Now, Vol. 29

Performer: Various Artists
Artist: Akon; T-Pain; Souljah Boy; Kanye West; Casha
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Released in late 2008, this installment in the venerable NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL MUSIC! leans heavily in the R&B/hip-hop direction, with hit singles by Rihanna (the club-ready "Disturbia"), Chris Brown (the synth-laden "Forever"), and T.I. (the swaggering "Whatever You Like"), among others. The collection does make room for a few rock tunes, however, most notably Boys Like Girls' emotive "Thunder" and Daughtry's soaring "What About Now." Vol. 29 of the ubiquitous Now! series is a musical snapshot of mid-2008, comprised of 20 singles that were released during the spring, summer, and early fall of that year. Songs by the likes of Katy Perry, Lil Wayne, and Leona Lewis certainly don't illustrate the American climate during 2008 -- the economic downturn, the whirlwind presidential election, etc. -- but they do capture the state of mainstream American radio, from the hard-edged sounds of Saving Abel to the family-friendly pop of Leona Lewis and Jordin Sparks. As with most Now! compilations, this album will lose its relevance as time progresses, rendering the bulk of these songs irrelevant. Tunes like Pink's "So What" and Rihanna's "Disturbia" feature more staying power than most, however, and they add weight to what is otherwise a light, harmless offering of pop, rock, and contemporary country hits. ~ Andrew Leahey

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