WOW Worship: Red (CD - 2004)

WOW Worship: Red mixes modern CCM songs with more tradition-minded Christian sounds. Genre heavyweights like Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Twila Paris, and Caedmon's Call contribute; there are also newer names like Jaci Velasquez, ZOEgirl, and Jeremy Camp. There are 12 previously unreleased tracks, including "Amazing Love" from Bebo Norman, Big Daddy Weave's "Word of God Speak," and Jars of Clay's "I'll Fly Away." ~ Johnny Loftus

In keeping with the WOW Worship Series, this particular 2-CD set casts a wide net, capturing the variety of acts in the Christian music world who manage to sing the praises of the Lord from different musical directions. Jaci Velasquez goes the pop ballad route ("Sanctuary"), secular star Amy Grant returns to her roots with a medley of religious standards ("What a Friend We Have In Jesus," "Old Rugged Cross," and "How Great Thou Art"), and Nicole C. Mullen represents with an in-concert, R&B-flavored roof-raiser ("Victory Chant"). Other genre twists applied to the Christian message are the alterna-pop of Delirious? ("Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble?"), traditional country gospel of Randy Travis ("Open the Eyes of My Heart"), and the Brian McKnight-like R&B of Salvador ("As the Deer"). What really works for this collection is the nice mix of Christian-music superstars like Michael W. Smith, Twila Paris, and Sonicflood; with a healthy contingent of crossover acts including Jars of Clay and Caedmon's Call. With 30 cuts and a handful of bonus tracks to sift through, WOW WORSHIP makes it easy for believers to find just the right brand of uplifting musical faith to fit their tastes. minimize