My Jesus (album)

Anne Wilson initially attracted publicity, with the release of her cover of "What a Beautiful Name" by Hillsong Worship on YouTube, catching the attention of label executives which resulted in the signing of a record deal with Capitol Christian Music Group toward the end of 2019.[12] Wilson then released her debut single "My Jesus" on April 16, 2021.[13] "My Jesus" became a record-breaking hit for Wilson, marking the largest new artist debut single launch for Capitol Christian Music Group in ten years,[14] and Wilson becoming the first female solo artist to top the Billboard Christian Airplay chart since the chart's launch in 2003.[15] On August 6, 2021, Wilson released her first extended play, My Jesus (Live in Nashville).[16] The EP peaked at number 12 on the Top Christian Albums chart in the United States.[17]

On March 2, 2022, Wilson announced that she will be releasing her debut studio album, My Jesus, on April 22, 2022.[18] Wilson collaborated with songwriters such as Matthew West, Mia Fieldes, Jonathan Smith, Jeff Pardo, Emily Weisband, and Ben Glover among others.[19] Anne Wilson shared the story behind the album,[20] saying:

This record was written over the last two years of my life and is a collection of songs that each mean different things to me. Every song is a different side of me as an artist – country, worship, and radio – songs that speak to the masses and songs that speak to specific people or seasons. I feel like God placed this calling over my life to minister to those who've lost someone and are hurting. With these songs, I want to speak life and joy to people walking through pain and loss.

My Jesus was released on April 22, 2022,[1] with Wilson also announcing the My Jesus Album Launch Livestream Event, slated for April 27, where Wilson would perform songs from the album and discuss the process behind making the record.[21]

Musically, Jonathan Andre of 365 Days of Inspiring Media said the album was an attempt to "try and marry both CCM and country together," comparing it to Chris Tomlin's 2020 album Chris Tomlin & Friends.[22] Andre said the album contains "songs of hope, joy and peace."[22] Christopher Wegner of CNTRY classified the album as "country music with a Christian message," while calling Wilson "the female equivalent of Christian superstar Zach Williams," and comparing her voice to Maren Morris.[23] Kelly Meade of Today's Christian Entertainment described the album's sound as a blend of country, gospel and bluegrass.[24] Jesus Freak Hideout's Josh Balogh said the album contains "a veritable smorgasbord of styles with the country genre as its anchor," further explaining that "There's a strong current of gothic country, with a smattering of modern country and radio-ready pop ballads to keep things fresh."[25] Timothy Yap of JubileeCast said the songs were embedded "with a modern country backing that Morgan Wallen or Chris Stapleton would be proud of."[26] Lyrically, Yap observed that the songs were "situated within narrative contexts of Wilson's upbringing and life in Lexington, Kentucky," further adding that "she brings three-dimensional situations, people, and feelings to her songs."[26] CMT described the album as "A rootsy-country collection that displays Wilson’s self-discovery while coping with a devastating loss."[27]

The album begins with "Prelude (Scatter)" which sets the tone with a build-up into the second track "Scatter."[24] "Scatter" is a "a country-rock head banger,"[22] as the lyrics "tell of shouting praises to the Lord until the enemy turns to run at the sound."[24] The third song is the title track, which is "a gospel-infused celebration of the power, love and grace found in Jesus,"[24] and "offers heartfelt sentiments to the weary."[25] It is followed by "Devil" which has a "defiant gothic-country sound,"[25] as the lyrics "remind us of the limited power the devil actually has."[22] "Sunday Sermons" that exhibits a "grandiose country pop" sound,[23] while it also "transports us into the church as Wilson reminds us how God can utilize an average pastor's message for his glory."[26] "Hey Girl" is "a playful earworm calling women to see themselves as God does.[25]" It is succeeded by "This House" which "shows us of the essential nature of the foundation of the word of the Lord."[22] "Mansions" is a track which "celebrates eternal life and what Jesus has instore for those who are part of his kingdom."[26] "Mamas" is a "shuffle-step song,"[25] which details "the reasons why we need our mama’s in our lives."[22] "No Place Like Home" is a "stripped-down acoustic guitar backed track; this ballad presents many heart-warming vignettes of the times Wilson spent with her sister."[26] "God Thing" is an upbeat song that "moments that cannot be explained by mere reason, but some thing that God intervenes (or even uses) for His glory and our good."[22] "That's What We Need" is a track that points out how "instead of just going through the motions of empty faith, we need to be living out our belief in Jesus and doing what the Bible says."[24] "Something About That Name" serves as a reminder of "how there’s something about the power of Jesus's name, that the God we serve and the name of Him we declare from our mouths, has the power to do things we may not perceive possible."[22] "Closer to God" showcases "the trembling vocals of Wilson,"[25] as she asserts that "in every circumstance, triumph and even tragedy, God uses to bring us closer to Himself, even if we don't see it in the moment."[22] The album ends with a duet version of the title track featuring Crowder, highlighting their complimentary styles.[24]

In the United States, My Jesus debuted at number one on the Top Christian Albums chart in the United States dated May 7, 2022, earning a total of 13,000 equivalent album units in sales in its first week.[49] The album concurrently registered on the mainstream Billboard 200 chart at number 68.[50]

Adapted from AllMusic.[51]

• Lyrics and sheet music for the album on PraiseCharts