Wow Worship Red
(DVD & CD)

The latest instalment 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' passionate "The Power of Your Love", or Jars of Clay's modernised version of "I'll Fly Away". The rest of the project is a collection of worship classics from over the years. 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. 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 and Audio Adrenaline 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 favourite worship leader from among this mix. The DVD, in contrast to the CD, has no real new material. It contains 16 video clips which are now relatively old.

Adrian Drayton