EMI CMG’s multi-platinum WOW series –an annual collection of the year’s finest in contemporary Christian music- is releasing its newest collection to stores on October 5th. The double-CD will feature 31 songs, including 15 number one singles and 11 more top-ten entries, from artists such as Third Day, Steven Curtis Chapman, tobymac, and Stacy Orrico.

“WOW Hits 2005 is one of the strongest WOW albums we have released to date,” says David Crace, senior vice president of marketing at EMI CMG. “We know that great songs drive the sale of WOW records and this collection is remarkable. These songs, collectively, are currently generating more than 100 million impressions weekly via Christian radio stations across the country. We are confident that WOW Hits 2005 will be a fan favorite this fall, deliver stronger-than-expected retail sales and play a significant role in industry growth in the New Year.”

The album will be available at a suggested retail price of $23.98 along with a companion DVD at $14.98, which will feature the year’s top music videos from Casting Crowns, Pillar, Selah, and more.

The WOW series has sold more than 14 million records, out of which 4 have achieved Double Platinum status, 9, Platinum, and 8, Gold. In 2000, the Gospel Music Association honored WOW with an Impact Award for expanding the awareness of the genre.

“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 track listing for this year’s compilation is as follows:

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