ALBUM: Now That’s What I Call Music 93

SUMMER as always sees the second Now release of the year, but there aren’t many summery tracks to be found this time round.

In fact the two-disc compilation of 44 hits doesn’t evoke much, apart from a disappointment in the general quality of this season’s pop charts.

There are few immediately catchy songs – certainly less than the last few Now collections – and neither is the collection that memorable after a few listens.

Disc one starts in a low-key style with singles by Lukas Graham, Justin Bieber, Zayn and Coldplay, and continues to reflect the lack of ‘oomph’ in the charts.

Ellie Goulding, Jess Glynne, One Direction and Little Mix make their usual appearances, along with songs like All My Friends, Light It Up, Worry and Stitches.

Disc two begins with Justin Bieber’ second song of the compilation, Sorry, along with a second entry featuring Zara Larsson, her Girls Like collaboration.

The dance-oriented tracks that always dominate disc two of Now releases are a likeable bunch though, with Craig David sneaking an appearance alongside David Guetta, Sia and Tinie Tempah.

But surely X Factor contestant Fleur East’s terrible debut Sax should have been consigned to the ‘coveted’ end spot – like Gangdam Style was a couple of years ago – rather than annoying us at number six?

It’s actually David Bowie who plays us out with one of his classic tracks, Heroes.

David Knights