Looking for musical gift ideas?

Compiled by JOANNE BROKAW

Sure bets for the music lover on your list: greatest hits and compilations. Here are a few of the albums available this Christmas season.

Greatest Hits 1986-2004 Amy Grant (Word) – Re-experience the songs of one of Christian music’s pioneers, Amy Grant. From her crossover hit “Baby Baby” to the duet “House of Love” with her now-husband Vince Gill to two new recordings written just for this album, fans of Amy Grant will love the digitally re-mastered trip down memory lane with one of Christian music’s trailblazing singer/songwriters.

CCM’s Top 100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music Volume 1 (Creative Trust Workshop) – For long-time Christian music fans, CCM Magazine offers 25 selections from it’s list of top 100 songs, including “Awesome God” by Rich Mullins, “Testify to Love” by Avalon, “The Great Adventure” by Steven Curtis Chapman, and “The Warrior is a Child” by Twila Paris. This volume includes two tribute songs, “When God Ran” sung by Across the Sky, and “Oh, Lord, You’re Beautiful” sung by Warren Barfield.

WOW Hits 2005 (EMI CMG/Word/Provident) – For new Christian music fans, this compilation of 31 hits from 2005 is a great introduction to Christian music. With songs like “Here with Me” by MercyMe, “Grace Like Rain” by Todd Agnew, “Disappear” by Bebo Norman and “Sea of Faces” by Kutless, listeners can explore a broad range of musical styles while hearing songs from both established and new artists. Other artists included: Stephen Curtis Chapman, Stacie Orrico, Jeremy Camp, David Crowder Band, Caedmon’s Call, Chris Rice and more.

Hymns: Live Songs of our Faith Various – Recorded live at Passion’s 2003 Thirsty Conference in Atlanta, this project highlights hymns that are 100 years old or older made new by today’s leading worshippers like Chris Tomlin, David Crowder, and Matt Redman. Songs include “Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee,” led by Charlie Hall; “Doxology,” led by David Crowder; “How Great Thou Art,” led by Charlie Hall; “On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand,” led by Charlie Hall; and “Raise up The Crown (All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name),” led by Chris Tomlin.

Hymns of Faith, Songs of Inspiration Sandy Patti (INO Records) – The most awarded female vocalist in contemporary Christian music history, this is a collection of traditional and timeless hymns and songs, including “A Mighty Fortress is our God,” “Shout to the Lord,” “The Old Rugged Cross” and “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Spirituals for the Soul Various artists (Discovery House Music) – Sometimes called “sorrow songs”, spirituals were born during the slave era of America and were passed along through generations through oral traditions. This collection of hauntingly beautiful songs - including “Swing Low Sweet Chariot,” “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen,” and “Were You There?” - are performed by Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis, Jr., Larnelle Harris, Chris Willis, Debbie McClendon-Smith, and Wintley Phipps, backed by a 54-piece orchestra. The liner notes include stories about famous African Americans like Booker T. Washington, Harriet Tubman, and George Washington Carver. Truly an historic and spiritual collection of sad and yet uplifting songs.

I Could Not Love You More Bruce Marchiano with various artists (Here to Him Records) – Bruce Marchiano portrayed Christ in The Gospel According to Matthew (Visual Bible), and has an uncanny ability to capture the joy of Christ not only on screen, but in telling His story on this unique collection of music and spoken word. Soothing, moving music from a diverse group of artists including Tinman Jones, Margaret Becker, Among Thorns, Kelly Minter and Carman mixed with the spoken message that Jesus loves you. Released at the same time as the book Jesus Wept, by Bruce Marchiano, which addresses the question “Where is God when I hurt?” Drawing on the story of Lazarus, Marchiano tells readers that in the midst of their pain, Jesus weeps for them.

The Passion of the Christ: Songs Various (Lost Keyword) – After viewing Mel Gibson’s highly publicized film, “The Passion of the Christ,” a diverse group of artists including Third Day, Lauryn Hill, Scott Stapp, Steven Curtis Chapman, Yolanda Adams and P.O.D. were compelled to write songs that would express their emotions stirred by the film. The album marks former Creed frontman Scott Stapp’s debut as a solo artist.