NOW That’s What I Call Music! Often referred to as NOW series, dates back to 1983 when the first compilation series started in the UK. Since then, it is one of the most sought after and most awaited compilation albums to come around. The series was also introduced in the United States in 1998, and expanding into Asia in 1995.

The latest collection has songs that you have probably been listening to for months already, but its inclusion here is worthwhile. This whole album consisting of 18 tracks, would be a must have for any party. If you have downloaded this music from any of the websites, which is nowadays an easy thing to do, you can still pick this set as it has the most popular songs that are currently played and have hit the top spot on the charts.

This one does not disappoint when you have the likes of teen pop stars like Justin Bieber with his massive hit Sorry, to lover boy Shawn Mendes’ lovely lyrics in Treat you Better, to Ariana Grande with Into You and the bootylicious Selena Gomez with Kill Em with Kindness. The cool whistle in the Gomez’ song is so neat you just cannot help joining. We move to the EDM bit that everyone loves with Mike Posner sharing space on this disc with the pulsating I Took a Pill in Ibiza spinning and giving you head full of music to kick start the EDM party. If you programme the CD, set the next track to DJ Snake, who takes on the reins from Posner for Middle, another master blaster that begins on a slow note, but progresses onto a great beat. Perfect Strangers a pop based piece from English DJ Jonas Blue (Feat JP Cooper) is a punchy piece that has a good set of vocals. The album ends with Tiesto’s Summer Nights (Feat John Legend).

The series is known to have the best selected chart hits without discriminating between genres. The latter half of the disc boasts of songs that seem to be present more for the names of the artists than the popularity of the songs. By this we would put the mushy Something in the way you move (Ellie Goulding), My Old Man (Outlandish), Rise (Katy Perry) and the very cheeky Here (Alessia Cara). You also have a bit of hip hop with Desiigner coming in a funky Panda that has some good moments. Other favorites here are Cake by the Ocean (DNCE) and the swinging electro pop styled Cool Girl (Tove Lo).

If you are not the kind to download any of the hits here on your phone or laptop, then go right out and buy this collection of songs that has regular airplay on both radio and TV. You would love it, even though there are a few that don’t make the cut.

Rating: ****

n  Reviewed by Verus Ferreira