Dave's Review

The WoW series of "The Year's 30 Top Christian Artists and Songs" is being broadened somewhat this year. In addition to the "core" WoW 1998 collection, customers will also be able to choose from WoW Gospel 1998 and WoW Classics (covering 1991-1995) as well as companion products like the WoW 1998 NIV Bible from Zondervan Publishing House, the WoW 1998 Video, and the WoW 1998 Songbook. In addition to these products, a fan vote WoW awards show sponsored by the three largest distributors of Christian music, The Parable Group of Christian retailers, and the Power and Glory direct mail company will be broadcast in February 1998 on the INSP network.

WoW 1998 adds artists Caedmon's Call, Out Of The Grey, Jaci Velasquez, Crystal Lewis, Out Of Eden, Amy Grant, Bob Carlisle, Avalon, Kathy Troccoli, Bebe Winans, and Sandi Patty to 20 of the veterans from WoW 1997. 11 plus 20 should equal 31, but Bebe Winans performs a duet with his sister Cece, who was a solo artist on WoW 1997, so the total number of tunes is still 30.

Although WoW 1998 is being marketed as "The Year's 30 Top Christian Artists and Songs," only seven of the songs on WoW 1998 can really be considered "new." "Overjoyed" (Jars Of Clay), "My Hope Is You" (Third Day), "My Utmost For His Highest" (Twila Paris), and "Breathe in Me" (Sandi Patty) are from albums that were released in late 1997. "Mission 3:16" (Carman) and "Missing Person (Michael W. Smith) are from albums that will be available in the first couple months of 1998. "Carry You" (Amy Grant) has the distinction of being the first ever "Wow exclusive" song. The song didn't make the cut for Grant's latest album, but it's solid biblical message should make it a choice selection for Christian radio air play, and it's availability here gives WoW 1998 a touch of uniqueness.

WoW 1997 had more musical diversity. That's not necessarily a negative comment against Wow 1998 though, because niching the product line is being explored with products like WoW Gospel 1998. Who knows? In the coming years you may be able to purchase WoW Southern Gospel 1999, WoW Alternative 2000, WoW Rap 2001, WoW Ska 2002, etc. As far fetched as some of these titles may sound, keep in mind that the previous Wows have achieved platinum status (500,000+ units sold). That's particularly amazing for a double CD/cassette that retails for several dollars more than a standard length project. More narrowly focused Wows could sell fewer units and still be considered worthwhile from a financial point of view. Dave is keeping his fingers crossed for WoW Keaggy 2005.