US trade magazine highlights unprecedented sales of worship CDs.

AMERICA's Christian Retailing magazine published a major feature in its March 1st issue on the continuing sales phenomenon of praise and worship CDs. The article reported that latest sales figures showed that at least 11.1 per cent of Christian music sold in the USA in 2003 fell under the category of praise and worship. The number may be even higher if stores or record labels categorised artist driven projects from Third Day or Newsboys under rock or pop genres. Four of the top 10 best selling albums of 2003 were praise and worship, including 'Worship Together: I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever' (Sparrow/Worship Together) in the top spot, 'Almost There' by MercyMe (INO) at number two, 'Offerings II: All I Have To Give' by Third Day (Essential) at number five and 'WoW Worship Yellow' (Provident) holding the number six position.

Said Gospel Music Association president John Styll, "Nearly half of the top albums are worship records, telling us that our consumers desire a real connection to God with their music and are actively seeking music that extends their church experience into daily life." CR

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