I am so pleased to be able to write this next review, as it is always easier to write a good review about something you are excited about, or just really like, in general. I think I can honestly say both apply here.
~>Many thanks to Universal Music Group for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation<~
Anne Wilson is a new Christian Singer/Songwriter (definitely not to be confused with Ann Wilson of "Heart" fame), who just released her Debut Album, "My Jesus," on April 22nd.
You may have heard her title track this past year on Christian Radio or on your favorite streaming platform, or if you were fortunate enough to attend the Zach Williams Christmas or Spring Concert tours, where she was a special guest artist. She showed up >>for me<< as a recommended artist in my "discover weekly" list on Spotify a couple of weeks ago, so again, I was delighted to be asked to join this review/giveaway campaign and share her music with you all.
In addition to hearing the music, I was given the opportunity to join Anne's Album Launch Livestream Event this past Wednesday, and I enjoyed getting a glimpse of this talented young lady. She only *just turned 20 this February, and she writes and sings with a wisdom beyond her years. Fun little fact from the livestream~ She spent a year and half pounding out 130 or so songs, the cream of which made it on to her debut album. I can attest to the determination and work ethic that feat requires~ pretty great in one so young. Some other fun facts learned at the livestream:
On a more serious note, one of the main threads throughout much of her album is a recurring theme of hard times and despair defeated by the power, glory, grace and love of God. One might wonder at the veracity of a barely 20-something effectively handling the deep and dark right next to the deep and redeeming light, but Anne has walked a tough road herself, and many teens and young twenties experience more discouragement, hopelessness, and distress than some of us want to acknowledge.
In Anne's case, during one of the most vulnerable and difficult time in anyone's life (15 years old) she suffered the tragic loss of her 23-year-old brother in a car accident. This loss clearly impacted her, but she turned to God for comfort and peace, which is evident in many of the songs throughout the album. What a gift to be able to empathize with others based on shared experience and then turn that into music to minister to the soul. For more on Anne, you can read her Biography here, and listen to her talk about that time and her story here.
- Anne Wilson is the first female solo artist debut single to reach #1 on the Billboard Christian Airplay chart
- Anne Wilson’s debut single “My Jesus” was the longest #1 single on Billboard’s Christian Air-play chart of 2021 at 7 weeks total
- “My Jesus” was nominated for a 2022 Billboard Music Award for “Top Christian Song” against Kanye West(For those interested, the awards will broadcast live coast-to-coast on May 15 at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on NBC. It will also stream live on Peacock).
- “My Jesus” Hit #1 on Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 and #19 on the Rolling Stone Top 25 Trending charts
- Anne Wilson was featured as Billboard’s October 2021 Chartbreaker Artist in their 21 Under 21 issue
In Anne's case, during one of the most vulnerable and difficult time in anyone's life (15 years old) she suffered the tragic loss of her 23-year-old brother in a car accident. This loss clearly impacted her, but she turned to God for comfort and peace, which is evident in many of the songs throughout the album. What a gift to be able to empathize with others based on shared experience and then turn that into music to minister to the soul. For more on Anne, you can read her Biography here, and listen to her talk about that time and her story here.
Album Impressions ~ One thing I found interesting (and appreciated) was the way Anne incorporated a couple of lines {or stanzas} of old hymns in many of her songs, giving a definite nod to gospel hymn roots, without feeling like she was borrowing too much or reworking them. I actually noticed a couple, and then listened for some of the more subtle uses throughout. {see the brackets in my little snippet summations)
- Prelude (Scatter) ~ short instrumental
- Scatter ~ An anthem declaring that the battle is the Lord's, and we can stand firm in the knowledge that He *will* scatter our enemies. {Glory, Hallelujah, My God is marchin' on}
- My Jesus ~ The title track~ another anthem~ so much has been said about this one already, I don't feel the need.
- Devil ~ This is a "fightin' " resurrection song (!😁!) with a refrain of "You brought life to me and death to the Devil. {I was blind but now I can see}
- Sunday Sermons~ Fun, foot-stomping track that honors the impact of being brought up "in church."{Jesus loves me, this I know}
- Hey Girl ~ A tune that joins a few others that walk a line on the side of "Daughter of the King," combating the very real feeling of "not being enough," when in fact, we are each worth so much that Jesus gave His life for us...
- This House ~ This is fantastic~ a rockin' take on the concept of a the parable of the wise man and the foolish man~ without a firm foundation (the word of the Lord), "this house gonna fall" {My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood, my righteousness...} I found it interesting that she changed the wording to "my righteousness," which emphasizes that His righteousness does, indeed, become our righteousness, since we have none of our own.
- Mansions~ A lively little hopeful tune addressing {When we all get to heaven}
Mamas~ (with Hillary Scott) ~ Sweet tune for all the Mamas (and/or mama figures) in our lives.
Featuring Hillary Scott (from Lady A[ntebellum]) “Mamas (Official Music Video)” will release 5/4 for Mother’s Day and includes footage of Anne surprising her mother with the song, as well as footage of Hillary Scott and her daughters.- No Place Like Home ~ A loving tribute to her brother Jacob, and the reality that while we say there is no place like home (here on Earth), there truly is no place like our real home (in Heaven).
- God Thing ~ I use "It's a God thing" as a phrase fairly frequently, and I appreciate that there is now a song pointing out that the big and the small things point to Him and His work! Miracles still happen.
- That’s What We Need~ Hard hitting, truth spitting reminder that there is One Way, One Truth, One Life, and that Love should be our standard.
- Something About That Name~ A fresh take on the name above all names, and the dichotomy of its use by saints and sinners, in joy and sorrow, tender but loud... nicely done!
- Closer To God~ Explores how God can be close, even when we don't understand what we are going through.
- My Jesus (feat. Crowder) ~ fun remix.
I love the fact that so many established musicians like Matthew West, among others, have taken Anne under their wings~ encouraged her, written lyrics and music with her~ mentored her, really, while letting her Country, Gospel Rock roots shine through. I also value the hope that Anne represents as a shining example to those who are distressed by this old world, and those who fear for future generations. There *are those young people who know and love God, and will continue to be beacons, reflecting His light, and drawing the lost safely to the shore of God's amazing grace, mercy, and love.
There truly isn't a track on this album that I don't enjoy! See for yourself!
Stream or purchase Anne’s new album now!
Stream or purchase Anne’s new album now!
You also have a chance to win an autographed copy of Anne's Debut CD in my quick giveaway that ends this THURSDAY, May 5th.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Blessings~
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