The best tracks on the album are "I Might Survive" and "Dream a Little Crazy." The former capitalizes on lead female vocalist Kellie Sutherland's insanely accessible singing style paired with a breezy, beach-friendly beat, a nice bassline, and probably the least irritating instance of sugary synth leads on the record. The latter possesses similarly beachy vibes, but this time the focal points are Bird's vocals with backing harmonies, some good horn lines, and a more jangly-guitar-jam sound. Album closer "Before Tomorrow" is too vapid to be spectacular, but has a goofy call-and-response section where Bird channels Byrne and a funky bass and horn section carries the weight of a groove. Songs like opener "In the Future", "Boom 4eva", and "2 Time" are all examples of overapplication of effects and vocal filters that make the songs drip with corniness to a point of near unlistenability. "Echo" and "Born To Convince You" are too boring and repetitive to stick in your head, while "U Tell Me" sounds like a lost Backstreet Boys song with some vocodor thrown in for good measure. Admittedly, even with its saccharine ballad/slow-jam form and absurd use of a heavy filter on Bird's vocals throughout, I enjoy "April," but I certainly won't admit to that in person. Ultimately, Now + 4EVA has its few shining moments, but will probably give you a musical cavity despite if you have a sonic sweet tooth the size of Siberia.

Recommended Tracks: #3 "I Might Survive", #4 "Dream a Little Crazy"

Sig Steiger