Various Artists NOW 60

The final proper Now compilation of 2016 selects 16 hits from the latter half of the year. Only a couple songs -- Calvin Harris and Rihanna's "This Is What You Came For" and Charlie Puth and Selena Gomez's "We Don't Talk Anymore" -- were Top Ten pop hits, while most of the others peaked outside, yet within, the Top 40. Among the highlights are Daya's "Sit Still, Look Pretty," Ariana Grande's "Into You," and Flume and Kai's "Never Be Like You." Dominated by straightforward pop and dance-pop, this volume doesn't include a single track led by a contemporary country or rap artist, and Tory Lanez' "Luv" barely qualifies as R&B. This time, there are six "Now What's Next!" throw-ins -- an all-guy pop crew that includes the re-emergent Aaron Carter. ~ Andy Kellman

• Format: CD
• Genre: V/A Compilations