WOW HITS 2003 (724353977627)

From award-winners like Cece Winans to future contenders Jars of Clay and Jennifer Knapp, WOW Hits 2003 covers the gamut of Christian rock styles, though a consistent vision of finding and keeping the faith is present throughout the two-disc set.

"Magnificent Obsession" is Steven Curtis Chapman's hymn (set to a soaring, alternatve rock tune of course) to reconnecting to the high of discovering God's grace.

Winans is unstoppable on the beat-driven and danceable "Say a Prayer" as she raises her voice in the name of what a true belief in praying for others can do: Change things.

Point of Grace's "You Will Never Walk Alone" says it all in a title, though the four-woman vocal group's angelic vocal delivery certainly doesn't hurt in getting the supreme message across. Selah's gentle "Wonderful, Merciful Savior" rings with the same kind of touched-by-an-angel spirit.

Nicole C. Mullen encourages believers to spread the word in "Talk About It," a four-on-the-floor, dance track. Mark Schultz' "I Have Been There," refers to the Christian belief that Jesus walks among us; the singer delivers the reminder in passionate and dynamic alternative style. Amy Grant works with the theme of God's plan for us and merges the hymn, "It is Well With my Soul" with the folky "The River's Gonna Keep on Rolling," sung in her rich and dulcet, never cloying, voice.

Nichole Nordeman goes for a wispy, alternative girl treatment on "Holy," a song with style and production values that would fit right in on contemporary hit radio and MTV. The neo-soul of Jennifer Knapp's "Say Won't You Say" is perhaps the most instantly likeable song on the collection; additionally, her voice is warm and familiar (a dab of classic soul with a drop of Joni Mitchell). Audio Adrenaline's "Ocean Floor" recreates the big soundscapes of U2 and Oasis.

Rachael Lampa's "I'm All Yours" explores the topic of being in the moment; light rock and light beats carry the singer's R&B-inflected vocals. ZOEgirl's "With All My Heart," dabbles stylistically with pop R&B as well.

Avalon's "I Don't Want to Go" begins as a minimalist, new-age styled meditation on the ins and outs of faith until it builds up a little steam and tears into a gospel-style number. Newsong uses Latino rhythms to infuse "Defining Moment."

Third Day goes for a swirling, Americana/jam band sound on their plea for all Christians to "Come Together." Plus One use the boy band formula to get across "Camouflage," a song about coming out about one's faith. Jars of Clay's big R.E.M. and U2 like sound carries the elliptical "I Need You" whereas Rebecca St. James' straightforward "Song of Love" leaves no doubt as to its subject.

Christian rock and the artists who sing it are as varied as the worship styles practiced by believers around the world. And in case there was any doubt, there seems to be no shortage of young rockers willing to help keep the faith alive. What else can you say but, Wow?

By Danielle Santiago