Album length: 2 CDs, 33 tracks Street Date: April 4, 2006
This is the fifth installment of the WOW Worship series, and I have to say, I don't think it can get any worse.
The installments boast worship songs from today's top Christian artists, but many of the songs that end up appearing on these
compilations fit into two sections: hit worship songs done by artists other than the original artist and original worship tunes that are
available on the group's own albums.
Many times, the best songs are those that fit into the second category, such as David Crowder Band's old favorite "O Praise Him
(All This For A King)," Delirious?' rock worship tune "My Glorious," and 2005's song of the year, "How Great Is Our God," courtesy of
Chris Tomlin. But other tracks, like Avalon's cover of Tomlin's "Indescribable" or Rebecca St. James' cover of his "Forever," are only available on these discs, as they were recorded specifically for the project.
It's a good thing, because some of these should never have been done at all. Other remakes include Building 429's "Famous One,"
Bethany Dillon's cover of "Holy Is The Lord," "No One Like You," originally written by Crowder, being butchered by pop-teen rockers BarlowGirl, and Twila Paris' "Days of Elijah." What could make these WOW Worship collections
better is to find old songs and have today's artists remake older hits - such as "In The Secret," "Open the Eyes," or "Give Us Clean Hands."
There are few treats found on these records, but one that sticks out is a remake, one that combines legendary Rich Mullins
and his creative songwriting with modern folk artist Bebo Norman. "Sometimes By Step" mixes the late Mullins' original
with newly added verses penned by Norman. The record also boasts originals from newcomers Vicky Beeching, Josh Bates, and Pocket Full Of Rocks, but these do nothing to
save from an overall major disappointment.
This constant rehashing of old favorites and new songs is more of a letdown each year that the WOW series continues.
You'll likely want to either pass this one by, or find the songs you like on the artist's original album, there will surely be more you like.
- Review date: 2/26/07, written by Justin Mabee
Record Label: Provident Label Group
Album length: 2 CDs, 33 tracks
Street Date: April 4, 2006
Buy It:JfH Music Store
Disc One
Sometimes By Step - Bebo Norman/Rich Mullins
Beautiful One - By The Tree
How Great Is Our God - Chris Tomlin
In Christ Alone - Natalie Grant
Blessed Be Your Name - Tree63
You Are Holy (Prince Of Peace) - Michael W. Smith
He Reigns - Newsboys
Here I Am To Worship - SONICFLOOd
Famous One - Building 429
Holy Is The Lord - Bethany Dillon
Who Am I - Casting Crowns
Be Glorified - Tim Hughes
The Heart Of Worship - Matt Redman
No One Like You - BarlowGirl
You Are Good - Israel And New Breed
BONUS TRACKS
Yesterday, Today And Forever - Vicky Beeching
King Of Glory - Josh Bates
Disc Two
O Praise Him (All This For A King) - David Crowder*Band
Angus Dei - Third Day
Grace Flows Down - Passion
Let It Rise - Big Daddy Weave
Forever (alt. ending) - Rebecca St. James
Wonderful Maker - Jeremy Camp
Friend Of God - Phillips, Craig & Dean
All Who Are Thirsty - Kutless
Wonderful, Merciful Saviour - Selah
Indescribable - Avalon
My Glorious - Delirious?
Days Of Elijah - Twila Paris
El Shaddai - Amy Grant
Worthy Is The Lamb - Hillsong (soloist Darlene Zschech)
Record Label: Provident Label Group
