The latest installment in the WOW Worship series brings the listener 34 cuts from 34 different artists on two discs. What stands out about WOW Worship Red from the rest of the genre's many, many compilations is the special inclusion of 11 brand new songs recorded specifically for this release. The highlights of these new tracks include wonderful updates like Jaci Velasquez's fresh take on "Sanctuary," Rebecca St. James's passionate "The Power Of Your Love," or Jars Of Clay's modernized version of "I'll Fly Away." The rest of the project is a collection of worship classics from over the years. One problem with this is the unnecessary inclusion of some pretty old songs, including older tracks from Delirious?, Sonicflood (who have since changed their entire member lineup two albums after the song included here), and even Keith Green. Many of these artist here (sans Green) have put out newer songs within the past year even. The only plus to this is it keeps the music varied, representing a history of modern worship songs.

The problem with such a variety is it may be too varied. Even among the newer tracks from Randy Travis's country-saturated "Open The Eyes Of My Heart" to Nicole C. Mullen's boisterous live Black Gospel anthem, "Victory Chant," the vibes may seem a little too across the board. What past projects like the City On A Hill albums achieved was a unity and common theme throughout the album. Perhaps with some fat trimmed from WOW Worship Red, the project could easily have been one elite collection. Also, once again, some prime original worship artists are forsaken on WOW Worship Red. Artists like Newsboys, Audio Adrenaline, Rock N Roll Worship Circus, and GlassByrd have penned some amazing worship songs that shouldn't be overlooked. Nevertheless, the highlights make this album worth its while, and perhaps you'll find a new favorite worship leader from among this mix.

- Review date: 3/7/04, written by John DiBiase