The WOW series are back, this time with perhaps their most successful album to date. Like all the others, it features pop hits on the first disc, while disc two features more rock hits in the Christian market.

WOW Hits 2009 opens with Casting Crowns' hit single "Every Man," featured originally on their smash release The Altar and the Door. "God With Us" by MercyMe follows, while hits "Call My Name" by Third Day, "Jesus Messiah" by Chris Tomlin, "Let it Fade" by Jeremy Camp, and "You Are Everything" by Matthew West continue this hits collection. Michael W. Smith's live recording of "Mighty to Save" is a definite worship highlight, and "All Because of Jesus" by Fee is a good choice as an immediate follow-up. Natalie Grant's single "In Better Hands" closes out the first disc.

Modern worship band David Crowder* Band kicks off the rock-flavored second disc with "Everything Glorious." Switchfoot's "This is Home," which they recorded for The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian movie, is also featured here. Relient K, Hawk Nelson and Stellar Kart bring on the punk with "The Best Thing," "Friend Like That," and "Jesus Loves You," respectively, while newcomers Tenth Avenue North show their hit single "Love is Here" from their debut record. Brandon Heath's irresistibly catchy "Give Me Your Eyes" is a definite highlight, while "Lose My Soul" by TobyMac brings in a bit of hip hop into the mix. Fireflight's "Unbreakable" and Red's "Already Over" bring in the rock and are some of the best tracks on the collection. "All Along" by Remedy Drive and Nevertheless's "Sleeping In" close out WOW Hits 2009.

Now, I have a couple of complaints. One, "Set the World on Fire" by Britt Nicole was put on this record, while it was also on WOW Hits 2008. Did they need to put it on two WOW records? Also, "I'm Letting Go" by Francesca Battistelli could've been easily replaced by her bigger hit, "Free to Be Me".

Other than that, WOW Hits 2009 is a solid collection of some of the biggest hits of Christian pop today. However, if you're looking for more rock and less pop, check out the X album series. But for those who enjoy a mixture of both, definitely give WOW Hits 2009 a listen.

Review date: 2/6/10, written by Paul Romano for Jesusfreakhideout.com