Capitol Christian Music Group
Release Date: February 3rd 2023
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
Anne Wilson– Living Water (Single) (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- Living Water
If you’re listening to an artist for the first time, trying to figure out their sound and what they’re all about; do you go in with high, low or no expectations? Well, I guess you’d say it depends on whether the artist you’re listening to for the first time, actually is a new artist or is a veteran- and then they’d have a reputation; and you will have a higher expectation than with a completely new artist. Regardless, Anne Wilson (one of the latest signees to Capitol Christian Music Group), is sure to have a bright future. Though I did have some expectations of this young woman of God (considering that she has signed to one of CCM’s most reputable record labels); it is her storytelling, her effervescent optimism, her steadfast faith, and her immense love for Jesus that has won me over as a fan! With Anne singing in public in front of a crowd for the first time at her brother’s funeral- and her garnering a record label deal that way when the video went viral (way back in 2017); Anne’s unwavering faith in Jesus is the backbone of her debut album My Jesus.
I myself reviewed her debut single (of the same name!) here; while Jon unveiled his thoughts on Anne’s debut album, with album standouts like the title track, “Sunday Sermons”, “Devil”, “Something About That Name”, “Hey Girl”, “God Thing” and “Mamas” (with Hillary Scott of Lady A). Through these songs, Anne’s joy and overflowing hope is sure to win even the most hardened of sceptics, and even as Anne wears us all down by her joyous demeanour, let us remember that we are watching a star in the making- and someone we all want to root for! We also voiced our opinions this year about Anne’s live EP– a live project in Nashville, not with a crowd but live in a studio, where we were met with a vibrant, emotive, personal and honest batch of songs, where Anne delivers some of her most well-known songs, and a cover of Little Big Town’s “Boondocks”. We also divulged our thoughts about Anne’s latest EP Hey Girl and Anne’s Christmas EP The Manger; and now that you’ve read these reviews, heard Anne’s songs, seen her extremely encouraging testimony… you’re a fan now, right? Well, if you’re still unsure, then Anne’s latest single “Living Water” is something that could, should and hopefully will engage you thoroughly and comfort you immensely- especially given that this song is the theme song of the upcoming movie Jesus Revolution. A movie we are set to give our opinion on in our sporadic movie reviews page; Jesus Revolution is a movie about the highly publicised ‘Jesus Revolution’ in the 60’s and the impact it has had on Christianity today. And as Anne sings about the true essence of the gospel, we are met with a melody of truth, grace, love, and worship to Jesus, as Anne gives thanks to Jesus and lifts His name on high.
“Living Water” is self-explanatory. It’s a testimony-like track similar in theme to “My Jesus”, and as Anne delivers the gospel message of how we all can ‘…come on down to the living Water, waves of mercy washing over you, no more strangers only sons and daughters, come down to the living Water and rise up new…’, we are encouraged to have a real relationship with Jesus Christ, and to accept His gift of eternal life by believing in the cross and the resurrection. It remains to be seen whether The Jesus Revolution accurately portrays the true gospel of Jesus Christ. But Anne’s powerful melody does and inspires us all to take stock of our own lives and to see whether we’re really following Jesus or not.
Is there anything more to say about Anne Wilson and her burgeoning impact in the CCM industry? With Anne having already made her stage debut at the Grand Ole Opry in September 2021, having released her book called My Jesus, and also being nominated for a Grammy award this year; I don’t think I’ve been this excited for a the upcoming career of a CCM artist since We The Kingdom and their songs! So drop everything and hear about this young star in the making. Seriously! Go do it. Right now! No other excuses needed! Alright, so what do you think? About this song “Living Water” and the rest of Anne’s discography? Well done Anne, I seriously cannot wait to hear what God has in store for you next! Maybe a hymns album or a full-on country album (marketed to the mainstream!) … that’d be cool!
Score: 5/5
RIYL: We The Kingdom, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Matthew West, Tenth Avenue North, Crowder