Now That's What I Call Music! CDs for Sale and history

Now Music CDs for Sale and History

The Now That's What I Call Music! (often abbreviated as Now! or Now CD) series is a long-running compilation of popular music released in the UK. The first album in the series, Now That's What I Call Music!, was released on November 28, 1983, and it marked the beginning of what would become one of the most successful and enduring compilation series in the world.

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Overview of the Series:

  • The Now! series typically compiles hit songs from a wide range of genres, including pop, rock, dance, R&B, and more, making it a comprehensive snapshot of the current chart-topping music at the time of release.
  • It is a joint venture between several major record labels, originally EMI and Virgin Records, but over time, other labels have been involved as well.
  • The series is typically released twice a year in the UK (in March and November), though there are occasional special editions or extra releases.
  • Each edition is usually numbered (e.g., Now That's What I Call Music 5, Now That's What I Call Music 100), and the tracklisting features the biggest chart hits from the UK at that time.

Now That's What I Call Music! UK CD Issues: 

    

The first Now! CD ever released was Now 4, this was a very limited trial run of around 500 copies, it was released as a single disc in 1984.

  

 

The second Now! CD released was Now 8, this was the first mass pressed CD, issued in December 1986, it was pressed as a single disc.

 

Popularity and Cultural Impact:

  • The Now! series is incredibly popular, having sold millions of copies worldwide and spanning over 100 mainline albums. The UK editions alone have become a cornerstone of British music culture, with the brand transcending its original purpose as a simple compilation to become a cultural institution.
  • It’s often seen as a reliable barometer of what music was popular in the mainstream at any given moment. For example, each album acts as a time capsule of its era, capturing the pop culture landscape of the moment.
  • The albums have expanded into multiple subseries, such as Now Dance, Now 80s, Now 90s, Now That's What I Call Christmas, and even Now That's What I Call Disney, among others. These spin-offs focus on specific genres, decades, or themes.

Notable Features:

  • The Now! albums are famous for their broad appeal. The tracklists often feature a mix of major pop hits, well-known rock anthems, and a selection of dance or electronic music. This diversity makes them appealing to a wide audience.
  • The series is known for including both established stars and emerging artists, making it a great way to discover new music alongside familiar hits.
  • Many artists have achieved mainstream recognition or had career-defining moments by appearing on a Now! compilation.

Record-Breaking Success:

  • As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, the Now! series has sold over 100 million copies in the UK alone. It is one of the best-selling compilation series in the world.
  • The first album, released in 1983, was a massive success, featuring iconic tracks like "Let's Dance" by David Bowie, "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler, and "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Eurythmics.
  • Over the years, the albums have reflected changing music trends, from the rise of pop in the '80s and '90s to the dominance of dance music and electronic hits in the 2000s and beyond.

Some Notable Albums:

  • Now That's What I Call Music 1 (1983) – Featuring songs like "Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood and "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)" by Eurythmics.
  • Now That's What I Call Music 7 (1986) – Includes hits like "Take On Me" by a-ha, "Addicted to Love" by Robert Palmer, and "West End Girls" by Pet Shop Boys.
  • Now That's What I Call Music 100 (2017) – Celebrates the milestone with tracks from artists like Ed Sheeran, Adele, and Justin Timberlake, reflecting the music scene of the 2010s.
  • Now That's What I Call Music 50 (1999) – Features big hits from the late '90s, like "...Baby One More Time" by Britney Spears and "Mambo No. 5" by Lou Bega.

Special Editions:

  • The Now! series isn't just for the mainstream; there are numerous special edition albums and spin-offs for different tastes, such as Now That's What I Call Christmas (with holiday music), Now That's What I Call Music: The '80s, and even Now That's What I Call Music: The Dance Edition.

Legacy:

  • The Now! brand continues to release albums regularly and remains highly influential in the music industry. It has helped cement the role of compilation albums in the music market, particularly as a means for fans to stay up-to-date with the latest chart hits in a single package.

In short, the Now! series has been a cultural touchstone in the UK, capturing the spirit of each musical era and providing an accessible way for listeners to experience the biggest hits of the time.