Vol. 16-Now That's What I Call Music

The Now That's What I Call Music! series has always taken the cream of the current radio lists. And, judging by the latest installment, Now 16, as evidenced by the ear-catching tracks found in this collection, theres a lot of cream.

They range from the witty ("My Band" by D12), to the raunchy ("Slow Motion" by Juvenile, featuring Soulja Slim) to the earthy (Heaven" by Los Lonely Boys and "Redneck Woman" by Gretchen Wilson). Judging by the latter's names, all genres are represented here, but the preponderance of tracks belongs by and large to hip-hop, rap and R&B, the music that dominates Top 100 radio.

The album is flanked by two radically different hits that poke fun at two totally different lifestyles. The opening track is the much-played and hysterically funny "My Band," in which Eminem sings the hook laden chorus reminiscent of his own material, where he makes fun of the whole rap star scene ("These chicks don't even know the name of my band, but they're all over me like they want to hold hands," he says).

In contrast, the last track of the album is Gretchen Wilson's "Redneck Woman," an upbeat, country track whose honky-tonk chorus is an anthem for redneck women everywhere ("I say 'Hi ya'll' and 'yeehaw', and I keep my Christmas lights on my front porch all year long," sings Wilson).

In between these two songs, there's everything imaginable. Hard rock by Switchfoot ("Meant to Live") and pop by Jessica Simpson, performing a decent cover of "Take My Breath Away."

On the edgier side, lyric wise, is Beyonc￩'s Middle Eastern infused "Naughty Girl" and Petey Pablo's very sexual "Freek-A-Leek." Edgier music-wise is Black Eyed Peas' "Hey Mama," a mix of aggressive, infectious beats and flowing melody lines.

Britney Spears makes a very slow, romantic entry here with "Everytime," sung over a simple piano line. But more effective is JoJo's "Leave (Get Out)," which highlights a soulful voice set over lilting beats and a heartfelt, call and response chorus.

On the rock end of things, there's plenty to chose from, including Lenny Kravitz' "Where Are We Runnin'?" But we like Hoobastank's "The Reason," medium tempo pop/rock with beautiful melodic lines.

Now 16! is a solid, satisfying collection, for every taste.

By Leila Cobo