'Now That's What I Call' stale music

By ALEX MANN
MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL
"Now That's What I Call Music: Volume 13" is a compilation of contemporary hits including pop, hip-hop and rock, following on the heels of its predecessors, nicknamed "Now 10," "Now 11" and "Now 12" -- all big sellers. Unlike its predecessors, "Now 13" lacks any truly fresh material. Although a few of the tracks are worthwhile, most of the selections have failed to earn significant time on the Billboard charts.
The CD gets off to a good start with "Rock Your Body" by Justin Timberlake. The deep bass rhythm contrasting with the high-pitch melody and vocals makes for a fun song.
Out of favor
In contrast to Timberlake's huge hit is another pop selection, "I'm Glad" by Jennifer Lopez. Released in April, "I'm Glad" is one of those songs that, when you heard it the first time, you probably liked. The melodic intro and bass at the interlude and end of the song are really cool. However, it's not enough to make up for the repetitive and boring lyrics. That's why most people were sick of it within a month.
Even more disappointing is the hip-hop selection "Girlfriend" by B2K. The song was popular for a few weeks in March, but by April, it was on its way out.
I'm a B2K fan, but the lyrics make this song a loser. "I need a girlfriend, a girlfriend" -- yeah, well, don't we all. Come on, now! *NSync, the Backstreet Boys, O-Town and all of those other boy bands are now "out" largely because of their clich & eacute;d lyrics. And "Girlfriend" is another remake of all of those "baby come back to me / I really need a girl to hold me close / I'll treat you right" songs.
Better tracks
One of the stronger selections is the hip-hop track "Excuse Me Miss" by Jay-Z. It features the new artist Pharrell with his Marvin Gaye-like '70s vocal sound. And the track's hook is incredibly catchy.
Now, there's always been room in the music industry for a song that has the hook "hell, yeah" in it, so "Hell Yeah" by Ginuwine is another worthy track. The verses are a little repetitive, but you can dance to this one any way you want.
Nas offers an encouraging message in "I Can," but the repetitive-to-the-point-of-annoying rap lyrics hurt the compilation.
Skipping ahead to the Counting Crows and Vanessa Carlton with "Big Yellow Taxi," Carlton's touching voice sounds magnificent in this collaboration. This track is suitable for all ages, unlike most of the other songs on the CD.
Closing the CD, look for "Clocks" by Coldplay -- by far the best rock song on "Now 13." The serene-sounding intro and ending and the laid-back vocals add up to a great track.
But if you're looking for new, contemporary music, "Now 13" will be a disappointment, failing to deliver a constant stream of chart-toppers. Where's 50 Cent, "In Da Club"; Kelly Clarkson, "Miss Independent"; Wayne Wonder, "No Letting Go"; and Evanescence, "Bring Me to Life"? Hits like these would have made "Now 13" a more impressive compilation.
Grade: C.
XAlex Mann is a student at the University School of Milwaukee in Milwaukee.