FEATURE:
Childhood Treasures: Albums That Impacted Me
Now That's What I Call Music 24
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THIS one might seem…
IN THIS PHOTO: Take That in 1993
a bit odd, as it is a compilation album and not a studio album. Now That's What I Call Music 24 was released in 1993. Whereas studio albums are important and allow me to bond closer with one act, compilation albums contain a variety of songs from different artists. One reason why Now That's What I Call Music 24 is one of my favourite albums is because it was the first album I recall buying as a child. It came out when I was ten. There was an independent record/music shop near my house and the latest Now That's What I Call Music was available on two C.D.s or cassettes. We have the original C.D. version in the family home still! I remember it was also bought on cassette. The excitement of hearing chart hits from 1992/1993 – and the odd older song that was re-released – in one place was something that we take for granted now! In an age of playlists and streaming, anyone can compile a selection of songs whenever they like. There have been countless compilation albums released through the years; Now That's What I Call Music was a must-buy for music lovers once upon a time. Even though the series is still going and is popular, it was at its peak in the 1980s and 1990s – the first Now That's What I Call Music was released the year I was born: 1983.
Look at the tracklisting from the album released on 26th April, 1993. Many debate which Now That's What I Call Music is the very best. Most would list a compilation from the 1990s as the best – perhaps towards the end of the decade. The decision rests on which year had the best Pop. I feel 1992 and 1993 was a wonderfully rich period where we got so many classics. My favourites from Now That's What I Call Music 24 include The Bluebells’ Young at Heart (originally released by Bananarama in the 1980s, The Bluebells took it to number one in 1993). I also love Take That’s Could It Be Magic, Snow’s Informer, Shaggy’s Oh Carolina, The Stereo MC’s’ Step It Up, Duran Duran’s Ordinary World, k.d. lang’s Constant Craving and Peter Gabriel’s Steam. There is also Paul McCartney’s Hope of Deliverance and Tasmin Archer’s In Your Care! This is what AllMusic said in their review of Now That's What I Call Music 24:
“The U.K.'s Now series features timely selections of pop hits and provides a convenient way for casual pop fans to stay on top of the most popular singles. The sets are almost always naturally well-rounded, encompassing dance music, R&B, hip-hop, teen pop, and rock. And though they might expire, in a sense, since they're based on trends in pop music, they work as more than adequate snapshots of specific points in time. The 24th volume, released in 1993, includes 2 Unlimited's "No Limit," Lenny Kravitz's "Are You Gonna Go My Way," Depeche Mode's "I Feel You," Shaggy's "Oh Carolina," Duran Duran's "Ordinary World," P.M. Dawn's "Looking Through Patient Eyes," and Ugly Kid Joe's "Cats in the Cradle”.
Back in the 1990s, the way we digested music was largely through the radio and buying music. Singles were popular and, when Now That's What I Call Music 24 offered many of the very best together for a much lower cost – I guess the original would be expensive in today’s money but would have been affordable in 1993. One other reason why we debate the finest Now That's What I Call Music is because the compilation series is a portal of memories. These songs soundtracked many of our lives and were there at some hugely important moments. When I was nine and ten, these songs were with me during middle school. This was a time when I really bonded with music and was exploring a range of different sounds. I have said this before - though I feel it warrants repeating. I think the 1990s was the finest time for music. Some might say 1994-1998 was a better period than 1990-1993. I would agree. That said, take a look at some of the songs on Now That's What I Call Music 24 and they are undeniable classics – songs played today that young people can hear fresh and love right away! For me, the compilation album is a snapshot of childhood. It is also a reference point for those who want to know which tracks were charting high in the U.K. in 1992 and 1993. You can buy a used copy of the album for not a lot.
I am not sure whether there are plans to release Now That's What I Call Music 24 and every other album from the series on vinyl. For nostalgia and retro charm, having all of them on cassette would be cool. For so many, owning them on vinyl would be a real treat! I would love to snap up a reissue of Now That's What I Call Music 24 on vinyl. I would keep that copy for decades! If not the most important childhood album, Now That's What I Call Music 24 is a watershed moment regarding compilation albums and really getting into chart music. It helped me broaden my horizons and not just listen to one type of music. Although there is a lot of Pop on Now That's What I Call Music 24, there is also other genres and styles. Some of the songs are a little dated now; most of them stand the test of time. As my first album purchase, Now That's What I Call Music 24 will always be very special and moving! I sit down and listen to the album now and so many memories come flooding back. The quality of the songs throughout is extraordinary! Perhaps there has been a decline in the quality and memorability of modern-day Pop. Back in the 1980s and 1990s (and the first five or six years of the 2000s), there was this real peak and golden period. The wonderful Now That's What I Call Music 24 is an essential and blissful…
STEP back in time.