| Now That's What I Call Music! | |
| Type: | Compilation |
| Artist: | Various artists |
| Cover: | Various_Artists_-_Now_1_-Indonesian_Series-.jpg |
| Released: | July 20, 1995 |
| Recorded: | Various times |
| Genre: | Pop |
| Label: | EMI / Virgin / PolyGram |
| Next Title: | Now That's What I Call Music! 2 |
| Next Year: | 1996 |
Now That's What I Call Music! (Asia) (or "Now Asia") was modelled after the highly successful Now That's What I Call Music! series in the United Kingdom. This compilation features a number of English-language songs popular around the time of its release on 20 July 1995.
They have produced a total of eight compilations and a few special editions intended for sale in specific countries.[1] [2]
Now (Asia) was a collaborative venture between EMI (Hong Kong) Limited/PolyGram Records (Hong Kong) Limited and EMI (Malaysia) Sendirian Berhad. This partnership propelled the debut audio/media releases targeting Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong.[3]
By debuting with cassette releases in Southeast Asia in 1995, the series rapidly adapted to cater to diverse regional markets. CD formats emerged alongside continued cassette presence in certain countries. Tracklists varied to highlight both local popularity and international chart trends. This steady expansion continued steadily across Asia excluding Japan, as they have already had their first album release for Now! series back in December 1993.[4]
The whole series features a cover with an emerald green central image on a white background. The official Now That's What I Call Music! logo appears prominently in the centre, with a smaller, stacked logo of Virgin, EMI, and Polygram placed at the bottom centre. Artists featured on the cover include Bon Jovi, Michael Learns To Rock, Boyz II Men, The Cranberries, Shampoo, Wet Wet Wet, Richard Marx, and Sheryl Crow.
Currently, there are no credible records about Indonesian version releases of their first Now Asia 1 with a CD format at the beginning. Indonesian version solely released cassette formats for a prolonged period until the release of Now Asia 5 in 1999.[5]
Their tracklist is the same except minor adjustment to the order of the songs.[6] [7]
CD format has always been released together with cassette since the beginning of Now Asia. However, South Korea's 1995 with Now Asia 1 entry embraced CD format upon debut. One notable track substitution ("Sukiyaki" changed to Jacky Cheung & Regine "In Love With You"[8] underscores a desire to tailor the release to localised music preferences.