- Content: Anne Wilson Brings ‘God Back into Country Music’ with New Album
By Movieguide® Contributor
Christian artist Anne Wilson recently released her second album, “Rebel,” which combines her country and Christian roots.
“I didn’t change who I was. I stuck to who I am and what I believe, and it’s really cool to see how it’s all come together,” she told PEOPLE of her album.
“I was hesitant at first. I said, ‘I’m not gonna change who I am to do country music.’ And [Nashville recording exec Cindy Mabe] said, ‘We want you to be exactly who you are. We don’t want you to change a thing, and we need you to bring God back into country music,’” Wilson recalled.
At just 22 years old, Wilson already received a Grammy nomination for her previous album, “My Jesus,” and two K-LOVE Fan Awards.
The singer rose to fame several years ago by accident. After her brother’s death when she was 15, Wilson sang for his funeral, then recorded the song “What A Beautiful Name It Is.” The video, “intended only for family and friends, soon went viral, and a Nashville talent scout reached out. Two years later, Wilson signed a recording contract to launch her contemporary Christian music career,” PEOPLE reported.
Wilson never planned to become a singer, believing she was bad at it.
“I thought I was horrible singing. I thought I was so bad. I never believed in myself that I could be a singer. It’s just not something that crossed my brain, which is crazy now.”
“It was ultimately a surrender to God, and to say I’m gonna lay down my desire to be an astronaut and all the other things I want to do with my life just to go follow you,” she explained. “And the ride God has taken me on has been crazy. Some days, I’m like, ‘OK, God, you can slow it down’ or ‘Let’s take a break for just a second, so I can breathe.’ And it has not stopped.”
On the day “Rebel” released, Wilson posted a video on Instagram featuring several songs.
“REBEL is available now everywhere you find music! This record is a combination of my love for the message of the Gospel and country music. I hope y’all love these songs!!!” she wrote.
Movieguide® previously reported on Wilson:
Anne Wilson is dishing on her new album, “Rebel,” ahead of its release on April 19.
The album’s name and title track have significance for Wilson, but she believes it will resonate with all Christ followers.
“Having faith in the world that we live in today makes me feel a little bit like a rebel,” she said. “It’s like when we have faith, we’re the odd ones out. But yet the world can go talk about all these horrible subjects, and it’s welcomed and invited.”
“But when we talk about our faith, it’s like, somehow, we’re like the ones in the wrong,” she continued. “And it just felt like an inspiration to go, ‘You know, I’m going to write a record that is so steeped in faith.’ …Being a follower of Jesus in the world that we live in today makes you a rebel, because Jesus was a rebel. And so if you’re trying to be like Him, you’re going to end up being a rebel. And so all those different things came into one big idea and we wrote the song.”
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