WOW Hits 2005

Launched in 1995, the unprecedented collaboration of the three CBA music industry leaders to create the WOW brand has steadily broadened the consumer base for contemporary Christian music. In 2000, the Gospel Music Association honored WOW with an Impact Award for its impression in expanding the reach and awareness of the genre. The projects further benefit the artists, allowing consumers to sample various music prior to purchasing specific titles. According to the American Research Group, 74% of WOW buyers have gone on to buy an album from an artist featured on the disc.

“Research has proven that people who aren’t familiar with Christian music tend to respond positively when exposed to it,” explains Gospel Music Association president, John Styll. “The WOW series is a great way to extend the reach and impact of Christian music by exposing top artists and songs to potential new listeners.”

The release of WOW Hits 2005 will be supported by an extensive marketing campaign including high-visibility positioning at CBA and general market retail beginning in Oct. At radio, the project will be advertised in the top 13 radio/retail markets and nationally on 20 The Countdown Magazine program. With additional promotions in over 50 radio markets, WOW will further be featured on daily radio spots on The Dave Ramsey Show throughout Nov.

EMI CMG is also partnering with Youth Specialties to nationally promote WOW Hits 2005 via regional conventions. Moreover, working with Salem Web Network, the project will be featured significantly on the Internet including at Crosswalk.com, CCMagazine.com, thefish.com, klty.com and other radio station websites. Grassroots initiatives will employ a fall campaign with World Vision in partnership with AOL, Yahoo and Crosswalk, utilizing iTickets’ e-mail list to target attendees of WOW artists’ tours.

WOW Hits 2005 artist and songs include:

Steven Curtis Chapman, All Things New
MercyMe, Here With Me
Casting Crowns, Who Am I
Selah, You Raise Me Up
Third Day, I Believe
newsboys, You Are My King (Amazing Love)
Kutless, Sea Of Faces
Stacie Orrico, More To Life
Tree 63, Blessed Be Your Name
tobyMac, Gone
Todd Agnew, Grace Like Rain
Audio Adrenaline, Leaving 99
Avalon, You Were There
Bethany Dillon, All I Need
David Crowder Band, Open Skies
Jeremy Camp, Right Here
Matthew West, More
ZOEgirl, Beautiful Name
BarlowGirl, Never Alone
Bebo Norman, Disappear
Caedmon’s Call, There's Only One (Holy One)
Chris Rice, Untitled Hymn
FFH, Ready To Fly
Jars of Clay, Show You Love
Mark Schultz, Letters From War
Darlene Zschech, Pray
Nicole C. Mullen, Everyday People
Rachael Lampa, When I Fall
Nate Sallie, Whatever It Takes
Jaci Velasquez, Unspoken
Building 429, Glory Defined