1. Survivor - Destiny's Child 2. All for You - Janet Jackson 3. Baby Come on Over - Samantha Mumba 4. In My Pocket - Mandy Moore 5. Play - Jennifer Lopez 6. The Call (Remix) - Backstreet Boys 7. Playas Gon' Play - 3LW 8. Ride Wit Me - Nelly 9. Danger - Mystikal 10. Fiesta - R. Kelly with Jay-Z 11. Let Me Blow Ya Mind - Eve with Gwen Stefani 12. What Would You Do - City High 13. Don't Let Me Be the Last - Britney Spears 14. This I Promise You - N'Sync 15. Never Had a Dream... - S Club 7 16. Hanging By a Moment - Life House 17. Jaded - Aerosmith 18. From My Head to My Heart - Evan & Jaron 19. Flavor of the Weak - American Hi-Fi
1.Survivor-ultimate girl-power song! This song is on repeat. Perfect song to dedicate to your ex. Also a perfect song to play if you've given up on something--this song gives you encouragement to try again. 5/5
2.All For You-gets annoying but still good. 3/5
3.Baby Come On Over-I prefer 'Don't Need You to Tell Me I'm Pretty' but this song will do. 3/5
4.In My Pocket-I love Mandy Moore and this song! Love the beat, love the lyrics, love everything. 5/5
5.Play-gets annoying but still good. 3/5
6.The Call-ugh! Love the BSB but they are not rap song people! 0/5
7.Playas' Gon' Play-this song may not make sense to some people but it makes sense to me. Just listen. 4/5
8.Ride Wit Me-too much censoring but good! 3/5
9.Danger-ugh! Not my type of music! 0/5
10.Fiesta-ugh! Again, not my type of music! 0/5
11.Let Me Blow Your Mind-ugh! Again, not my type of music! 0/5
12.What Would You Do-this song is on repeat! I don't like how it's censored though. No part should be censored. This song talks about serious issues which most songs these days don't. This song is awesome! It's sad; it's based on a true story! 5/5
13.Don't Let Me Be the Last to Know-I HATE BRITNEY SPEARS but surprisingly, I like this song! Girls can relate! 3/5
14.This I Promise You-OMG! My mom and I love this song! This song is so beautiful! 5/5
15.Never Had A Dream Come True-I love this song! I can relate to it. 5/5
16.Hanging By A Moment-Jason Wade says this song is about his parents divorce. This is a good song to play if you're depressed--it helps. Even if you're not depressed it rocks! 5/5
17.Jaded-I like this song. This song gets annoying after a while. 4/5
18.From My Head to My Heart-OMG! Evan and Jaron rock! I love this song! They kept making hit after hit! 5/5
19.Flavor of the Weak-awesome song! I only heard this song on the radio once but I love it! 5/5
Anyways, get this CD! IT ROCKS! Play it at a party and you'll be dancing all night!
Vol. 7 Submitted on: 2006-07-18
Now we're getting somewhere...As you may already know from my previous reviews of the 'Now!' series, I feel that it's a nice way to remember the yesteryears, but as we roll into 'Now! 7' we're getting a glimpse of the not so distant past, songs that we may still hear from time to time on the radio and such. Songs like 'Ride Wit Me' or 'Survivor', Mistikal's brilliant anthum 'Danger' (which I just heard on the radio last night), 'Let Me Blow Ya Mind' and Lifehouse's biggest hit 'Hanging by a Moment' are all heard on the radio to this day.
Laced though with not so common hits, 'Now! 7' still has something to offer to those who are looking for a blast from the past. Samantha Mumba (where is she now) delivers a song we can all remember tearing up the airwaves ('Baby Come on Over') and Mandy Moore gives us another great track with 'In my Pocket' which I don't remember as well as some of the other tracks here.
Never was a fan of Janet's 'All for You' or J. Lo's 'Play', heck, or even Destiny's Child's 'Survivor', but they all have their place in the memory of yesterday right. I actually like 'The Call' and this remix by The Neptunes is off the hook. There is some ballads that maybe should have been avoided, most notably Britney's 'Don't Let me be the Last to Know' and S Club 7's 'Never had a Dream Come True' which is just irritatingly cliche. I always liked N'Sync's 'This I Promise You' but even that may have been beter suited for another CD.
The real gem here though is City High's 'What Would You Do?' which is a song I almost forgot about. It was such a good song back in the day, and even now, listening to it for what feels like the first time I'm left with the same feeling. Great song, great sound and great message.
Yes, I agree that the constant editing of the songs is annoying...I just really with they'd pick songs that don't have to be edited, but I doubt they ever will. These rap songs (like the awful crap R. Kelly and Jay-Z delivered) is too popular with today's generation for them to get avoided when putting together these CD's. Oh well, it's something we all have to deal with to get what we want, if this is indeed what you want.
Buy this album... Submitted on: 2005-06-07
...if you want to add to the destruction of music as a valid art form.
#1 Way To Keep Cool Submitted on: 2005-03-03
The Summer of 2001 was hot, hazy and dry; it was near impossible to cool down. Thankfully, Sony/Universal/EMI/Zomba released "NOW 7", the #1 way to keep cool during the heat. 2001 was a great year for music from the start on January 1st, and this album does a perfect job of gathering up the best tracks from the first half of the year. The wonderful balance of pop, rock, R&B and rap creates a cool vibe which flows through out the album. The nineteen amazing tracks:
(1) Destiny's Child "Survivor" A-. It may have been overplayed, but it still remains a great modern R&B track. Most distinguishing is that the song is about joyfully moving on. Listener's respond to the song because it offers a positive attitude. It also helps that the beat is terribly addictive, and I'm sure that it's popularity was also helped by the fact that the TV show of the same name was popular at the time as well.
(2) Janet Jackson "All For You" A-. Shows what a dance song is supposed to be, and showcases some of Janet's best work. There isn't too much substance, yet the beat a production are so infectious that you get caught up in it. Janet's vioce sounds as smooth as ever, and adds a nice sexy undertone.
(3) Samantha Mumba "Baby, Come Over (This Is Our Night)" B. Her standard material is compenstated by the urgency in her voice. However she achives it, the song sounds very convincing and even carries some depth. Not a great pop song by any means, but a pretty fun one.
(4) Mandy Moore "In My Pocket" A. From the start we think that this will be your standard pop song, yet it blooms with so much dimension and hidden feelings. The mesmerizing beat engulfs the listener and the lyrics create some mysterious images. This is Mandy Moore at her best.
(5) Jennifer Lopez "Play" B+. Sheds the emotion of "I'm Real" and "Ain't It Funny"; leaving a playful dance single left. J. Lo doesn't settle for average material though, as this is a catchy, clever and original track about her wanting to hear her favorite dance song. Fiery beats make this impossible to resist.
(6) Backsteet Boys "The Call" (Neptunes Remix w/ Rap) A. While it may feel like a strange remix at first; the song does grow on you. Cheating has always been a common theme in music, but this enters a new area with it's modern edge. The lyrics create a true dilemma, while the Neptunes lace them with their quircky beats and rhymes.
(7) 3LW "Playas Gon' Play" B. 3LW doesn't break much new ground; as they don't seem to stand out from the pop crowd. Still, this contains a nice idea with some intelligent writing that rings true. Pop and hip-hop are easily mixed, but the mixture here doesn't pick up flair like it should.
(8) Nelly feat. City Spud "Ride Wit Me" A. A perfect showcase for why Nelly is the best new rapper pf the 2000s. Jason "Jay-E" Eppereson production catchy, bouncy and highy enjoyable. Strange how the song is both "gangsta" and "old school" at the same time. This is hands down a great rap song.
(9) Mystikal feat. Nivea "Danger (Been So Long)" A. Mystikal's usually unappealing voice somehow works here. Maybe it's not really his voice; it could be Nivea's mesmerizing voice, or the striking beat that drive it. I don't even know what this is about, yet I can't help but get dragged into the fun.
(10) R. Kelly feat. Jay-Z and Boo & Gotti "Fiesta Remix" B. Not bad a bad song, just not a satisfiing one. For R. Kelly, it's nowhere near as deep as "I Wish", or as cool as "Thoia Thoing". Jay-Z isn't given much to do and Boo & Gotti are disposible. Fun while it last, then utterly forgetable.
(11) Eve feat. Gwen Stefani "Let Me Blow Ya Mind" A-. One of Eve's best songs ever. Functions in as both a pop and rap song; mainly because Eve and Gwen blend so well together. In general, Dr. Dre and Scott Storch's production make this a stylish little charm of a single.
(12) City High "What Would You Do" A. Less than three minutes long, yet it tell's a striking story with alot of deoth and enotion. Yes, it's cold and startles the listener, but that's the whole intention. Definetly a nice change of pace from most rap songs.
(13) Britney Spears "Don't Let Me Be The Last To Know" B+. The changes that can occur when she drops the "naughty image". True emotion can be found in this pop ballad; the lyrics display true urgency and feelings. Tragedy this didnt find as much success as the disasterous "Oops!...I Did It Again".
(14) *N Sync "This I Promise You" A-. A traditional pop that is done to pefection. The boys never have to try too hard, and just let everything develop natrually. By the end, we see exactly how this beautiful song slowly formed. Also serves as a flip-side to "Bye Bye Bye" and "It's Gonna Be Me".
(15) S Club 7 "Never Had A Dream Come True" A. This usually disposable group (from the awful TV show) somehow hits a home run here. Words that describe this song: deep, emotional, powerful, heartfelt, honest and beautiful. The content is so touching that anyone can relate to it. This is a small pop treasue.
(16) Lifehouse "Hanging By A Moment" A-. They never quite equaled it afterwards, but this is a terrific rock song. It's intelligent, catchy and heartfelt. Falls into the same league as the best work by the Goo Goo Dolls and Matchbox Twenty. In fact, it did go on to become Billboard's #1 song of 2001.
(17) Aerosmith "Jaded" A. One of the best songs the group has ever recorded; and that's no small accomplishment. Steve Tyler's voice delivers the lyrics with true emotion; all set to the piercing guitar beats. This is great rock track which packs quite a punch during its running time.
(18) Evan and Jaron "From My Head To My Heart" B+. It's just as good as "Crazy For This Girl", and that was well done. The two boys have a nice relaxed feel and carry true feeling in their lyrics. Quite refreshing to hear a good natured pop tune these days.
(19) American Hi-Fi "Flavor Of The Weak" A. This workls as well as it does because of it's bluntness. There is a story to be told in it's lyrics, and the song tell's that story straight; holding nothing back. Great summer track that demonstates hard rock at its finest.
Bottom Line: ****. As compilations albums are a dime-a-dozen these days; "NOW" always shows how it should be done. They even top themselves in putting together this masterpiece. It may have been the perfect album for Summer 2001, but it happens to be a great album for any season, of any year. THIS is an album!
One of the best Nows, but nobody beats Now 13 Submitted on: 2004-12-30
1. Destiny's Child - Survivor : I really don't like this song much.
Original Grade: C-
Should it be on: B+
Released: May 8, 2001
Earliest Now it could've been on: 7
2. Janet Jackson - All For You: I kind of like this song, but Janet's other songs are a bit better.
Original Grade: B+
Should It Be On: B
Released: March 27, 2001
Earliest Now it could've been on: 6
3. Samantha Mumba - Baby Come On Over: I liked the Now 6 song much better.
Original Grade: B+
Should it be on: A++
Released: September 3, 2001 (released before Now 7 in stores, which is awesome)
Earliest Now it could've been on: 8
4. Mandy Moore - In My Pocket: I like her other songs like "Candy" much better.
Original Grade: B-
Should it be on: A
Released: June 4, 2001
Earliest Now it could've been on: 7
5. Jennifer Lopez - Play: A great song, but a bit old.
Original Grade: A
Should it be on: B+
Released: April 23, 2001
Earliest Now it could've been on: 7...but maybe could've been on Now 6
6. BSB - The Call (Remix): I really hate this group and this song. The remix isn't any better anyway. Plus, it's outdated.
Original Grade: D-
Should it be on: C+
Released: February 19, 2001
Earliest Now it could've been on: 6
7. 3LW - Playas Gon Play: I really do miss 3LW, and I think they should have been around a bit longer.
Original Grade: A
Should it be on: A++
Released: October 18, 2004
Earliest Now it could've been on: 8
8. Nelly - Ride Wit Me: Great song, but the edited version took out the fun of it.
Original Grade: A-
Should it be on: A++
Released: August 27, 2001
Earliest Now it could've been on: 8...or I guess 7 if they made the CD
9. Mystikal - Danger: I have never liked this song. Plus, it's outdated too.
Original Grade: F
Should it be on: C
Released: February 13, 2001
Earliest Now it could've been on: 6
10. Jay-Z/R.Kelly/Boo(?) - Fiesta (Remix): Hate this song!!!
Original Grade: F
Should it be on: A-
Released: May 7, 2001
Earliest Now it could've been on: 7
11. Eve - Let Me Blow Ya Mind: It's an ok track.
Original Grade: B-
Should it be on: A-
Released: May 15, 2001
Earliest Now it could've been on: 7
12. City High - What Would You Do: Another ok track. Also, a bit outdated.
Original Grade: B
Should it be on: B-
Released: February 13, 2001
Earliest Now it could've been on: 6
13.Britney Spears - ...Last To Know: Beautiful bllad, but not as good as "Everytime" or "I'm Not A Girl..."
Original Grade: A-
Should it be on: B-
Released: March 15, 2001
Earliest Now it could've been on: 6
14. Nsync - This I Promise You: Hate boy bands! Very outdated! Ugh!
Original Grade: F
Should it be on: D
Released: October 9, 2000
Earliest Now it could've been on: 5
15. S Club 7 - Never Had A Dream Come True: A bit on the boring side, but I guess it's ok. Heard much better though.
Original Grade: B-
Should it be on: A+++
Released: November 27, 2000
Earliest Now it could've been on: 9
16. Lifehouse - Hanging By A Moment: Great rock song!!!
Original Grade: A+
Should it be on: A
Released: June 5, 2001
Earliest Now it could've been on: 7
17. Aerosmith - Jaded: Ok track. Very outdated.
Original Grade: B
Should it be on: B
Released: February 20, 2001
Earliest Now it could've been on: 6
18. Evan and Jaron: It's a great song....but was never a hit
Original Grade: A
Should it be on: F (see below)
Released: Never was released as a single.
Earliest Now it could've been on: --
19. American Hifi - Flavor Of The Weak: Another awesome rock track!!!
Original Grade: A+
Should it be on: A++
Released: August 27 2004
Earliest Now it could've been on: 8
_________________________________________________________
Top 3 Highest Grade:
1. American Hifi - Flavor Of The Weak (A+)
2. Lifehouse - Hanging By A Moment (A+)
3. 3LW - Playas Gon Play (A)
Top 3 Lowest Grade:
1. NSYNC - This I Promise You
2. Mystikal - Danger
3. Jay-Z/R.Kelly/Boo? - Fiesta (Remix)
Top 3 Most Deserving Songs:
1. S Club 7 - Never Had A Dream Come True
2. 3LW - Playas Gon Play
3. Samantha Mumba - Baby Come On Over
Top 3 Least Derserving Songs
1. Evan And Jaron - From My Head To My Heart
2. NSYNC - This I Promise You
3. Mystikal - Danger
____________________________________________________________
Overall Original Grade: A
Overall Should It Be On Grade: A-
Overall Month For Released Songs: Late-May
Overall Earliest Now: 7
Now 7 did a good job at keeping the latest songs on it. The CD overall grade is very good. This may be the best now CD, but I'm not sure, considering Now 13 is the best. This may be the second best.
Now 7
Buy this album...
#1 Way To Keep Cool