Now # 1's

If you love mainstream radio hits and don't buy albums, the Now series has been helpful since the late '90s, reliably compiling many of the most popular singles with a new volume every few months. Now #1's pulls 20 chart-toppers that have previously appeared in the series, reaching back to Smash Mouth's "All Star" (the third volume, 1999), while including something as current as Gwen Stefani's "Hollaback Girl" (the 19th volume, 2005). Though any single that stays in the Top 40 for more than a couple weeks runs the risk of trying the nerves of the most patient radio listener (or just about anyone who goes out in public, for that matter), there's no denying that the disc presents some of the most exciting pop of recent years, including OutKast's "Hey Ya!," Britney Spears' "...Baby One More Time," and Nelly's "Hot in Herre." The selections are rather fairly distributed between memorable R&B (though Destiny's Child's "Survivor" seemed to get a pass by virtue of being an anthem) and rock (all of which are nothing if not deeply serious). ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide