Anne Wilson – My Jesus: Anniversary Deluxe Edition

Capitol CMG

Release Date: April 21st 2023

Reviewed by: Jonathan Andre

Anne Wilson– My Jesus: Anniversary Deluxe Edition (Amazon mp3/iTunes)

Track Listing:

Prelude (Scatter)
Scatter
My Jesus
Devil
Sunday Sermons
Hey Girl
This House
Mansions
Mamas (feat. Hillary Scott)
No Place Like Home
God Thing
That’s What We Need
Something About That Name
Closer To God
My Jesus (feat. Crowder)
Living Water
Still God
My Jesus (Live From Kentucky)
Hey Girl (Live From Kentucky)
Hey Girl (Live From Rock The South)
Hey Girl (Radio Version)
Devil (Live)
My Jesus (Live)
Something About That Name (Live)
Boondocks (Live)
No Place Like Home (Live)

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, and one of the most heartfelt and inspiring artists I’ve heard in a long time!), 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? Anne also unveiled a memoir called My Jesus: From Heartache To Hope in October- and I strongly encourage you all to read the book.

Just this past week, Anne unveiled a deluxe edition of her debut album My Jesus, titled My Jesus: Anniversary Deluxe Edition– comprising of 26 tracks and 4 music videos. For long time or avid fans of Anne and her music, this release would be welcomed and probably loved and adored. After all- this is Anne’s debut album, her Hey Girl EP, her live EP, her single “Living Water”, as well as a couple of new tracks in a live version of “My Jesus” and “Still God”- but it’s all packaged together and it’s a timely reminder of Anne’s maturity, her vibrant and refreshing presence in a CCM industry that seems to be stale at times, and it’s a reminder of Anne’s versatility as a singer and as a songwriter. For the casual fan, this release might seem pointless- and though objectively this release may not sound like it’s needed, the fan in me jumps for joy as I’m a fan of Anne and her music! One of my favourite female artists currently, Anne eloquently and powerfully reminds us of the One True King and of our Saviour Jesus Christ, and she also sings about many, many biblical truths. Deluxe editions and re-recordings can be a mixed bag (Little Mix, Ed Sheeran, Switchfoot, Steps, Third Day, Robbie Williams, Avril Lavigne, Sheryl Crow and Shania Twain all released stellar albums, while Jeremy Camp, Newsboys and Phillips Craig And Dean all released uninteresting and uninspiring offerings!); Anne Wilson’s collection of well-rounded songs belong in the first category, and provide to us hope and confidence in the future of CCM.

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 My Jesus: Anniversary Deluxe Edition? 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!

The past year of my life has been more life-giving than anything I could’ve ever dreamed. I released a record that has been such a gift to my life. These songs were picked out of 130 and really spoke to the season of loss I went through when I lost my big brother Jacob in 2017. God has used this record in the most incredible way. So, to celebrate the one-year anniversary of my album, My Jesus, I am releasing My Jesus (Anniversary Deluxe) on April 21!!!! This album includes the never before heard song, “Still God,” and “My Jesus” live from my home state of Kentucky. I cannot wait to release this to y’all!!! Thank you for being on this journey with me and making it just so, so sweet. This is for you Jacob!

I’m so excited!!!! The “My Jesus (Anniversary Deluxe)” album is OUT NOW! I hope y’all enjoy the new song, “Still God,” the new live version of “My Jesus,” and fall in love with these songs all over again.