The FIRED UP! series lies somewhere between the pop universe of the NOW compilations and the energetic mixes put together by Paul Oakenfold, Carl Cox, and their DJ peers. Instead of opting for underground club hits like the latter, the FIRED UP! collections feature an assortment of high-energy songs and remixes of pop hits, combining them in a glossy, lively mix.

FIRED UP! 2 opens brightly with a track that wound its way from clubs to massive radio play, DJ Sammy's cover of Bryan Adams's "Heaven," which gently glides into Dirty Vegas's ultra-catchy Euro-pop number "Days Go By." After that, FIRED UP!'s second installment proceeds to venture into pop territory with Kelly Clarkson and Whitney Houston, before returning to techno-oriented tracks from Amber and Lara Fabian. That's not the end of the chance-taking, though--after two superlative dance-crossover tunes (Telepopmusik's "Breathe" and Fatboy Slim's "Weapon of Choice"), the collection offers up clever mixes of songs by R&B crooner Brian McKnight and adult-alternative superstar Sarah McLachlan. Overall, FIRED UP! 2 boasts an uplifting sound that should appeal to fans of pop and dance alike.