowhere near as powerful as "The Reason", but few songs are. That aside, this is a catchy, beautiful rock song that carries some depth. Never has to try to hard as it lets emotion slowly unravel. Hoobastank has cemented themselves as forces in the rock industry.
(14) Chevelle "Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)" D. I think we can offically say that "The Red" was a fluke. THe group has never done anything to equal up to it, and this song is no exception. It's title is so intriging, yet it becomes a huge dissapointment. There's absolutley nothing here; no substance, no style, not even interesting beats.
(15) Three Days Grace "Home" B-. Three Days Grace is one frustrating group; they have true talent, but cant seem to harness it completley. There is some substance here, but it gets muddled and lost throughout the song. I really wish the group would pull it all together.
(16) Lenny Kravitz "Lady" C-. May possibly be the most lackluster thing he's done in his fifteen years. Lyrics are an almost non-existant as the song unwisely leaves everything to the beats which grow redundant in about 30 seconds. What on Earth was Lenny thinking?
(17) Good Charlotte "I Just Wanna Live" B+. The group always seems more pop than rock underneath it all, and it good that they let it show here. Yes, the song isn't really about anything, but it's very catchy and impossible to dislike. This is a fun rock song! Good Charlotte isn't a great group, but there a nice little addition.
(18) Frickin' A "Jessie's Girl" C. A somewhat adequet remake of the 1982 Rick Springfield song. The original wasn't that good to begin with, so there wasn't too much to equal up to. This is OK, but not very memorable; it never charted either. There were better rock songs out there.
(19) Skye Sweetnam "Tangled Up In Me" B. A good pop/rock song that just isn't phenomenal. She seems to be trying to follow Avril Lavigne's footsteps, but doesn't have the depth that Avril has. Could've been more, yet it's still a decent tune.
(20) Keith Urban "You're My Better Half" A. He really deserves better than the last song. Another example of how his vocals and guitar skills are rejuvenating country. The laid back take creates a beautiful and warm-hearted country track. It really does put a smile on your face.
Bottom Line: ***. It's a REALLY close call here, but I recomend the album for all the good tracks on it (which do outnumber the bad ones). Some diffent song selection may have helped; "Beautiful Soul" (Jesse McArtney), "Like Toy Soliders" (Eminem), "My Boo" (Usher and Alicia Keys) and "She Will Be Loved" (Maroon 5) would have made great additions. For now, let's see what else 2005 has in store for music!

I have liked other previous Nows (2, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, & 16). But I really did not like this one.

I'm deciding between 1 and 2 stars.

I only liked 5 SONGS! The ones by U2, Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dogg, Nelly, and Hoobastank. The others I could careless for, and are not good.

If you ask me, a lot fo these 5 star reviews seem weird. Like some with only one sentence, and some that look like they might be on the wrong product.

In the end, I've gone with 2 stars. But, if Now 19 doesn't work, I don't know how many Now discs I will continue to buy.

P.S. Remember their old slogan "Get the hits you crave NOW!"? Well, I'm certainly not craving much of these! Try again NOW!

Let me break it down for you....yeah yeah were already on the 18th Now thats what i call music cd & they have been coming out quicker and quicker. When i first saw the cd all the songs looked bad and i had never heard of but after i bought it and listened to it i liked all the songs so if you dont got it then get it!!!!!

after 2001....now went out the drain. same goes for totally hits.

1 Question:


2. Gwen Stefani- What You Waiting For? Listen Listen
3. Lindsay Lohan- Rumors

LINDSAY IS A 1-HIT-WONDER...NO WONDER IT ON HERE. SAME GOES FOR GWEN. I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT...WELL...THIS FLOPPED...THEY FLOPPED...WHO CARES! DUMB KIDDIE CD FOR UNTALENTED WHITE DISNEYS= NOW MUSIC!