29th May, 2008

JUSTIN MICHAEL

Album: WOW Hits 1

Artist: Various

Year: 2008
Label: Provident
Web: www.wowonline.com
 
In A Word: Collectable

"Altogether the perfect album if you can’t decide what to buy and have a BBQ coming up that needs a soundtrack."

Although I’m still sure that most compilations get listened to a few times and then popped on the shelf for posterity or an upcoming family BBQ, this one has quite a few gems that you may want to rip into your player for future jogging expeditions.

There are the regulars here including Newsboys' In Wonder, Stephen Curtis Chapman with Miracle Of The Moment, Chris Tomlin’s always popular version of Amazing Grace and tunes from Barlowgirl, Third Day and Jeremy Camp. All of the tracks have been hits in the US and at least half should be well known to Aussie 'n Kiwi Christian music radio audiences.

The outstanding track however is the opener which brings together a surely unprecedented collaborative effort from Michael W. Smith, Paul Baloche, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Stu Gerrard, Israel Houghton, Tim Hughes, Graham Kendrick, Andy Park, Matt Redman, Martin Smith and Darlene Zschech. The track titled So Great was written by the group who have come together to support a charitable organisation founded by Delirious? known as Compassionart. You can read more about the organisation when you buy the disc, but for now, let’s focus on the tune.

Though the theme is familiar, there is a great spirit behind the music that illuminates the lyric and the intent of the writers. Martin Smith writes "There are two amazing forces that exist in the world: compassion for those in need and art that helps us see beyond ourselves". The song states "rich and poor/come and rest/you are safe/in the arms of Jesus/For He is good/For He is faithful" and the chorus goes on, "So great/so great/and Your love endures forever/to the end of the age/oh, Your love endures forevermore".

The familiar strain of Mr W. Smith along with the ever-amazing Israel Houghton and the southern warmth of Christy Knockels vocal carry the song and the obligatory choir and key change give the ‘tingle’ factor nicely. All funds raised from compassionart will go directly to charity. None of the artists take anything from it.

Other standouts on the record include Relient K’s Give Until There’s Nothing Left, Toby Mac once again provides a bit of a change of groove on the otherwise AC collection with I’m For You and the David Crowder Band push the congregational tune boundaries again with Everything Glorious.

Altogether the perfect album if you can’t decide what to buy and have a BBQ coming up that needs a soundtrack.