I'm pretty interested in music, thus I'm generally much more likely to be listening to half century old Miles Davis or Carter Family records, rather than keeping up with whatever crap the record companies are paying radio to pimp out to the teenagers. Thus, I don't listen to much commercial pop radio.
Nonetheless, some chillen prevailed on me to obtain them a copy of the Now That's What I Call Music! 18 collection, the modern version of a K-Tel record- a whorish grab bag of recent radio hits.
This has sent me into Grumpy Old Man mode. Imagine me channeling Dana Carvey as I listen to this bunch of foolishness. Re Now 18 and pop radio: Flibbeldy flew! I don't like the way things are now compared to the way they used to be!
I had low patience for corporate pop when I was a teenager a quarter century ago. But this crap today makes our crap look relatively good. Rand help me, but I'd take Olivia Newton John and Styx any time over Lindsay Lohan and Lenny Kravitz. They had much better crafted songs, even if they were somewhat on the cheesy side. I can't quite remember how "Rumors" or "Lady" go even while I'm listening to them- but I'll doubtless take "Summer Nights" to my grave.
The chillen turn out to be most interested in a song called "O" by Omarion. Now, I've heard worse. I could at least halfway remember how it went while I was actually listening to it. However, it's a completely generic R&B ballad with generic lyrics, imminently forgettable.
One thing about it though, the main vocal hook, such as it is, is an extended moaning "O-o-o-o-o-o-o-o." After being subjected to this half a dozen times in an hour, I finally got it. Soon I was imitating Omarion clutching his belly in pain, "O-o-o-o-o!" Somebody get that Negro some Pepto Bismal.
One more pimpsploitation of U2's "Vertigo" ain't moving me. It was mediocre U2-by-numbers to start with, and the weak melody doesn't hold up to the ridiculous overexposure this track has gotten.
Destiny's Child probably rates the best song here with their search for a "Soldier." The song's not half bad, and they really sell it with their fancy vocal harmonies. OK, that's one fairly strong song out of twenty.
Being somewhat generous, you might credit Howie Day's "Collide" as a reasonably listenable pop song, in a slickly produced singer-songwriter kind of way. That's two.
Article comments
1 - Aaman
Loved the review - I reviewed it myself a while back, but nowhere close to your acerbity and insight.
2 - Al Barger
Thank you so much, Aaman. As I was writing this, my DVD of Sgt Pepper's showed up, so I'ma get a good look at some of my generation's prime corporate entertainment product.
3 - Aaman
Just for comparison, here's my review of Now 18
4 - Aaman
Perhaps you started with low expectations
5 - Al Barger
Yes, and thus I was not disappointed. Hey, there were a couple of decent songs- which is approximately two more than I expected.
6 - Karen
k don't you think you're being a bit hard?? maybe its just not you're type of music. it probably wasn't intended for you're age group. A probably 50 year old woman revewing music that is made for 15 year olds? that doesn't seem right.
7 - Al Barger
I may have been slightly harsh, but I'm in favor of standards. I don't accept that something should be given a pass from criticism because it's made for teenagers. Oh, you mean it's made for young idiots who don't have any idea what real music is?
Something might have more appeal to different people other than me, but music is the universal language. If it's good, it transcends a lot of those things. I listen to gospel music, African music, children's music. If it's good, I can appreciate it.
Regarding this Now collection specifically though, I've found myself digging on Destiny Child's "Soldier" song. I will grant that this is a pretty fair piece of pop music.
8 - Keisha
You know, i don't agree with critics. At least these people are out there doing something with their lives and making a living and here comes you guys just trying to put them down. Imagine if someone said the same thing about something you were trying to put out. Oh and dont you think you were being a bit harsh on "O" by Omarion? He just broke off his band and now he's making great music. If people didn't like that song, it wouldn't have been voted viewers choice at the BET awards now would it? to finish, i add what are you doing with your life thats so great that you have the right to hate on what these people are doing?
9 - Eric Stephen
You make yourself look foolish by publishing this. You say people dont know "what real music is". Music is music. Read up the dictionary. It might help you. Im going to have to say your music is completely different from the younger generations and your opinions are dumb.
10 - Temple Stark
>>You know, I don't agree with critics.
Well you've got to agree with some of them. Some like it. Some don't. Some are nueutral. Some wave their hands in the air like they just don't care.
Or do theyB not agree with you?
Criticus conundrumus.
11 - honeybee
they need to stop hating on omarion the song o is good . He's one of the best singers out today. He is doing well for someone who just brokeup with his group some people don't make it as far as he has some people stop singing . You never know he could one day become the next usher and prove all of yall wrong.
12 - Al Barger
Not to put too fine a point on it, but Omarian would have to do a lot better than becoming the next Usher to impress me. That song's just mediocre. It's unfortunate if he's had personal issues this year or whatever. Don't care. I'm not going to force myself to listen to a bunch of dumb crap on that basis.