Capitol CMG
Release Date: September 29th 2023
Reviewed by: Jonathan Andre
Anne Wilson– REBEL (The Beginning) EP (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- REBEL
- Strong
- Rain In The Rearview
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 more recent 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 2022 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, and be encouraged, blessed, inspired and challenged in your walk with Jesus.
In April this year, 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 (because you can source most of the songs from elsewhere!), the fan in me jumps for joy as I’m a fan of Anne and her music, and it’s great to have her entire discography (at the time) all in one place! 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. You can read about our thoughts of Anne’s deluxe edition of My Jesus here, but just this past month, Anne has released a brand new EP, titled REBEL (The Beginning).
With Anne having released probably her most heartbreaking and harrowing song yet, in the honest ballad “Seventh Of June” on the 7th June this year; these upbeat, uplifting and powerful three new melodies represent somewhat of a new lease on life. Whether they form part of a new upcoming project or not is irrelevant. What matters is that Anne is singing about matters of eternity and is proclaiming Jesus’ name above all else. The title track is an energetic country-esque hoe-down stomping melody about standing for the gospel and about being a rebel because Jesus Christ Himself was a rebel who first loved us; while the CCM radio single “Strong” will earn many radio spins, with Anne fervently and earnestly relaying that she needs Jesus all the time, and that ‘…I’m strong when I got nothing, I’m strong even when I’m weak, ’cause the strong arms of my Savior are holding on to me I hit my knees with my hands held high saying, “Dear Lord, Jesus, you know I can’t do this on my own, I can’t do this on my own”, Lord knows I’ve tried but I’m good at falling down, thank God you’re good at picking me up off the ground, the world’s gonna try to break me but I know the one who makes me strong…’. The final track in this short but sweet EP is “Rain In The Rearview”, a bonafide country melody (that’s being sent to country radio this month!), that speaks about leaving your troubles behind and leaving the ‘rain’ in the rearview, and running towards the ‘sun’. there’s no mention of Jesus, but it is inferred, and as believers we all know Anne’s heart. Is Anne moving into country music? Maybe. I wouldn’t really be opposed to that, and you all shouldn’t either is God is moving her in that direction.
Is there anything more to say about Anne Wilson and her burgeoning impact in the CCM and country music 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, this new single dedicated to Anne’s brother, as well as these three songs describing her new musical journey? Well done Anne, I seriously cannot wait to hear what God has in store for you next!
Score: 5/5
RIYL: Zach Williams, Crowder, Third Day, Casting Crowns, Lady A, Carly Pearce