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D. J. MIX í99--Getting the Party back in Gear just in time f

12/12/1998

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Are you tired of seeing all those television ads and store billboards proclaiming "The greatest compilation of dance hits all on one CD?" Upon stepping foot into the store, you are faced with a whole aisle of dance compilations. Like any other year, 1999's selection is very large. I decided to assume the burden of reviewing this year's crop of compilations to choose one which I feel is your overall best bet. This has a total of three CD's (there is a bonus third CD which features "Stars of Tomorrow"). 1998 will probably most be remembered, as 1997 was, as a year where R&B and rap singles topped the charts. These genres have virtually taken over album sales and have monopolized airplay. The short-lived industry success appears to be ending as far as mainstream success is concerned. Today, a turn of the radio knob brings to the ear Master P, Usher, Lord Tariq and Mase among others. Dance music as it was once known has disappeared in the mainstream. R&B and rap have evolved to fill this void. Remakes of hits from other genres are prevalent in today's club music. It is not uncommon to hear such artists as Madonna, Mariah Carey or Celine Dion taking advantage of this newer phenomenon. As one can hear on D.J. Mix '99, Club music has changed; but not necessarily for the worse. The first of the three discs is filled with hits. Wyclef Jean's "Gone 'til November" (The Makin'' Runs Remix) leads the entourage. It's a gem, both in its original version and in this jazzier club remix, which features Canibus. The song transitions easily into Destiny's Child's "No, No, No." This song ruled airwaves awhile back, so it is no surprise to see it here. Songs like "No Tengo Dinero" by Los Umbrellos and "This is how we party" by S.O.A.P were not as successful in the mainstream, but both are fairly nice additions to this compilation. Jermaine Dupri's "The Party Continues," which features both Da Brat and Usher, is also an R&B/rap song that keeps appearing at the top of the charts. This is the kind of song you can play anywhere. It is kind of slow, and the vocals are backed with a of mellow sample. Make sure the lights are dim when this one is popped in! Sylk-E. Fyne and Chill's "Romeo and Juliet" is another slow jam that should be played later in the night when everyone is feeling a little romantic. It's a more downbeat rap with sexy lyrics to boot. "Can't Keep My Hands Off You" by React is a rollback to '96. It has that faster sort of dance beat that reminds you of being at parties a few years back. The only other song on this first disc really worth mentioning is Blackstreet's "Don't Leave Me." I question whether this song actually came out in 1998, but it is nice to have it on the compilation. Although the background beat to this song has been overused (i.e. 2 Pac among others), Blackstreet uses it best. This is one love song I actually like hearing time and time again. Disc two is another 50 minutes of dance music. It is always nice to have the a good first CD track, and I wasn't disappointed. Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz's "Deja vu" is a necessary addition to this compilation. This is a very smooth cut which gives the ears some good rapping, but sadly, many of the lyrics have been edited for cleanliness. Thankfully, the editing was done in a way that does not really hurt the song. Jimmy Ray's self titled track, "Are you Jimmy Ray," is very corny, but surprisingly enough, the song is not boring. It's actually catchy. LFO's "Sex U UP-The Way You Like It" sounds at first like it is following in the footsteps of fellow teeny-bop sensations Backstreet Boys and N-Sync. It's another one of those catchy songs sung by guys (thank you) that's easy to dance to. So guys, don't be afraid to dance to this one. It's not Backstreet Boys. The next track is a bit of Euro with Daze's "Superhero." This is one of my favorite songs on the CD. If you are interested in a song with energy and pop, this is the one. It is a guaranteed hit. Like all Euro, the lyrics are corny, but it works. Link's "Whatcha Gonna Do" is a thankful departure from his corny "Raise the Roof" anthem. This jutty rap is both more creative and easier on the ears. Natalie Browne's "Torn" (The Definitive Radio Edit), is a song that nearly all will enjoy. A remake of Natalie Imbrugglia's pop chart topper, this version is a lot better. While the vocals sound virtually the same, this one features an ingenious mix of Hi-NRG beats to back it up. It is a quicker version of the song and is a guaranteed party starter. The compilation officially ends with Voice's of Theory's ballad "Say It." This is far and away the best slow jam on the compilation. Women will love it, and men will too when they find out how the song affects the women. The third disc in the set is the most diverse. Featuring instrumentals and various types of music, it is a CD full of "The Stars of Tomorrow." Today, however, they are not that bright. Obviously, the record company thought the same way, because the artists are not even listed on the back cover of the CD. It remains a mystery until you purchase the CD and read the included booklet. While there are a few songs worth a listen and perhaps even worthy enough to play at your next party, I really do not have anything constructive to say about them. So when you head down the aisle looking to pick up the latest mix compilation, I highly recommend D. J. Mix '99. You will not be disappointed. The nearly two hours of diverse dance music will keep both you and your fellow party-goers hopping and thirsting for more. D.J. MIX '99 Sony Music ***1/2 out of **** stars"