Now That's What I Call Rock Explained

Now That's What I Call Rock
Type:compilation
Artist:Various artists
Cover:NowThatsRock-US.jpg
Genre:Rock
Length:72:58
Chronology:Series
Prev Title:Now That's What I Call a Workout 2016
Prev Year:2015
Next Title:Now That's What I Call Music! 57
Next Year:2016

Now That's What I Call Rock is a compilation album released on January 22, 2016, by the distributors of the popular Now That's What I Call Music series in the United States. The collection brings together a diverse group of artists from a range of styles such as "EDM textures, summer festival blues-rock chug, arena alternative, post-Tool hard rock, triumphant psych-pop and cosmopolitan retro experiments."[1]

Development

Despite the popularity of the Now albums, rock compilations have been an area of neglect by record companies. To reach out to a broad audience, the first rock volume of Now features contemporary pop acts with rock roots and takes a "big-tent" approach to the genre. Cliff Chenfeld, co-owner of the Razor & Tie and a consultant for Now That’s What I Call Rock, feels "most music listeners are pretty open"[2] and this release "is a means of introducing some of those bands to that broader audience who I think would embrace it."

The compilers of the set wanted to avoid defining what rock music is in 2016, but instead tried to give what people think it is, "as opposed to using a term for rock that might have defined what rock" used to be.

Reception

James Christopher Monger of AllMusic notes the "wide range of rock subgenres" represented in this compilation.

Chart performance

Chart (2016)Peak
position
US Billboard 200[3] 137
US Top Rock Albums (Billboard)[4] 10

Notes and References

  1. Where Is Rock Music in 2016? A New Compilation May Hold the Answer. Christopher R. . Weingarten. Rolling Stone. January 22, 2016. September 2, 2016.
  2. Web site: Betting That Rock Is Back (Again). Joe. Coscarelli. New York Times. January 24, 2016. September 2, 2016.
  3. Now That's What I Call RockBillboard 200 – Title Performance. . September 2, 2016.
  4. Now That's What I Call RockBillboard Top Rock Albums – Title Performance. Billboard . September 2, 2016.