Released in late 2006 to serve as the definitive collection for the following year, WOW Hits 2007 remains a landmark compilation in the contemporary Christian music (CCM) genre. Featuring a double-disc set of the era’s most influential radio singles, the album captured a pivotal moment of commercial transition for faith-based music, bridging the gap between adult contemporary staples and the emerging prominence of pop-rock worship.
Historical Context of the 2007 WOW Hits Release
The WOW series, a joint venture between the three major Christian record labels of the time—EMI Christian Music Group, Provident Music Group, and Word Entertainment—was designed to provide a "greatest hits" snapshot of the industry. By 2007, the series had established itself as the gold standard for mainstream Christian radio listeners.
The 2007 edition was released in October 2006, adhering to the industry's standard practice of releasing "annual" compilations in the final quarter of the preceding year to capture holiday market share and set the tone for radio programming in the coming calendar year. At this time, the physical CD was still the dominant medium for music consumption, and WOW Hits 2007 functioned as a discovery tool for consumers who relied on radio airplay rather than streaming algorithms to find new music.
Examining the Tracklist and Composition
WOW Hits 2007 was structured as a two-disc compilation, with Disc 1 typically focusing on high-energy pop and rock, while Disc 2 leaned into softer worship and adult contemporary ballads. This division was intentional, catering to the diverse demographics of Christian radio stations that played a blend of high-tempo anthems and meditative worship songs.
The tracklist included artists who were at their commercial peak during the mid-2000s, such as Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns, MercyMe, and Switchfoot. These artists represented a shift away from the more traditional "praise and worship" sounds of the 1990s toward a radio-friendly, production-heavy sound that allowed these songs to compete on secular airwaves.
Key Tracks and Artists
The selection for the 2007 album prioritized radio success, defined by Billboard’s Christian charts. Notable inclusions featured:
- Chris Tomlin: "How Great Is Our God," a song that has since become a modern hymn performed in churches globally.
- Casting Crowns: "Lifesong," which solidified their status as the premier storytelling band of the decade.
- MercyMe: "So Long Self," showcasing their ability to blend pop sensibilities with introspective lyrics.
- Switchfoot: "Stars," representing the cross-over success of bands that were charting in both CCM and mainstream rock formats.
- Jeremy Camp: "This Man," a staple of the emotional, guitar-driven pop sound that dominated the era.
Comparison of Contemporary and Traditional CCM Compilations
To understand the value proposition of WOW Hits 2007, it is helpful to look at how it compared to other music distribution models of the mid-2000s. Unlike standard studio albums, which were artist-centric, the WOW series offered a low-cost, high-value alternative for listeners who wanted a variety of artists without purchasing individual albums.
| Feature | WOW Hits 2007 Compilation | Individual Artist Studio Album |
|---|---|---|
| Artist Variety | 30+ Artists per set | Single Artist |
| Cost Efficiency | High (Cost per track is significantly lower) | Lower (Higher cost for 10-12 tracks) |
| Discovery | Excellent for finding new bands | Focused on one style/sound |
| Longevity | Snapshot of a year in radio | Evergreen artistic statement |
| Target Audience | Broad/Radio Listeners | Devoted Fanbase |
The Legacy of the 2007 Release
The legacy of WOW Hits 2007 is tied to the commercial peak of the physical compilation format. It represents the "golden age" of the CD box set, where listeners looked forward to the annual release as an event. Beyond the individual songs, the collection serves as a historical document of the musical aesthetic of 2007.
The technical production of these tracks reflected a refinement in mixing and mastering standards within the Christian music industry. By 2007, producers were achieving a level of sonic polish that made CCM indistinguishable in quality from mainstream pop, facilitating the genre’s expansion into broader cultural spaces. Furthermore, the album validated the "worship-as-pop" model. Songs like Tomlin’s "How Great Is Our God" effectively moved from the church sanctuary to the radio, fundamentally changing the business model for future songwriters who began prioritizing the radio-viability of congregational music.
Common Questions Regarding the 2007 WOW Hits
Why was the album released in 2006 if it is titled 2007? The WOW series consistently released its annual compilations in the autumn (usually October) of the year prior. This ensured the album was available as a holiday gift during the high-traffic retail season and was ready for full radio rotation by January 1st of the namesake year.
Are these tracks still relevant for current listeners? Many of the songs featured on the 2007 compilation have become foundational in the modern worship canon. Unlike many pop songs from 2007 which may feel dated due to changing production trends, these tracks are still frequently performed in liturgical and non-denominational church settings, preserving their utility for worship leaders and congregations.
What was the primary impact of the WOW series on the music industry? The WOW series acted as an essential aggregator for radio stations. Because radio programmers often looked at the tracklists of the WOW compilations to decide what songs held the most mass appeal, the album itself became a tastemaker that could influence which songs remained in rotation for months at a time.
Where can one find this compilation in 2026? While physical copies are widely available on the secondary market (used record stores and auction sites), the tracks are also available through most major digital music streaming platforms. However, users should note that because compilations are licensed entities, they may sometimes be removed or split into individual artist catalogs depending on shifting digital rights agreements.
Practical Guidance for Collectors and Listeners
For those interested in revisiting or collecting the 2007 edition, there are a few practical considerations.
- Physical Condition: If buying a used CD, check the discs for scratches in the "data" layer. Because WOW albums were often played in vehicles, discs from this era are frequently found with surface wear.
- Digital Verification: If searching for the album on a streaming service, search by the full title "WOW Hits 2007." Sometimes, individual tracks are listed under the original artist’s album, so using the compilation title is necessary to find the specific track order and curation that made the 2007 release unique.
- Historical Analysis: For those studying the evolution of Christian music, comparing the 2007 tracklist to the 2000 and 2010 editions will reveal the rapid decline of "soft rock" and the aggressive rise of "stadium worship" as the primary drivers of the genre.
WOW Hits 2007 serves as both a nostalgic touchstone for those who grew up in the era and a significant historical marker for how the Christian music industry reached its highest level of mainstream integration. Whether for archival purposes or personal listening, it remains a defining artifact of mid-2000s music culture.
