What Now? [Live]

Amazon.com
Kenny Wheeler has a stunning lyric imagination, apparent in the burnished luster of his flugelhorn and the subtle structures of his compositions. It’s present too in the way he picks his musical partners and constructs situations that bring out the very best in them. The quartet here includes two longstanding partners in bassist Dave Holland, a collaborator for nearly four decades, and pianist John Taylor, a regular associate in the group Azimuth. Tenor saxophonist Chris Potter, a regular in Holland’s quintet, completes the band; with lines of empathy connecting all four musicians. The absence of a drummer highlights each musician’s unique sound. Wheeler’s lines seem to dance on Taylor’s limpidly fluid piano like sunlight on water, while Potter blends a muscular assertiveness with Wheeler’s reflective tunes. Like Wheeler’s superb Angel Song with Lee Konitz and Bill Frisell, What Now? is a model of melodic improvisation and profound interaction. --Stuart Broomer

What Now?,Kenny Wheeler,Chris Potter,Camjazz,Avant-Garde Jazz,Canada,Jazz,Pop,Post-Bop

Average customer rating: Wonderful melodies Hayley Westenra - Odyssey Very soothing very good pop singer voice Voice & level head deserve high marks

Odyssey Hayley Westenra Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Folk | Styles | Music Australia & New Zealand | International | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Folk Songs | Songs & Lieder | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Rock | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Celtic Treasure Hayley Westenra - Live From New Zealand Lisa Celtic Woman - A New Journey: Live at Slane Castle, Ireland Walking in the Air ASIN: B000AXWHPI Release Date: 2005-10-18

Tracks:

1. Prayer
2. Both Sides Now
3. Never Saw Blue
4. Dell' Amore Non Si Sa
5. What You Never Know (Won't Hurt You)
6. May It Be
7. Quanta Qualia
8. You Are Water
9. She Moves Through the Fair
10. My Heart Belongs To You - Hayley Westenra
11. Ave Maria
12. I Say Grace

Album Description

Hayley Westenra's new album Odyssey was always going to be a different proposition to Pure, the record-breaking 2003 collection which marked her international debut. A lot has happened to the young New Zealander over the past two or three years--and those changes are clearly reflected by a record which encapsulates her growth from a budding teenage prodigy into a mature young woman.

Now, at 18, Hayley is ready to show the world how much she has grown up, both as an artist and as an individual. Fans of Pure will be pleasantly surprised by her new album. Her wonderful voice retains its crystal-clear purity, but Westenra's singing is now richer and more rounded than before. Touring the world and singing in some of its greatest concert venues, such as the Sydney Opera House, Royal Albert Hall, and Carnegie Hall, has worked wonders for her confidence. Suitably emboldened, she has embraced an even wider range of musical styles including classical, hymns, folk and pop.

"I was happy with Pure at the time, but I've moved on so much," says Hayley. "It's really exciting to have something new out there for people to listen to. I wanted to make a record that represented me as a person. And I think I've improved as a vocalist."

Variety is certainly one of the keywords with Hayley's new album. When she first entered a recording studio in New Zealand as a 12-year-old, Westenra restricted herself to classical pieces and show tunes. Now, in addition to impressive takes on classical works, Hayley uses her new album to perform an inspired cover of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" and has arranged and written much of the material. "I like to push myself, and I'm now confident enough to try different things. I have been much more involved behind the scenes with this album--I wanted to put my individual stamp on each song."

With her career stretching out promisingly before her, Hayley is also keen to continue experimenting. She is still primarily a classical crossover artist but she also wants to keep broadening those musical horizons. Three years after her international debut CD, Hayley Westenra is still pure: she exudes pure quality and she remains pure class--but her musical journey continues with her new album Odyssey.

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful melodies.......2007-06-08

This is a wonderful CD with beautiful melodies. Hayley Westenra has a very pure voice and sings right on key. The melodies are very relaxing and the musical settings are well arranged.

Hayley Westenra - Odyssey.......2007-06-08

Pure, crystalline, angelic voice. Gorgeously produced. "Prayer" is stunning. "Both Sides Now" wonderful. The rest is good but not her best song selection. When I first heard this girl on the "Celtic Woman" tour I was totally blown away. None of her CDs will disappoint!

Very soothing.......2007-05-14

Hayley Westenra's Odyssey is a very beautiful CD. If you switch on your walkman and listen to the CD's tracks non-stop, you'll soon feel like you're flying in Heaven. It's very soothing and heavenly. It calms you down, without causing you to feel lonely or sad because you're listening to it in solitary, like other vocal or classical songs do sometimes.

I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested. Quanta Qualia and Ave Maria are my most favourite tracks. Quanta Qualia is pure magic! I really feel as if I'm flying in Heaven when I listen to it.

very good pop singer voice.......2007-05-13

the selections were tasteful and varied. the singer has a very good pop singer voice. i would have liked some voice variation between songs. all were sung in exactly the same style. good singing but without tonal variation the disk tends to be bland. i hope that as she gets more exposure she will vary her voice to make the songs stand out individually instead of letting them blend into one song on the disc. i would rate this 5 stars except for that major fault.

Voice & level head deserve high marks .......2007-04-20

Not only has Hayley Westenra's voice remained "pure", but her good sense and sensibilty has stayed intact when so many similar young performers have gone over the deep end with extreme behavior and disreputable remarks. On this CD Miss Westernra covers a number of songs in her own special style, such as excellent versions of "Prayer", "May It Be" and "Both Sides Now". I hope to hear her renditions of more such tunes, old and new. I would like to hear her sing songs like "Yesterday", "I Still Believe in Love" and All I Know. She has a way with her soaring vocals that never lets the listener down.

Average customer rating: We Will Go Home Good music Want to hear Gladiator II? King Arthur Hans' Best

King Arthur Hans Zimmer Manufacturer: Hollywood Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Kingdom of Heaven The Last Samurai Gladiator: Music from the Motion Picture Troy: Music From The Motion Picture (Score) Alexander ASIN: B0002IQIWE Release Date: 2004-07-27

Tracks:

1. Tell Me Now (What You See)
2. Woad To Ruin
3. Do You Think I'm Saxon?
4. Hold The Ice
5. Another Brick In Hadrian's Wall
6. Budget Meeting
7. All Of Them!

Amazon.com

What are legends if not for reinventing -- and/or hyper-inflating into Hollywood summer fare? In retooling the Arthurian legend for the goth-beguiled video game age, mega-producer Jerry Bruckheimer did away with details small (the lady in the lake, sword in the stone, etc.) and large (this Arthur is actually Eastern European, by way of Rome). Composer Hans Zimmer picks up that gauntlet, producing an orchestral score bristling with massed brass, chorus and percussion -- if little of the indigenous mysticism that made his work on Gladiator/ so rewarding. What there is of that precious commodity is frontloaded via the song "Tell Me Know (What You See)," his evocative opening collaboration with Clannad's Moya Brennan. From there, Zimmer emphasized this version's Eastern conceits with a half-dozen suites of cues that thunder in the Russian classical tradition -- and all the melodic range of "Jingle Bells." Zimmer--not to mention Poledouris--has done it better, but fans of outsized orchestral Gothic moodfests may yet take this one to heart. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

We Will Go Home.......2007-07-13

Does this soundtrack include "We Will Go Home," the song Vorna sings to the men in the bar before they find out about their new mission?

Good music.......2007-05-16

I'm a huge Hans Zimmer fan, his scores are rich and deep. This is not his best, but it's still a great listen.

Want to hear Gladiator II?.......2007-04-12

In the end, this is the only relevant question; do you want to hear a more melodramatic version of Gladiator? More melodramatic, you ask?
And you better believe it, Hans Zimmer actually managed to blow up his sound from Gladiator even more, and I really didn't think this was possible, mainly because I thought it would sound utterly pathetic and over the top. And make no mistake, Zimmer's King Arthur is just that.

I am reviewing this score in retrospect, and it is truly fascinating to do that. When you look at other composers and make a little journey to their past, you usually find more creativity. The further back you go, the more original and fresh music you find. With Hans Zimmer, it's the opposite. With each year you go back, his scores just get more dreary, and that's saying alot because his latest works also don't really qualify as schoolbook examples for colourful scoring.

From Gladiator to Pirates Of The Caribbean 2, Hans Zimmer has yet to come forth with a truly fresh and unique score. Zimmer never, ever, not in a million years, escapes his usual box. And King Arthur is no exception whatsoever. From the get go, 20 horns are amassed and play a overly simplistic motif somewhere between a and A, the strings mush together in midrange, melodramatic chords, and dwell in the shallow realm of overbearing dullness.
I don't understand how an artist - and the art of film composing is severely underrated - can be content with repeating the same thing over and over. If I were Hans Zimmer, I would be embarassed by now to even write one more note for that droning bass.
To top it all off, Zimmer incorporates an Enyaesque voice that is easy on the ears, but in the end signifies nothing, does nothing and does all that with an amazing lack of substance.

That is, amongst others, the major difference between a serious film composer and Hans Zimmer: a good and skillful film composer takes an average film like King Arthur and makes it sound like something worthwhile. Hans Zimmer on the other hand embraces mediocrity and underlines it to create an even more average film.

King Arthur.......2007-04-09

I recently purchased this particular soundtrack, and i would have to say it is awesome. Hans Zimmer is a master at what he does. The music suits the film and since I loved the film I had to get the soundtrack. I loved the song Tell Me Now by Moya Brennan, and Another Brick in Hadrians Wall is the best song im my opinion on the soundtrack. Overall I'm so glad I bought this soundtrack and I rate it up there with the likes of Gladiator, Pirates of the Carribean. Keep up the good work Hans

Hans' Best.......2007-03-12

Hans Zimmer is a film composer with dozens and dozens of scores under his belt. Many who do not collect or even listen to film scores know his name. However, much if his film music sounds very similar and lacks a complex edge that other compose like John Williams, James Horner, and James Newton Howard deliver.

That said, King Arthur is Hans' most intriguing score to date. Backdraft and Gladiator (overrated) were very good, but this score is a departure from Hans' usual motifs. The only bad part for me(not related to the music itself) is that there are only seven tracks and each are very long. I like shorter tracks so I can pinpoint the themes or variations I want to lsiten to, but this is extremely minor. The music is great, and I reccommend you go enjoy Hans' best music yet.

Average customer rating: Wonderful, but not my first choice THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever... Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah

Mendelssohn: Elijah Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Mendelssohn | Mendelssohn, Felix | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Franz Joseph Haydn: The Creation Mendelssohn - Elijah / Terfel, Fleming, Bardon, Ainsley, Fulgoni, Paul Daniel Mahler: Das Lied von der Erde Brahms - Ein Deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem) / Auger, Stilwell, Atlanta SO, Robert Shaw Brahms: Ein deutsches Requiem [A German Requiem] ASIN: B0002XV31A Release Date: 2005-02-15

Tracks:

1. Introduction: As God The Lord Of Israel Liveth
2. Overture
3. No.1 Help, Lord! Wilt Thou Quite Destroy Us?
4. No.2: Lord! Bow Thine Ear To Our Prayer!
5. No.3: Ye People, Rend Your Hearts
6. No.4: If With All Your Hearts
7. No.5: Yet Doth The Lord See It Not
8. No.6: Elijah! Get Thee Hence
9. No.7: For He Shall Give His Angels Charge Over Thee
10. Recitative: Now Cherith's Brook Is Dried Up
11. No.8: What Have I Do To Do With Thee?
12. No.9: Blessed Are The Men Who Fear Him
13. No.10: As God The Lord Of Sabaoth Liveth
14. No.11: Baal, We Cry To Thee: Hear And Answer Us!
15. No.12: Call Him Louder, For He Is A God!
16. No.13: Call Him Louder! He Heareth Not!
17. No.14: Lord God Of Abraham, Isaac And Israel!
18. No.15: Cast Thy Burden Upon The Lord
19. No.16: O Thou, Who Makest Thine Angels Spirits
20. No.17: Is Not His Word Like A Fire?
21. No.18: Woe Unto Them Who Forsake Him!
22. No.19: O Man Of God, Help Thy People!
23. No.20: Thanks Be To God!

Tracks:

1. No.21: Hear Ye, Israel; Hear What The Lord Speaketh
2. No.22: Be Not Afraid, Saith God The Lord
3. No.23: The Lord Hath Exalted Thee
4. No.24: Woe To Him, He Shall Perish
5. No.25: Man Of God, Now Let My Words Be Precious
6. No.26: It Is Enough; O Lord Now Take My Life
7. No.27: See, Now He Sleepeth
8. No.28: Lift Thine Eyes To The Mountains
9. No.29: He, Watching Over Israel, Slumbers Not
10. No.30: Arise, Elijah, For Thou Hast A Long Journey
11. No.31: O Rest In The Lord
12. No.32: He That Shall Endure To The End, Shall Be Saved
13. No.33: Night Falleth Round Me, O Lord!
14. No.34: Behold! God The Lord Passed By!
15. No.35: Above Him Stood The Seraphim
16. No.36: Go, Return Upon Thy Way
17. No.37: For The Mountains Shall Depart
18. No.38: Then Did Elijah The Prophet Break Forth
19. No.39: Then Shall The Righteous Shine Forth
20. No.40: Behold, God Hath Sent Elijah
21. No.41: But The Lord, From The North Hath Raised One
22. No.41a: O Come Everyone That Thirsteth
23. No.42: And Then Shall Your Light Break Forth

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful, but not my first choice.......2007-04-07

I believe this was the first recording of Elijah in English that used an "international" conductor and some international singers. Fruhbeck gives a good, dramatic sweep to the piece, with some wonderful dramatic moments. This is an old fashioned performance, with only a solo quartet, and if there is a semi-chorus, I can't tell the difference. This means that the soprano is the Widow, and an Angel, the mezzo the Angel and Queen Jezabel, etc. You really should have a libretto, but you don't get one at this price.
Fischer-Dieskau roughens up his voice for the role, and therein lies a problem. The voice spreads and his diction suffers because of it; that and his unidiomatic pronounciation, with far too many rolled "r"s. He does the drama well, but what works well in lieder works here less well on the large scale. Odd, given his success as on opera singer (check out his Iago), that here he frequently comes off blustery.
Dame Gwyneth Jones belies her reputation and gives a contolled, dramatic performance, using her "edge" to advantage in "Hear Ye, Israel". Gedda's diction is amazing, with exactly the right color for this literature, and projecting a little more blood than an English tenor.
Dame Janet Baker is my star in this performance. Dramatic, heart-rending when need be, and in wonderful voice. She'll chill your blood when she tells the people of Baal to "slaughter him, do what he hath done!".
And as for the people of Baal, the Philharmonia Chorus is wonderful. Incisive and dramatic, with beautiful tone. I could do without the trick of the boy choir for "Lift Thine Eyes", and I miss the small ensembles, but all in all a fine performance, and good recording, circa 1968.
First choice in English, Daniels/Terfel: better Elijah in Terfel, better recording, more authentic orchestra, small vocal ensembles (as per the score) but inferior women (including Fleming: beautiful tone, but where's her head?). In German, it's Sawallisch/Adam all the way.
But if you're singing Elijah, and have a score, this is a good choice.

THE BEST recording of the BEST oratorio ever..........2006-08-15

Okay, I'm gonna admit I'm biased- I first sung in the chorus of Elijah when I was 14 and it made a BIG impression on me!
This recording is in every way wonderful. Starting with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. He IS Elijah to me. His singing is perfection. He has amazing phrasing and his diction makes it possible to understand the lovely, inspired libretto to this heavenly music. There are so many pieces that are ephemeral, but a couple of my favorites are: #14, Lord God of Abraham and #37, For the Mountains shall Depart. Dieskau does a great job of what I think of as compassionate, heartfelt singing. His interpretation sounds like the voice of God himself. It has a quality of kindness and yet he sounds just as convincing reprimanding the people of Baal. He is the true highlight of this recording.

That said, the rest of the cast is wonderful as well. Gwyneth Jones has a lovely, silvery voice that has a clarion bell-like tone that rings over the large orchestra with ease. She has occasional "misfire" but is a consistent performer. Dame Janet Baker and Nicolai Gedda both perform at a consistently lovely level. The orchestra and chorus are both wonderful. #15, Cast thy Burden upon the Lord, #32 He that Shall Endure to the End, and #38 Then Did Elijah are all highlights.

All said, for me the main reason to get this recording is Dieskau's Elijah- after all, he's the main character. But don't forget the lovely music. This story is exciting and passionate and sacred all at the same time. For me, it's the best oratorio that has a moving story and great music too.

Too bad there are so few recordings of Elijah.......2006-07-03

This is a good recording of an oratorio that deserves more attention. The chorus and soloists are very good--I just wish Fischer-Diskau wouldn't slide around so much in singing the title part!

Average customer rating: Absolutely peerless once-in-a-lifetime greatness We love this album Simply great Porgy and Bess

Porgy & Bess Ella Fitzgerald , and Louis Armstrong Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Gershwin | Gershwin, George | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Vocal Jazz General | Vocal Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music English | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Classic Vocalists | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Porgy and Bess Gershwin: Porgy & Bess [With Members of the Original Cast] Porgy & Bess: High Performance George Gershwin - Porgy & Bess / Trevor Nunn · Sir Simon Rattle · W. White · C. Haymon · Glyndebourne Opera Ella & Louis Again (Dig) ASIN: B0000046Z5 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Overture
2. Summertime
3. I Wants To Stay Here
4. My Man's Gone Now
5. I Got Plenty O'Nuttin'
6. Buzzard Song
7. Bess, You Is My Woman Now
8. It Ain't Necessarily So
9. What You Want Wild Bess?
10. A Woman Is A Sometime Thing
11. Oh, Doctor Jesus
12. Medley: Here Come De Honey Man/Crab Man/Oh, Deh's So Fresh And Fine (Strawberry Woman)
13. There's A Boat Dat's Leavin' Soon For New York
14. Bess, Oh Where's My Bess
15. Oh Lawd, I'm On My Way

Amazon.com

Getting the two most personable voices in jazz to sing an hour's worth of George Gershwin's opera Porgy & Bess (Ella doing all the female parts, Satchmo all the male) was a good idea, but not quite as great as it sounded. Armstrong savors the down-and-dirty Charlestonisms that inspired the cadences of the music and lyrics, and they fit his happy rasp like an old shoe; Fitzgerald, conversely, sounds almost prissy every time she has to sing the word "ain't," though her melodic genius gets Gershwin's bold, supple tunes over. The arrangements are full-throttle Broadway, with a few leaps into Dixieland (including some fine Armstrong trumpet solos), but the disc works best when the vocalists break character and let their jazz side out. --Douglas Wolk

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely peerless.......2006-11-17

"Porgy and Bess" has just opened (with some controversy) in London's West End, though as a musical and not as an opera as it was originally conceived. Reviews have been promising and I aim to go down and see it soon. I decided to listen to this CD to put myself in the mood. I hadn't listened to it for years and I'd completely forgotten how good it actually is. Ella's voice blends with Louis' perfectly and Russell Garcia's orchestration gives them a dreamy landscape to perform against. I have one or two other CDs by Louis and Ella but this one is by far my favourite. The CD opens with "Overture" and its orchestral performance of classics like "Summertime", "I Wants To Stay Here", "I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'" and "It Ain't Neccessarily So" set the tone nicely, leaving one ever so keen for the vocal versions. Louis Armstong has a very rough tone to his voice but the emotion he packs with it is moving, most especially on the mournful "Bess, Oh Where's My Bess?" And we get all this and Louis' wonderful trumpet playing too?

Gershwin and Gershwin must be among the top composers of the last century and this opera showcases their talents more than anything I've heard. Ella and Louis are peerless as a vocal duo and though I doubt the West End performance will capture the magic in the same way they did, I still remain very keen to go see it. Is it opera or is it a jazz performance? I don't really know. I just know that I love it. And strongly recommend it.

once-in-a-lifetime greatness.......2006-10-06

Two thousand five hundred musicians have recorded "Summertime" --- it's a classic. (I bet most Americans can name Janis Joplin and no other singer.) As for "Porgy and Bess," the folk opera from which "Summertime" springs, it's such a classic that it's hard to believe anyone ever had a harsh word to say about it.

But after its premiere in 1935, no less than Duke Ellington said, "It has grand music and a swell play, but the two didn't go together. It does not use the Negro musical idiom --- the times are here to debunk Gershwin's lampblack Negroisms."

A quarter of a century later, the producers of the film version had trouble assembling a cast. Harry Belafonte rejected their offer to play Porgy. Sidney Poitier took the part --- and wished he hadn't. Poitier later wrote that the movie insulted black people; when he chose clips of his best performances for his tribute at the American Film Institute, he picked nothing from "Porgy and Bess."

And in 1985, when Grace Bumbry was a sensation as Bess in a Metropolitan Opera production, she slammed the opera: "I thought it beneath me, I felt I had worked far too hard, that we had come far too far to have to retrogress to 1935."

All that may be. All I know is that I have, in a long life, rarely been confronted with more genius than in the Fitzgerald/Armstrong recording of "Porgy & Bess." Set aside the achievement of George and Ira Gershwin in transforming DuBose Heyward's novel into a folk opera. Let's just focus on Armstrong and Fitzgerald, who were at the peak of their popularity when this record was made in 1957.

"Summertime" --- the first song --- sets the tone. A baleful horn figure, then violins. And then Armstrong's trumpet: slow, steady, dignified. But wait --- here comes a slurred note. And a cool little improvisation. Just enough of each. Very tasty.

Fitzgerald sings a verse. She is cool and formal. A lady. Not to be taken lightly. Now it's Armstrong's turn. Tender, but let's not kid ourselves --- this is not singing as others define it. This is melodic speech: rough, gutteral. And thus he is ideally cast: His Porgy may have his charms, but he'll have to stretch to keep Bess.

And so it goes throughout the CD. Trumpet mastery --- Armstrong has dazzling control. His tone is bright, but never shrill; there's a warmth in his playing no one else could produce. And Fitzgerald is just a study in inevitability; to hear her is to wonder how anyone could sing these songs any other way.

"I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'." "Bess, You Is My Woman Now." "A Woman Is a Sometime Thing." "There's a Boat Dat's Leavin' Soon for New York." "Bess, Oh Where's My Bess?" "Oh Lawd, I'm on My Way."

All brilliantly conceived, orchestrated and recorded.

The greatest trumpet player in this history of jazz.

The father of scat singing.

The queen of the jazz vocal.

There are no-brainers, and then there is this Ella Fitzgerald-Louis Armstrong collaboration --- music that imprints on your soul.

We love this album.......2006-08-22

We hope they will someday bring this beautiful story back to the stage

Simply great.......2006-03-04

The fusion between the great two voices and the orchestra is just brilliant. Very good brass and violins that accompany Fitzeralds and Armstrongs magic voices leaves you with your mouth open.

A must have for everyone!

Porgy and Bess.......2005-10-14

Could not find this anyway locally. It is a great recording

Average customer rating: harem New to Sarah Brightman Stranger in Paradise - More Like Stranger in a Lost Cause No voice like hers in the world Brilliant Brightman, Her best CD.

Harem Sarah Brightman , and Frank Peterson Manufacturer: Angel Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | International | Styles | Music General | Middle East | International | Styles | Music General | New Age | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Brightman, Sarah | A to B | Featured Performers, A-Z | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Classic | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Interviews | Poetry, Spoken Word & Interviews | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music General | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Dance & DJ | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Classical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Eden (US Release - 16 tracks) La Luna Time to Say Goodbye Sarah Brightman Classics Dive ASIN: B00008W2QZ Release Date: 2003-06-10

Tracks:

1. Harem
2. What A Wonderful World
3. It's A Beautiful Day
4. What You Never Know
5. The Journey Home
6. Free
7. Mysterious Days
8. The War Is Over
9. Misere Mei
10. Beautiful
11. Arabian Nights
12. Stranger In Paradise
13. Until The End Of Time
14. You Take My Breathe Away

Amazon.com

If one's notion of "world music" promises a touch of the exotic and indigenous, often overlooked is the fact that the influence of western pop music has seeped into every corner of the globe, creating a hybrid that's often more than merely the sum of its influences. Theater vet Brightman steps into that pan-cultural hall of mirrors here, wedding her fascination with the music and rhythms of the "forbidden places" (the title's Arabic meaning) of the Middle East to her own oft ethereal vocal charms and rock-solid sense of drama. And if the diva's equally sound crossover sensibilities (and that of longtime producer Frank Peterson) sometimes mire it in familiar world-beat pastiche, Brightman's charmed muse manages some transcendent moments nonetheless. Her musical borrowings (Borodin for the title track; Puccini's *Madame Butterfly* for "It's a Beautiful Day") are as compelling as her choice of collaborators: classical violin star Nigel Kennedy and Iraqi vocalist Kadim Al Sahir add compelling touches to the weary timeliness of "The War is Over." The musical influences range from Europe across the Mediterranean and as far East as the Indian roots of "Bollywood" composer A.R. Rahman's "The Journey Home" and Brightman's own "You Take My Breath Away" to evocative recastings of the emblematic standards "Stranger in Paradise" and Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World," while ex-Killing Joke keyboardist Jaz Coleman provides the savory East-meets-West orchestrations that ensure Brightman's star turns the seamless foundations they deserve. --Jerry McCulley

Amazon.com

Sarah Brightman Photos

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Time to Say Goodbye	Diva: The Singles Collection	Eden
Diva: The Video Collection	Live from Las Vegas	La Luna (Live in Concert)

Customer Reviews:

harem .......2007-05-28

As usual a quick and effecient service ,especially for people who live abroad.Keep up the excellent work John Williams.

New to Sarah Brightman.......2007-03-12

I'm very new to Sarah brightman's music and I enjoy this CD. I think she has an amazing voice. Very talented young woman and this cd was very relaxing and joyful to listen to. I like to learn and heard more from Sarah Brightman.

Stranger in Paradise - More Like Stranger in a Lost Cause.......2006-12-30

I'm not throughly pleased with this album! This CD is only good if you know how to dance in a Middle-Easters fashion. About half of each track is dominated by all orchestrations and no Sarah. Plus, Pop-Sarah isn't really for me. I much prefer the Classical-Sarah. Some of the tracks are okay, like "Harem", "The Journey Home", "Beautiful", and "Stranger in Paradise". Really, this is a good CD for your collection, but I wouldn't listen to it on a 24/7 basis.

No voice like hers in the world.......2006-10-01

I own this cd. I saw her in person at the "Harem" concert. Never had I heard or seen any voice like this. What a performer, best concert I'd ever seen. Beautiful voice, I can never get enough of Sarah Brightman's music. It is so comforting at times. I have all her music and this cd makes you wonder, how can she top this? Thank you Sarah Brightman for giving us your beautiful gift of music.

Brilliant Brightman, Her best CD........2006-09-18

Sarah is just the best, she can hit any note and her individuality shines on this CD. She sings "The Journey Home" from the musical Bombay Dreams and her voice just soars. "Harem", "Mysterious Ways" and "You Take My Breah Away" are songs that take me to dreamland. Amazing! A master piece!

Average customer rating: Marimba/Brass/Mariachi/Jazz, and Rock--the sweetest sounds this side of the Rio Grande !!! Herb Alpert & The TJB, What Now My Love What now my love Excellence in Easy Listening! Finally is on CD!!!!

What Now My Love Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass Manufacturer: Shout Factory ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Orchestral Pop | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Going Places Whipped Cream & Other Delights (40th Anniversary Edition) South Of The Border S.R.O. The Lonely Bull ASIN: B0009I7O6G Release Date: 2005-06-07

Tracks:

1. What Now My Love
2. Freckles
3. Memories Of Madrid
4. It Was A Very Good Year
5. So Whats New
6. Plucky
7. Magic Trumpet
8. Cantina Blue
9. Brasilia
10. If I Were A Rich Man
11. Five Minutes More
12. The Shadow Of Your Smile

Album Description

Issued in April 1966, What Now My Love held the #1 spot for nine weeks, longer than any other Tijuana Brass album, and the title track garnered two Grammy Awards.

Each album in the Herb Alpert Signature Series features meticulously remastered sound, deluxe packaging, detailed liner notes, and an intro by Herb Alpert containing personal recollections and anecdotes.

Customer Reviews:

Marimba/Brass/Mariachi/Jazz, and Rock--the sweetest sounds this side of the Rio Grande !!!.......2007-04-10

Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass enjoyed great success in their heyday during the 1960s; and enthusiastic fans on both sides of the border invariably came to hear them perform. This CD tells us why. Their sounds are smooth as silk, rich as Rockefeller and as sophisticated any Rhodes Scholar could ever be.

The CD starts with "What Now My Love;" for this number the horn carries the bulk of the melody as the arrangement makes great use of the percussion to enhance it's beauty. The guitar solo in the middle of this track shines like gold! "Freckles" follows next; the guitars, horns and percussion all combine to produce a joyful musical number.

The guitars and horns work hard once again to make "Memories Of Madrid" work very well; and I liked that the tempo of "Memories Of Madrid" spins somewhat faster than the tempo for the first two tracks. Excellent!

Other gems on this CD include "It Was A Very Good Year;" this number uses the piano, guitars, horns and percussion to produce a lush and rather sensitive musical arrangement. "So What's New?" uses the ukulele and percussion to work wonders; the whistling and the tempo also make "So What's New?" a very joyful sounding tune. "Magic Trumpet" also stands out as the trumpets, whistle and percussion infuse this ballad with a marching tune flavor. The cries of joy from the performers as they do this number highlight the joyfulness of this marching band-style number.

"If I Were A Rich Man" demonstrates Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass' ability to blend together what would appear to be two completely different styles of music: the band successfully infuses a Jewish Broadway show tune with a Latin American flavor. The horn and guitar start out carrying most of the arrangement and when the percussion joins in you can really sense the happiness of this very special number. Excellent accomplishment!

The CD ends with the classic love song entitled "The Shadow Of Your Smile." The strings and percussion begin this melody; and when the horn joins in it only serves to enhance the beauty of this number. In fact, the depth of the emotion associated with "The Shadow Of Your Smile" makes this ballad a strong and fitting ending for this album.

The liner notes include awesome photos. You also get a commentary by Herb Alpert; and Josh Kun contributes an informative essay as well.

Fans of Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass will not be disappointed with this great CD. I also recommend this CD for people who enjoy easy listening music from the 1960s.

Herb Alpert & The TJB, What Now My Love.......2007-03-04

This is the album that sold 6,000,000 copies. Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass was number one. They had 5 albums in the top forty, and out sold the Beatles for 1966.
This is a beautiful album. It opens up with the hit What Now My Love. Freckles, a happy swinger, Memories of Madrid, a nice rolling tune, It Was A Very Good Year, the classic Sinatra piece, So What's New, John Pisano's popular original, and Plucky round out side one on the original record.
Side two opened up with Bert Kampferts, Magic Trumpet; a happy mexican march. The album then proceeds to Sol Lake's Catina Blue, Julius Wechter's Brasilia, If I Were A Rich Man, Five Minutes More, and the beautiful standard, The Shadow Of Your Smile.
Overall this is a great record. The first in a string of albums that really epitomized the TJB sound.

What now my love.......2006-07-23

The same goes foor this album by Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass. I'm also have the LP versions of the one mentioned above along with Whipped Cream and South of the Border; and a couple of jazz album by Herb like Rise, Fandango etc. These albums are relaxing and a good value for jazz lovers.
Eventually I will purchase the remaining CD by Herb Alpert.

Excellence in Easy Listening!.......2006-05-26

Herb Alpert and the TJB are a class act. Even more, they are timeless. Although their music tends to have a Latin theme, it cannot be qualifed that way. It is just great music to sit back and listen. This collection is no different.

I would not consider this one of their best albums but, when dealing largely in superlatives, lesser works are very good indeed. These are all very good. Don't look for great vocals; look for catchy tunes and superb musicianship. Look for fun.

Finally is on CD!!!!.......2005-10-12

I've been waiting a long time for this album to be on CD! The quality is great and the songs are beautiful, just as Herp Alpert always does. This CD brings me a lot of memories. Hope you like it.

Average customer rating: A nice choice for all Doobies fans! One of the bests from the 70's This is THE difinitive Doobies album! It is now a habit listening to this Doobie Magic

What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits The Doobie Brothers Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Pop | Styles | Music Soft Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Album-Oriented Rock (AOR) | Classic Rock | Styles | Music General | Classic Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Captain and Me Toulouse Street Stampede Takin' It to the Streets The Doobie Brothers ASIN: B000002KF4 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Song To See You Through
2. Spirit
3. Pursuit On 53rd St.
4. Black Water
5. Eyes Of Silver
6. Road Angel
7. You Just Can't Stop It
8. Tell Me What You Want (And I'll Give You What You Need)
9. Down In The Track
10. Another Park, Another Sunday
11. Daughters Of The Sea
12. Flying Cloud

Customer Reviews:

A nice choice for all Doobies fans!.......2007-06-08

Even when this DBs album didn't reach the peaks of popularity obtained wih "Toulouse Street" or "The Captain And Me" back in the 70s, the Doobies made a remarkable musical work in this album, in their characteristic 'Doobie-Wah' style.
Included are some very nice tunes like "Eyes OF Silver", "You Can't Stop It", a very nice romantic song titled "Tell Me What You Want (And I'll Give You What You Need)" (why this ever was selected as a major radio Hit?), and the wonderful, beautiful Superhit "Black Water", at no doubt one of the best Doobies' creatures!!!
Believe me, this CD is worth to be included in your collection even if you're not a serious Doobies fan!

One of the bests from the 70's.......2007-02-24

Besides The Captain And Me, this album represents the original Doobie sound before M. McDonald, featuring, in my opinion, more artistic and energetic sides of their sound. Every song is well-crafted with full of ideas. This is absolutely one of the best classic R&R archives from the 70's.

This is THE difinitive Doobies album!.......2007-01-31

When I first heard the music of The Doobie Brothers, it was from a greatest hits album. I knew that some groups are only good as far as their hits go (cough cough, Eagles, cough), so I was hesitant to get any of their albums. I went with Vices since I loved "Black Water" so much, and...woah! I was totally blown away! Every single track on this album is absolutely amazing, except perhaps "Pursuit on 53rd St." But really, the album has a bunch of rockin' songs, some smooth ballads, and some more mystical sounding songs in a perfect blend of 70's rock goodness. I have since purchased most of the Doobie Brothers' other albums, and while they are good, they still can't quite hold up to this masterpiece of sound. Get it now!

It is now a habit listening to this.......2007-01-14

This is the best of all the Doobie Brothers cds. Nice tracks one after the other.

Doobie Magic.......2006-12-02

What I find most appealing is the free spirited song building that goes on through each track. I sit here and imagine the guys sitting back and letting their accomplished guitar skills wind together with spacious vocal harmonies. And then they take the lid off the can-of-whoop---. If you have ever witnessed a jazz or folk jam session live, this album recreates that vision the minute you close your eyes. Back in the 90's, Washington Sq Park in NYC had an acoustic trio who belted out this sort of stuff... And to the other "disenfranchised" poster... keep in mind that pop culture has always been crafted by big corporations. Early DB's is not that kind of music.

Average customer rating: Hits of the Time Never Truly Die Vol. 2 "NOW" : Version 2.0 A review from a hole in the wall It was an ok cd

Now That's What I Call Music! 2 Various Artists Manufacturer: Now Hits Collections ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Teen Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Now, Vol. 1 Now That's What I Call Music! 3 Now That's What I Call Music! 4 Now That's What I Call Music! 5 Now That's What I Call Music! 6 ASIN: B00000JMYP Release Date: 1999-07-27

Tracks:

1. ...Baby One More Time - Britney Spears
2. You Get What You Give - New Radicals
3. Millennium - Robbie Williams
4. Closing Time - Semisonic
5. Sweetest Thing (The Single Mix) - U2
6. My Favorite Mistake - Sheryl Crow
7. Praise You (Radio Edit) - Fatboy Slim
8. I Think I'm Paranoid - Garbage
9. Never There - Cake
10. Because Of You - 98 Degrees
11. Goodbye (Single Version) - Spice Girls
12. Take Me There - Blackstreet/Mya
13. When A Woman's Fed Up (Clean Version) - R. Kelly
14. Father Of Mine - Everclear
15. What I Got (Clean Version) - Sublime
16. I'll Never Break Your Heart - Backstreet Boys
17. Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem) (Edit) - Jay-Z
18. Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen) (Edit) - Baz Luhrmann

Customer Reviews:

Hits of the Time Never Truly Die.......2007-03-23

I am sure everyone has at least one if not more compact discs in their car that if someone happed to stumble across you would say, wow that is so old I didn't even know I still have that cd, and pray they don't say anything me about it. More often that not this is your one pick me up disc, right? Well, I defiantly have a couple of these types that only one friend knows that I still listen to. These compact discs I am talking about for me are Now, Vol. 1 and Now, That's What I Call Music! 2.

The main reason I still listen to these compact discs when I have a bad day would be not really because of the words or the beat, but mostly because of what the songs remind me of. They are a familiar thing and you always remember the words no matter how hard you have tried to forget. I am one of those people that anything that I am familiar and comfortable with I will not get rid of because I don't really like changes much. These were all popular songs when I was in junior high and they remind me of those days. Also, when I am just cruising down the highway blasting the compact disc as loud as possible and belting out the words is comforting to me.

These compact discs may not be on everyone's must buy list but they are still good songs no matter how old they get. Every song on these two compact discs were played on the radio many times over. In many cases way too often but this did help in making sure everyone heard these songs. Also, the beats and words were easy enough to follow for the younger kids. With these being songs you would hear on the radio they would also be played anywhere that junior high aged kids would be hanging out like school dances and skating rinks.

I also feel that there is one really meaningful song on the second disc of this collection. This song has a very simple beat, but if you sit there and listen to the words it has a ton of meaning. This is the last song on the disc antilitter Everybody's Free by Baz Luhrmann. This is by far the song on these compact discs I listen to the most as a pick me up song. I don't even sing to this one, I just sit there and soak in the words. I think these compact discs are just all around enjoyable because can you honestly say if you were alone in your car or house and heard; "Barbie Girl", "...Baby One More Time" or songs by Spice Girls or Backstreet Boys you wouldn't sing along? I love to listen to these old hits and no matter how "uncool" the bands and songs seem to my peers listening to them just never completely die out of my mind.

Vol. 2.......2006-07-17

Okay, so we have the next in the long line of comp. disc's that followed the orininal 'Now!' This album, while still decent, falters a bit I feel. First off, I know that the target audience is kids from 8-14 or so, and teenage girls, but the choosing of songs like Jay-Z's 'Hard Knock Life' and R. Kellys 'When a Womans Fed Up' and then stripping it bare is kinda annoying. Not that I'm really a huge fan of either track, I just hate editing. They were better off to choose songs that didn't have to be cleaned up for the youngins and keep it that way rather than butcher music. Anyways, heres my opinion.

The appearance of Britney was of course nec. when summerizing the pop sensations of the late 90's. Of course the Backstreet BOys will make a repeat appearance because they were just that huge...but what shocked me was seeing Everclear again, not that I'm against it (I love the song despite it was so played out) but it just shocked me that the general 'Top 40' public wanted to hear more from these guys.

This album also included some new acts like 'New Radicals' and Robbie Williams, who is actually one of the greatest things to come out of the UK...ever. Semisonic give us the wreched 'Closing Time' and the Spice Girls say 'Goodbye' to everyone...boohoohoo...There is some hope though. Sheryl Crow delivers another great song, as does U2 with 'Sweetest Thing'. Garbage (awesome band) give us one of my favorite tracks of 'Version 2.0' and Cake delivers one of the best songs of the entire year with 'Never There' (I have this really funny story that goes along with this track...another place another time)...Sublime is also a highlight. Love them, wish it weren't edited, but I still love them! Hate 'Praise You' but love 'Take me There' and while it's not really a song you can't go wrong with Baz Luhrmann.

All in all it's decent...not as consistant as Vol. 1 but still delivering a nice glimpse of my past...and everybody elses!

"NOW" : Version 2.0.......2005-04-14

If "NOW 1" was an experiment that happened to succeed; "NOW 2" displays the results. The album gives brings back all the qualities that made the 1st one work, and refines them. There are a couple of tracks that don't work, but they can be ignored when compared to the number of good songs we get. Wheras the the 1st album was all safe pop/rock with some R&B; this one has some harder rock (Garbage, Sublime), alternative sounds (Fatboy Slim, Cake), even some rap (Jay-Z) and spoken word (Baz Luhrmann). The diversitry is essentail, as that is what truly makes it sound like Top 40 radio. All the sounds mend well for a solid cimpilaton:
(1) Britney Spears "...Baby One More Time" C-. The song is very catchy with a sexual tone in it's slick production, yet there's really nothing left beneath the sugar. Sounds great at first; then we realize how little the song really. Still, it was a VERY big hit, so I guess it deserves a place on the album.
(2) New Radicals "You Get What You Give" A. In response to the fast, flash of Britney; here is a relaxed, low key tune that's really about something. Lead singer, Gregg Alexander has a cool tone to his voice that is perfect for delivering his intelligent lyrics. Though the song clocks in at near 5 minutes; it is always able to keep attention throughout.
(3) Robbie Williams "Millennium" A-. Of couse it was shamelessly released to take advantage of the Y2K craze, but it's still a really good single. Robbie is definetly a great male vocalist and his material is equal to his voice. The lyrics really do sum up the insane feelings and fears of the time. It's a shame Americans have never caught on to Robbie.
(4) Semisonic "Closing Time" B. Semisonic was praised to be a great post-grunge band, but they never lived up to it. The 1st single of their sophmore LP isn't bad at all; it's just on the safe side. There's nothing wrong with the craft of delivery, but think about what it could have been if it was more daring.
(5) U2 "The Sweetest Thing" (The Single Mix) B+. Originally a B-side from "The Joshua Tree" (1987), this is a pretty good mix of a U2 classic. Although it's not one of their VERY BEST works; it still does a nice job of conveying the talent U2 brought to the 1980s. A minor, if highly satisfing offer from one of the greatest groups ever.
(6) Sheryl Crow "My Favorite Mistake" A. Simply put; this is Sheryl Crow at her best. Striking, heartfelt lyrics combined with her near flawless guitar chords make for an excellent pop/rock track with real heart. One of 1998's best and possible a personal best from her 11 year career.
(7) Fatboy Slim "Praise You" A. Another brilliant offering from Fatboy Slim: an artist who always does things HIS way. Light on substance and lyrics, yet there is so much to praise for the skill and energy which he infuses into the song. This is the perfect example of why he was the front runner of the "Big Beat Movement".
(8) Garbage "I Think I'm Paranoid" A. Perfect, cutting edge rock from a great female group. The song has some meaning, but the most notable parts are the group's electrified beats which are flowing with energy. It's a catchy, distinct sound that we've never heard before, and that is a relief when you consider today's rock music.
(9) Cake "Never There" B-. Very toned down and subdued compared to the last two tracks. Cake seems like an old fashioned group, yet there is something unmistakenly modern about them. This song has many charms, including the content and horn arrangments, but something seems to be holding it back. You wait for everything to just "pop" into something really grand, yet it never does.
(10) 98 Degrees "Because Of You" A-. While "Invisible Man" was good; this was the single that elevated 98 Degrees among the rest in their genre. It is presented as a pop song, yet the slick R&B current runs beneath it all. As male groups go, few can harmnonize like these guys can; and the essential to gracefully deliver these beautiful lyrics. It'a a small treasure.
(11) Spice Girls "Goodbye" A. Yes, that is an "A" next to a song by the Spice Girls. After all the worthless, mindless dance-pop they bombarded us with; they pull together to create a powerful, touching friendship ballad that really gets under the skin. How ironic is it, that their last song released released in the U.S. would turn out to be a masterpiece?
(12) Blackstreet and Mya feat. Ma$e and Blinky Blink "Take Me There" D. What were all these talented artists thinking? Signing up to do a theme song for "Rugrats" is not a smart career move. Everything about this song diminishes the crdibiliity of the artists involved. As a vehicle for the talents of Blackstreet, Mya and Ma$e; this is a deadly miscalculation. A real disaster from otherwise sane producer Teddy Riley.
(13) R. Kelly "When A Womnan's Fed Up" A. Now this is what music SHOULD be. Powerful and deep; this is a perfect single to display R. Kelly's vast talents. Everything falls perfectly into place, and carries alot of atmosphere and dimension. The writing and beats are so crisp and touching that we can't help but get caught up in this heartbreaking tale.
(14) Everclear "Father Of Mine" B+. The usual quality that expect from that wondeful, underrated group known as Everclear. As always, Art Alexakis' powerful lyrics and voice create a rich, vivid single that is flowing with the group's style. Serves as a good companion to Simple Plan's "Perfect" (2004).
(15) Sublime "What I Got" C. There's some skill in this rock tune, but it's just not very satisfying in the end. It's too short and breif to really go anywhere and we crave more. The group, although higly overrated, does have some talent; yet the don't let it shine to it's full potential here.
(16) Backstreet Boys "I'll Never Break Your Heart" B+. An early showcase for the boys' mastery of the pop ballad. The wrioting seems outdated, yet their smooth voices and charisma elevate it to heartfelt and beautiful. They get panned as "teen pop", but this exceeds that classification in almost every way.
(17) Jay-Z "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)" B+. One of the few rap songs on the earlier "NOW"s; this is a strange mix from Jay-Z. His lyrics a rhyming is as tight as ever, but the chorus borrowed from "Annie" is a little jolting at times. Thankfully it isn't used too much, a mixes fairly well at times. In the enmd this is a solid rap track from a great rapper.
(18) Baz Luhrmann "Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)" A-. This is definetly the most unique song ever put on ANY "NOW". The entire song is spoken word over 5 minutes long. Yet the words have deep sense of poetry to them, and are highly effective because of their relevance. If nothing else this is original to every word.
Bottom Line: ***. A solid collection of Top 40 hits from Late 1998 and early 1999. A good amount of variety and quality helps the album flow very well throughout it's entire running time. It also serves as proof that "NOW" figured out the secret to making a good compilation from the begining. Something that many imitators can't seem to accomplish

A review from a hole in the wall.......2004-11-26

Hmm...It's been almost six years since this release. I still haven't reviewed it! I know, I can't believe I forgot.

Ok.

1. Britney Spears, Baby One More Time: B- I used to hate this song, now I like it because Britney Spears sucks really bad now.

2. New Radicals, You Get What You Give: B Good song. Nothing special, but a good listen.

3. Robbie Williams, Millenium: D- Sorry, I thought it sounded like Justin Timberlake smoking p0t.

4. Semisonic, Closing Time: A One of my favs. Too bad Semisonic was a one-hit wonder.

5. U2, The Sweetest Thing: C- Worst U2 song to date. Slow, stupid, and boring.

6. Sheryl Crow, My Favorite Mistake: B- Not the best from Sheryl Crow, but, I guess it's decent.

7. Fatboy Slim, Praise You: B+ Not the best from Fatoby Slim either. It's still pretty good.

8. Garbage, I Think I'm Paranoid: C+ Pop-Metal? Don't think so.

9. Cake, Never There: B+ Pretty good, but why is it so short?

10. 98, Because Of You: D+ Worst 98 song yet.

11. Spice Girls, Goodbye: F The worst song on the CD. The Spice Girls can do much better!

12. Mya & Blackstreet, Take Me There: F Rugrats? Right...next track

13. R. Kelly, When A Woman's Fed Up: C- This song has absolutely no point! Who cares?

14. Everclear, Father Of Mine: A Woo...a breath of fresh air from the crap on the last 4 tracks. This is a great AC song!

15. Sublime, What I Got: A Once again, this is a great song, that is really short.

16. Backstreet Boys, I'll Never Break Your Heart: C- Meaningful lyrics with horrible singers.

17. Jay-Z, Hard Knock Life: B+ This was a great rap song, but Now could have done a bit better with editing.

18. Baz Luhrman, Everybody's Free To Wear Sunscreen: F I've changed my mind, this is the worst song on this CD. Wait, it can't be because it's not a song!

CD. Various Artists, Now 2 Overall Grade: C+

Truly not the best now, but I've seen much worse with Now 12 and 17.

It was an ok cd.......2004-04-24

1. Britney Spears, Baby One More Time: I like this song. I don't care what people think of her this is one of her best hits. A+

2. New Radicals, You Get What You Give: It was an alright song I have no complaints. B

3. Robbie Williams, Millenium: I really didn't care for the song but I can see where some like it alot. C

4. Semisonic, Closing Time: I loved this song in high school and I still love it today. A

5. U2, The Sweetest Thing: It was a good song by U2 I bought the cd this was released on. B

6. Sheryl Crow, My Favorite Mistake: I was not impressed with this song. I always skip it. D

7. Fatboy Slim, Praise You: I am not a fan of Fatboy Slim and like the previous song this one gets skipped too. F

8. Garbage, I Think I'm Paranoid: It was alright but they overplayed it. C-

9. Cake, Never There: This song was great and I still like it. B

10. 98, Because Of You: It was ok my girlfriend at the time always listened to it but it got on my nerves. D+

11. Spice Girls, Goodbye: I like this song cause it reminds me of when I left for basic training. A

12. Mya & Blackstreet, Take Me There: They needed to leave the Rugrats music off of here. I thought this was a Rugrats promotional disaster. F

13. R. Kelly, When A Woman's Fed Up: It is a good song and I liked the meaning of it. B

14. Everclear, Father Of Mine: This is a good song and I still listen to it all the time. One of the best on the cd. A

15. Sublime, What I Got: The one Sublime song I actually like and I would give it an A but since it is edited... B

16. Backstreet Boys, I'll Never Break Your Heart: The song always reminds me of my senior prom. It does bring back bring good memories. A

17. Jay-Z, Hard Knock Life: Yeah it is a ripoff of Annie combined with rap but it is a good song none-the-less. B

18. Baz Luhrman, Everybody's Free To Wear Sunscreen: I am from the class of 1999 and this song repulses me. Baz needs to stick to directing not singing and this was a bad choice to end the cd. F

Average customer rating: Now 4 Vol. 4 Item never received "NOW 4"; Not 4 Everyone Now thats music 4

Now That's What I Call Music! 4 Backstreet Boys , Britney Spears , Mandy Moore , Jennifer Lopez , and Aaliyah Manufacturer: Utv Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Dance Pop | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music Teen Pop | Pop | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music Contemporary R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music Similar Items: Now That's What I Call Music! 3 Now That's What I Call Music! 5 Now That's What I Call Music! 2 Now That's What I Call Music! 6 Now, Vol. 1 ASIN: B00004UAL5 Release Date: 2000-07-18

Tracks:

1. Larger Than Life - Backstreet Boys
2. (You Drive Me) Crazy - Britney Spears
3. I Need To Know - Marc Anthony
4. Candy - Mandy Moore
5. Blue (Da Ba Dee) - Eiffel 65
6. It Feels So Good - Sonique
7. I Belong To You - Lenny Kravitz
8. I Knew I Loved You - Savage Garden
9. I Wanna Know - Joe
10. Try Again - Aaliyah
11. Wating for Tonight - Jennifer Lopez
12. Get It On Tonight - Montell Jordan
13. Steal My Kisses - Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals
14. Then The Morning Comes - Smash Mouth
15. Meet Virginia - Train
16. I Try - Macy Gray
17. This Time Around - Hanson
18. All the Small Things - blink-182

Amazon.com

The fourth in the series of Top 40-tracking compilations strikes a good balance between pop radio played-to-death singles, R&B standouts, and straight-up rock chart stormers. The beginning of the disc is packed with requisite teen pop; however, the Britney Spears offering "(You Drive Me) Crazy" will probably disappoint those who were hoping for the more recent "Oops!... I Did It Again"). This disc, where the Italian group Eiffel 65's dance-pop smash "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" lives in the same space as Blink 182's "All the Small Things," Ben Harper's "Steal My Kisses," and Macy Gray's "I Try," is like channel surfing during drive-time radio hours and scoring with every hit of the "seek" button. --Beth Massa

Customer Reviews:

Now 4.......2007-02-15

Backstreet Boys - Larger Than Life: This was a great song to dance too at the club when it came out. A

Britney Spears - (You Drive Me) Crazy: This is my favorite Britney song of all time. Not only is the beat great but it makes me want to sing along. A+

Marc Anthony - I Need To Know: No I don't need to know and this song is just awful I always skip it when I listen to this cd. F-

Mandy Moore - Candy: Great song and great singer. I always did like Mandy Moore's music. A

Eiffel 65 - Blue: This song was awesome; that is all I can say. I loved the song and the music video. This is one of the best songs on the cd. A+

Sonique - It Feels So Good: It depends on my mood with this song. I like the singer but this song was overplayed. C

Lenny Kravitz - I Belong To You: This wasn't one of Lenny's best songs and this song was 2 years old at the time this was released but it is catchy none-the-less. B

Savage Garden - I Knew I Loved You: I liked this song; I danced to it at my wedding reception. It is very romantic. B+

Joe - I Wanna Know: Like the previous song, this is another romantic song that brings back memories. A-

Aaliyah - Try Again: I miss Aaliyah; this was a woman who could sing and the songs were meaningful. I loved this song and I do refer to it from time to time when I am talking with friends. A+

Jennifer Lopez - Waiting For Tonight: This was a good hit for Jennifer. I have to admit the music video was better. B

Montell Jordan - Get It On Tonite: Please don't get it on tonite, this was the second song I didn't like on this cd. Even the music sounded bad. F

Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals - Steal My Kisses: An average song, have no complaints. C

Smash Mouth - Then The Morning Comes: This was another great hit off of their cd. It is catchy and plain addictive. A+

Train - Meet Virginia: I am not a big fan of Train but I did like this song. I liked it the first time I heard it. A-

Macy Gray - I Try: This is the one of two songs I liked by Macy Gray. It is a shame she went downhill after this cd but I still like this song. A

Hanson - This Time Around: I have no comment on this song. Hanson should have given up with the cd previous to this. They don't deserve an F they deserve a Z-

blink-182 - All The Small Things: This was a great song. The beat and the way it went was good enough to buy the cd. A

Vol. 4.......2006-07-18

A step up indeed was Vol. 4 in the Now! series, for with this contribution we recieve almost an entire album of quality songs with very few 'skipable' tracks. Sadly, the first track is 'skipable'. The Backstreet Boys offered some very decent tracks on their sophmore album, but the single 'Larger than Life' was not one of them. It's regurgitating pop/shlop at it's worst and should be avoided at all costs. And to think they had so many good tracks on that one CD alone. Britney serves up a great pop song with Crazy, although the 'Stop' remix for the film was better. Marc Anthony has never been my favortie latin artist, but I have always loved 'I Need to Know' so despite my distaste for Anthony himself, I don't skip this track.

Superstar Mandy Moore, who at this day and age is better known for her acting than her singing, serves up her debut single 'Candy' here and shows us that pretty face aside this girl can sing too. Out of all the pop queen diva's, next to Christina of course, Mandy has the purist voice, deffinatly surpassing Britney and that 'shoot myself if I ever have to hear her sing another song' Jessica Simpson.

There are some questionmarks here and they come in the form of Eiffel 65 and Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals, both of which turn out tracks here that are less than impressive. I never was a far on 'Blue' and until this disc had never heard of 'Steal KIsses' but neither track makes me want to listen. I label these 'Skipable'...

I actually like 'It Feels So Good' mostly becasue it's not average and while it takes a little getitng used to it's still worth the listen. Finally a Lenny Kravitz song I like!!! 'I Belong to You' is a great song and it really showcases Kravitz talent, talent I wasn't privy to until this song. Savage Garden was big with a lot of my girlfriends at the time (both platonic and romantic) and 'I Knew I Loved You' was truly one of the best...plus I have a special place in my heart for that track (some naughty things happened while that track was pumpin').

Some strong tracks by the late Aaliyah (RIP) and a killer track by Montel (love this guy) help round out this album, making it more about the music than any particular genre. And yes J. Lo delivers with 'Waiting for Tonight' which is one of the best dance songs out there, and while some hated it I absolutly loved Trains 'Meet Virginia' for it was our first chance to meet Trian and they are truly one great band. Even Macy is forgivable here for she adds something to this album that no other artist could have...and that's an air of toleration. Notice I didn't list her with the 'sucky' songs for even though I'm not a huge fan of her or 'I Try' I've always respected her talent for what it was even if I just didn't quite get it.

Blink closes us out with yet another great song, though a bit overplayed...but it's Blink and you have to love them. Great collection of the best the year had to offer. Yes some were missed, some great and some not so, but what was shared was still memerable and well worth the storage space.

Item never received.......2006-03-09

This cd was never received by the person I sent it to, Neil Lilliedoll at 24439 Fairway Dr., Davis, CA 95616. I did pay the VISA bill before I realized this. I didn't know how to complain to Amazon because I didn't have my order number. I just looked it up & it was sent so I don't know what happened to it. B. Peck

"NOW 4"; Not 4 Everyone.......2005-04-08

I feel that the "Now That's What I Call Music!" series is one of the best things to happen to the music industry in quite some time. Especially in our age of illegal downloading; it provides a legal method to obtain great single without bankrupting your wallet. Ussually, the albums are well worth the purchase because they are solid collections of quality singles. That is not the case with "NOW 4"; one that is too much of a mixed bag. For every really good song, there is one that ranges from bad to average. Unfortunetly, the two types are scattered throughout (so we can't skip an entire section). The mixed bag of tracks:
(1) Backstreet Boys "Larger Than Life" A+. Commonly known for their ballads, the boys deliver a perfect dance number here. Everything is pumped up to create an energized, stormin' pop/rock track flowing with solid beats. You can't help getting caught up in the energy and excitment this gererates. One of 1999's best singles.
(2) Britney Spears "(You Drive Me) Crazy" C+. Fun beat and production, yet very shallow in the end. Sticks to memory afterwards, but after examination we realizie that the song is about nothing. Though it isn't terrible; there are many more songs out there which are more worthy of our time.
(3) Marc Anthony "I Need To Know" A. Simple content that is filled with so much energy, zest and excitment to make it work on all levels. Anthony shows himself to be a very versatile vocalist, and a person who can flow perfectly with his beats. The song is wisely on the short side, any longer could have ruined it. This is a true treasure of 1999.
(4) Mandy Moore "Candy" B+. The material doesn't have much in terms of depth, but Mandy brings enough flair and style to make it work. Her voice is effective as it gives a certain conviction and urgency to the lyrics. Not a brilliant "teen pop" song; just a very entertaining one.
(5) Eiffel 65 "Blue (Da Ba Dee)" B-. This song is very dificult to review. As intriuging as I find the lyrics and get mesmerized by the beat; I still wish the song would pull together and complete what it ventures into. Although it isn't a complete success; it is never boring.
(6) Sonique "It Feels So Good" D+. She sounds extremley high pitched, and the voice is so odd and strange, that the song is irreversably crippled by it. If there is any substance to the song; it becomes lost a muddled through out. This is an example of a dance song failing.
(7) Lenny Kravitz "I Belong To You" B+. It is rather refreshing to hear Lenny shed the massive beats, because that gives him the opprotunity to showcase his vocals. He sings this track with utter conviction and heart throughout. That gives the song a certain depth and emotion.
(8) Savage Garden "I Knew I Loved You" C. A well made song that just plays it safe, and never does anything new or exciting. The vocals are decent (beats are almost none-existent), but there is no real depth in them. In the end, the song lacks the impact that could have had from a better group (i.e. 98 Degrees, Backstreet Boys)
(9) Joe "I Wanna Know" B+. In contrast to many songs; this is a retro R&B track which works. The material is as old as time, yet Joe's classy, polished voice make it sound convincing and touching at all times. As they say: a very good singer can make an old song sound new; and that's what he does here.
(10) Aaliyah "Try Again" A-. There's a really nice undercut of hip-hop here, which gives the song alot of it's edge. Aaliyah's voice adds conviction to make the lyrics sound passionate, and add some depth to them. Proof that not all R&B has to be sad; you get completely wrapped up in Timbaland's production.
(11) Jennifer Lopez "Waiting For Tonight" B. Well made, but it doesn't fully display J. Lo's talents. It's catchy, fun and light, yet we know that the song could have been more than that. "On The 6" was her debut LP, and it seems average compared to her later albums, particularly "J. Lo".
(12) Montell Jordan "Get It On Tonite" C. His 1995 single, "This Is How We Do It" is a memorable R&B classic. Shame that the qualities that made that work (the slick vocals and beat) are all-together lacking here. What's left is a standard R&B tune with no life to it. A real step back for Montell Jordan.
(13) Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals "Steal My Kisses" D. Their ungainly mix of R&B, funk and folk is a total failure. The beat has no impact, the lyrics have no substance and there is no impact or meaning at all. Strange that "NOW" would use such an odd mess.
(14) Smash Mouth "Then The Morning Comes" B-. The begining is so brilliant, original and different; I wish the song kept up that pace. It's not in the same league as "All Star", but still remains a solid pop/rock single. You can't help listening to the opening over and over.
(15) Train "Meet Virginia" C-. I really liked "Drops Of Jupiter" and "Calling All Angels"; those were rock tracks filled with emotion and power. I don't see any purpose to this song; the emotion isn't there and it's very uninvolving. I guess Train just had to find their skills.
(16) Macy Gray "I Try" B-. This is a beautifully written song with heartfelt lyrics, made unsuccessful by one factor: Macy's voice. Her voice is very weak and not very appealing, thus she detracts from the impact of her work. This song would be much better if someone else sung it.
(17) Hanson "This Time Around" D. It's not as irrating as "MMMBop" (few songs are), but there is nothing good about it either. All that the song does is cement the fact that Hanson was a talentless group. A very disposable song.
(18) blink-182 "All The Small Things" A-. A very good song that delivers everything we expect from blink-182. In fact, it even has more dimension and relevance than most of their music. It's short, but that helps create a nice, little breeze of a rock single. A good ending to a so-so album.
Bottom Line: **1/2. A real step backwards after the great heights that "NOW 3" was able to reach. I liked some of the songs, but I really could have done without a handful of them. Limp Bizkit's "Break Stuff", 98 Degrees' "I Do (Cherish You)", Q-Tip's "Vivrant Thing", Brian McKnight's "Stay Or Let It Go", Destiny's Child's "Say My Name" and Big Pun's "It's So Hard" all would have been better selection. I can not tell you to rush out and buy this, but put it on your wish list or hope for it as a gift.

Now thats music 4.......2005-04-07

This is one of the best ones in my mind. Of course this is when I was interested in this music but any way here are the reviews.

1.Backstreetboys-Larger then Life this one was big 10/10
2.You Drive me Crazy-Brittany Spears when she was young 8/10
3.Marc Anthony-I need to know he was a good singer 9/10
4.Mandy Moore-Candy at the time I did not like her much8/10
5.Blue Da Be Dee-Eifel 65 a huge Dance smash from 99 10/10
6.Sonique-Feels good I liked this dance number to 9/10
7.Lenny Kravitz-I Belong to you I think I liked it 9/10
8.Savage Garden-I Knew I loved you this one was big hit10/10
9.Joe-I wanna know was one of 2000 Biggest singles 10/10
10.Aaliyah-I Try was one of my Favorites at the time 10/10
11.Jennifer Lopez-Waiting for Tonight off her 1st album10/10
12.Montell Jordan-Get it on Tonight I liked it then 8/10
13.Ben Harper-Steal my Kisses don't know about this one 5/10
14.Smash Mouth-Then the mourning comes just plain fun 10/10
15.Train-Meet Virginia obviously there best song 9/10
16.Macy Gray-I Try I can handle one song of her I guess 7/10
17.Hanson-This time Around this one was okay no Mmm Bop 8/10
18.Blink 182-All the Small Things I liked this one alot 9/10
That is like a 158 out of 180 are about a 89%

Average customer rating: This Is Just Really Great Music Almost Perfect Vol. 19 Now 19 Contains some of the best songs of 2005!

Now That's What I Call Music! 19 Various Artists Manufacturer: Now Hits Collections ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rap | Rap & Hip-Hop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Now, Vol. 20 Now That's What I Call Music! 18 Now, Vol. 21 Now That's What I Call Music! 17 Now That's What I Call Music! 16 ASIN: B0009VNC5K Release Date: 2005-07-19

Tracks:

1. Hollaback Girl - Gwen Stefani
2. Switch - Will Smith
3. 1 Thing - Amerie
4. Oh - Ciara with Ludacris
5. Slow Down - Bobby Valentino
6. Mockingbird - Eminem
7. Girlfight - Brooke Valentine with Big Boi & Lil Jon
8. Girl - Destiny's Child
9. La Tortura - Shakira
10. Baby I'm Back - Baby Bash with Akon
11. How To Deal - Frankie J.
12. Ordinary People - John Legend
13. Breathe - Anna Nalick
14. Making Memories Of Us - Keith Urban
15. Incomplete - Backstreet Boys
16. Let Me Go - 3 Doors Down
17. Be My Escape - Relient K
18. Mr. Brightside - The Killers
19. Speed Of Sound - Coldplay
20. Feel Good Inc. - Gorillaz

Customer Reviews:

This Is Just Really Great Music.......2007-03-30

This CD is probably one of the best of the NOW series because it features some really good songs. Here's a track-by-track review:

1. Gwen Stefani-Hollaback Girl: This is an okay hook, but that "bananas"
part is weird and the bleeping gets annoying. It was overplayed. B-

2. Will Smith-Switch: Nice to see Will make a comeback and this is the
perfect comeback single, with a terrific hook. A-

3. Amerie-1 Thing: The beat is the only thing that saves this otherwise
lackluster Amerie tune. C+

4. Ciara feat. Ludacris-Oh: This was overplayed, but Luda is awesome and
the hook is better than the one on "Goodies". B

5. Bobby Valentino-Slow Down: I'm not much for ballads, but this is an
okay song, pretty average at best. C

6. Eminem-Mockingbird: I like Eminem's slower songs and this is pretty good. The lyrics are very touching. A

7. Brooke Valentine-Girlfight: This was overplayed, but it has a good hook. Lil Jon is annoying, though. B

8. Destiny's Child-Girl: This is better than "Cater 2 U", but not
"Soldier". It's an okay song(for Destiny's Child). C

9. Shakira-La Tortura: Shakira's voice bothers me, but the beat is okay,
I guess. A little simplistic. So-so. B-

10. Baby Bash feat. Akon-Baby I'm Back: Some of this guy's other material
is alright, but this is just a smug, stupid song. C-

11. Frankie J-How To Deal: I don't like ballads and I hate this. F

12. John Legend-Ordinary People: This is an okay song, since it has
meaningful lyrics and the piano is good. B+

13. Anna Nalick-Breathe(2 AM): This is an okay song. That's all I can really say about it. B-

14. Keith Urban-Making Memories Of Us: I hate wuss country. F

15. Backstreet Boys-Incomplete: The beginning hinted at something better, but this just evolved into a sapfest. D

16. 3 Doors Down-Let Me Go: This is an okay rock song. A little whiney, but what 3 Doors Down song isn't? A-

17. Relient K-Be My Escape: A little bad, but I'll still give it a decent
rating. B

18. The Killers-Mr. Brightside: I really like this song a lot. It has a good new wave beat. A

19. Coldplay-Speed Of Sound: Okay, this was overplayed, but I still like it a lot because it's a good Coldplay song. A+

20. Gorillaz-Feel Good Inc.: Another of my favourites. This song is just plain addictive. A+

Overall, this is one of the better NOW entries and if you're going to invest your money into just one of these CDs, I would choose this.

Almost Perfect.......2006-12-26

Well, I thought that this CD is going to be perfect for my cousin with a CD player for christmas. Everything about it was perfect but one thing. After she opened it we thought we should test it to see if the CD player worked. The CD player did work but while we where listining to it I noticed that this is a kids CD and it was a little bad for children because it was unapproriate for childeren. I think it sould be for an older age. But it is still a great CD!

Vol. 19.......2006-07-19

Backstreet returns and no one cares, that's probably due to the fact that 'Incomplete' is kinda crappy. Pop music has evolved boys, so you can't put out a track that sounds like it was ripped from your debut b-sides! Anyways, that said there are some other tracks here to beware of. When I first heard 'How To Deal' by Frankie J. I really liked it and then I realized it was because I recognized the beat...it's the same beat to 'Burn' by Usher and I was like, what a loser...He has to steel the beats from a popular song that was JUST released! Anyways, 'Hollaback Girl' is just stupid, and yes it's edited anyways so don't bother. Not a fan of 'Switch', Will should stick to acting, he's good at that.

Highlights include Brooke Valentine's 'Girlfight' which takes the crown for best track here...love it and can't ever get enough of it. As with Amerie's '1 Thing' which is also a great track, probably her best. Dig Ciara's 'Oh' but could live without Eminem's 'Mockingbird'...he's lost a lot since '8 Mile'.

Destiny's Child suffer, or cause us to suffer, but Shakira shows us how it's done and gives us a great song here. Akon saves Baby Bash from serving up another crappy song, and yes, other than Akons vocals this song is crappy, but I like his voice so I'll listen to it. John Legend does brilliantly yet again with 'Ordinary People'. The piano is beautiful and the lyrics are so heartfelt and original...I love it.

I really like Anna Nalick's 'Breathe'...it's soft and calm and different so that's welcome. The Killers and Coldplay deliver good songs, Coldplay's isn't perfect but it's good. Gorillaz also deliver here, 'Feel Good Inc.' is a great song and serves as a perfect closing track for the album. All in all it's good, falters a bit but still a decent offering and a nice addition to your growing CD collection.

Now 19.......2006-03-16

This cd is cool, but I hate how they changed the first song like that.

Contains some of the best songs of 2005!.......2006-02-03

Most NOW compilations are hit and miss affairs (more often miss than hit), but NOW 19 has the distinction of having four of the best songs of 2005, regardless of your taste in music. Obviously, "Hollaback Girl" was unavoidable in 2005, and it had the added benefit of teaching everyone how to spell "Bananas." The second song of note was "1 Thing" by Amerie. Rich Harrison sampled the most amazing drum break of the year from The Meters and it elevated this song above so much other R&B. John Legend's "Ordinary People" was excellent in its simple piano and real life lyrics about relationships. And finally, the song of the year, whether you're tired of it or not, had to be "Feel Good, Inc." by the Gorillaz. It combined so many different elements into absolute musical perfection. These four songs, plus a few good others, make NOW 19 an essential purchase for anyone trying to feel the pulse of music in 2005.

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5. A Love Supreme
6. A Night at Birdland, Vol. 2 [Live] [Original recording remastered]
7. A Tribute to Jack Johnson [Original recording remastered]
8. Back at the Chicken Shack
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10. Ballads: Dexter Gordon

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