Now That's What I Call Music! 32

Timely as ever, the 32nd volume of the NOW series, released in November 2009, covers the summer and fall hits of the same year. When it was released, four of its inclusions--Black Eyed Peas' typically polarizing and ad-campaign-friendly "I Gotta Feeling," Jay Sean's "Down," Jason DeRulo's "Whatcha Say," and Taylor Swift's "I Belong with You"--were in the Top Ten of the Billboard Hot 100, while 11 others were in the Top 40. Even the three that were not on the chart had at least reached the Top Ten at some point earlier in the year. The rock section is lengthier than normal, roughly a third of the set. AMERICAN IDOL alums Kelly Clarkson, Jordin Sparks, and the lead singer of the band DAUGHTRY take over for a three-song stretch, while host and songwriter Kara DioGuardi is present via Cobra Starship. This isn't one of the stronger volumes, but a handful of the artists--Shakira, Fabolous, Drake--contribute singles that stand with their best.Timely as ever, the 32nd volume of the Now series, released in November 2009, covers the summer and fall hits of the same year. When it was released, four of its inclusions -- Black Eyed Peas' typically polarizing and ad-campaign-friendly "I Gotta Feeling," Jay Sean's "Down," Jason DeRulo's "Whatcha Say," and Taylor Swift's "I Belong with You" -- were in the Top Ten of the Billboard Hot 100, while 11 others were in the Top 40. Even the three that were not on the chart had at least reached the Top Ten at some point earlier in the year. The rock section is lengthier than normal, roughly a third of the set. American Idol alums Kelly Clarkson, Jordin Sparks, and the lead singer of the band DAUGHTRY take over for a three-song stretch, while host and songwriter Kara DioGuardi is present via Cobra Starship. This isn't one of the stronger volumes, with only a handful of the artists -- Shakira, Fabolous, Drake -- contributing singles that stand with their best. ~ Andy Kellman

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