::ALBUM REVIEW::

Seems like the "greatest hits" idea these days tend to disappoint music lovers, but that is understandable. Especially since they barely live up to their fantasy album titles. Ever since the first WOW Gospel compilation appeared on music stands across the globe, many have grown to anticpate when the next one would make its debut. Let's just add that after seven years, the "pomp and circumstance" has drifted away and the hype is far exagerrated (if there is any). Of course, the basic foundation since the beginning still exists (which includes two discs - one being more contemporary than the other, debut singles of future stars, 30 songs all together, etc.), but there's been a little transition that is worthy to be discussed. The album cover of the U.S. Capitol lit up by fireworks, instead of luring you to the project, tends to push you away. Makes you wonder if this is a celebration of gospel music or another gimmick to get people from D.C. to purchase the album.

The album does feature some of 2004's shineiest moments such as Deitrick Haddon's "God Is Good", Martha Muinzzi's breakthrough song "Glorious", Israel & New Breed's "Again I Say Rejoice", Byron Cage's masterpiece "The Presence Of The Lord Is Here" and the zesty lead single "You Don't Know" from Kierra "KiKi" Sheard. But let it be said, this cannot be all of the hits of 2004. The omissions of hits from J. Moss, Nataile Wilson & SOP, Jonathan Nelson, Rev. Timothy Wright, Stephen Hurd, Tye Tribbett, The Fighting Temptations' soundtrack, Judith Christie-McAllister and Marvin Sapp along with the wrong choice of songs from Smokie Norful, Ted & Sheri and Twinkie Clark creates a disappointing experience for gospel fanatics. Add to the mix all of the songs Donald Lawrence is associated with (except for "I'm Healed", which was a seasonal radio hit) and you began to wonder if this is just an obvious attempt to buy a particular artist's album. Over-exposure can be a bad thing and this is what happened in D. Lawrence's case. The album's subtitle suggests "30 of the year's top songs and artists", instead the rules are broken in half as D. Lawrence picks up four songs in all on this project). There are plenty of album-fillers that exists on here as well, even songs that barely seen the light of radio airplay. The project does bring about two newcomers to the scene from PAJAM's latest discovery 21:03 ("Sweet Spirit") and Darrell Petties & SIP ("Glory Hallelujah").

Most gospel enthusiasts would comment on the fact that they own most of the material from the original artist - but if one wants to collect some of the year's finest (the year would be 2004), this is a good way to start. Other than that, you may wanna back away and save the money for later.