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WoW 2000 Whenever I am unsure of what appetizer to order at a restaurant, I usually go with the sampler plate. That way 'you get a little bit of everything.' WoW 2000 may fit that same category. "Hmm, I don't know what Christian CD to get. Maybe I'll pick the sampler CD." WoW 2000 seeks to capture the top 30 artists and songs of the year. Age old Christian musicians such as Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and Steven Curtis Chapman bless the CD with their presence while newer bands like the W's, Sonicflood, and Raze stake out their spot within the popular Christian music world. A total of 34 songs (not 30) appear on the double CD. Let's break down this vast selection of songs into three bite size pieces: an old, a relatively young, and a new artist. Michael W. Smith. Ahh, the name synonymous with contemporary Christian music. It doesn't seem possible to have a hit song from him that doesn't include the word 'friend' somewhere. His featured song continues this theme and is called 'I Will Be Your Friend.' A nice warm feeling is what you get when you hear this song. Maybe a tear in the eye when you remember that special friend of yours. This song is sure to be included in youth group graduation videos around the country. However, for those of us who remember the previous hits of Smith's, like 'Friends are Friends Forever' and "Place In This World," those tears might be included with the sentence, "Oh no, not again". Our founding fathers would have been thrilled with the latest Newsboys hit, 'Love Liberty Disco.' Well, if they weren't thrilled, at least the WoW 2000 song selection committee was. Apparently, WoW 2000 hit the stands before the Newsboys even had this new CD out. It makes you wonder how this could be one of the year's top 30 songs if it really hasn't come out yet. Nevertheless, the Newsboys always have a catchy tune and 'Love Liberty Disco' is no different. Whether you like the song or not, it will leave you with an aftertaste for the rest of the day. The W's are a hot new band with a ska/rock/swing sound. 'The Rumor Weed Song' (from their sophomore album) does them no justice. The lyrics don't make sense outside of the Veggie Tales 'Rumor Weed' episode, and the music, though it gives a sample of what the W's sound like, isn't much better. Please, can I live one day in the Christian community without the influence of the Veggie Tales? While none of these songs sound that appealing, there were a number of artists with more impressive work. Hear something from Sixpence None The Richer besides 'Kiss Me' with 'Breathe.' Out Of Eden has a catchy song called 'River.' The song 'Friend of mine (Columbine)' is poignantly featured at the end of the album. While there certainly are a number of great songs within the album, it might be wise for seasoned Christian music fans to skip this appetizer and go straight to the entree. (John M.) WoW 2000 includes: |
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