Anne Wilson Celebrates ‘REBEL’ Anniversary with ‘REBEL (Revisited)’
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
PLATINUM-certified, GRAMMY-nominated artist and songwriter Anne Wilson is marking a significant milestone in her career with the release of REBEL (Revisited), a special edition that commemorates the one-year anniversary of her groundbreaking, genre-blending Christian country album, REBEL. Originally unveiled on April 21, 2024, REBEL represented a pivotal moment for Wilson, boldly fusing faith-filled messages with the raw authenticity of country music. With REBEL (Revisited), Wilson brings a poignant close to the chapter of this trailblazing record, offering listeners five fresh interpretations of fan-favorite tracks that have come to define this impactful era and solidify her standing as one of the most compelling voices in both Christian and country music.
“I am so excited to release this special edition of REBEL on the one year anniversary of this album that means so much to me,” shared Wilson, reflecting on the journey. “Since releasing REBEL, life has been such a whirlwind filled with one incredible moment after another. Seeing these songs go from the writing room to the studio, from the studio to the radio and finally to the stage has brought me so much joy! I hope these songs have encouraged people to remember that sometimes being a rebel ain’t such a bad thing. After all, the one I follow was a rebel like me!” Her words underscore the personal and spiritual significance of the album, highlighting its core message of finding strength and purpose in defying conventional expectations.
The new deluxe version of REBEL features a captivating reimagined take on “Rain In The Rearview (Acoustic),” offering a stripped-down intimacy to the popular track. It also includes powerful acoustic and collaborative versions of other standout songs, such as “Praying Woman” (with Lainey Wilson) (Acoustic)” and “Country Gold (with Jordan Davis) (Acoustic),” showcasing her ability to connect with other leading artists across genres. Additionally, the deluxe edition features an acoustic rendition of her No.1 hit at Christian radio, “Strong (Acoustic),” further emphasizing the raw power of her vocals and songwriting. Rounding out the new offerings is the “Church Session” version of her latest single, “The Cross (Church Session),” which is currently making significant strides, climbing into the Top 10 at Christian radio.
Upon its initial release last year, REBEL immediately captured the attention of both fans and industry insiders with its innovative genre-blending approach. GRAMMY.com lauded her ability to “hit the bullseye between contemporary Christian and country twang,” while Billboard praised her for bringing her “faith-rooted country sound” to life with remarkable honesty and conviction. Produced by the talented duo Jeff Pardo and Jonathan Smith, the project was celebrated by People magazine as a “trailblazing album that’s unmistakably both country and Christian, with a faith element in every one of its 16 tracks.” This album marked a significant breakout moment in Wilson’s career, earning her first CMT Music Award nomination for Breakthrough Female Video of the Year with “Rain In The Rearview” and securing top honors at the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards for Bluegrass/Country/Roots Album of the Year.
Following the success of her entirely sold-out 27-date The REBEL Tour late last year, Wilson kicked off 2025 on the road as part of WINTER JAM, a massive 38-city run that culminated in a sold-out crowd at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on March 23. Wilson is set to continue bringing her dynamic live show to audiences throughout the summer, with appearances at some of Christian and country music’s most anticipated festivals. She will also join Morgan Wallen’s highly popular I’m The Problem Tour for select dates, further expanding her reach and influence.
Anne Wilson, a Lexington, Ky. native, has rapidly emerged as one of Nashville’s most inspiring young trailblazers, revolutionizing modern music with her transcendent vocal abilities and down-to-earth storytelling. Her album REBEL is a bold musical statement paired with an even bolder message of faith. It features her hopeful and healing debut country single “Rain In The Rearview,” alongside the chart-topping ballad “Strong,” which soared to No. 1 at Christian radio, and her subsequent Christian radio single “The Cross (with Chris Tomlin).” This genre-bending album builds upon the success of her GRAMMY-nominated 2022 debut, My Jesus, whose title track became a PLATINUM-certified No. 1 hit on Billboard’s Christian Airplay chart. Since then, Wilson has amassed an astounding over one billion global streams, made her Grand Ole Opry debut, and successfully wrapped her entirely sold-out headlining My Jesus Tour and the recent 27-stop The REBEL Tour in fall 2024. Already recognized as a Spotify Hot Country Artist to Watch, one of CMT’s Next Women of Country, and a 2024 Opry NextStage Artist, she has made high-profile appearances on TODAY and at the ACM Honors, while also earning her first-ever CMT Music Awards nomination, as well as a Billboard Music Award. On October 25, Wilson released REBEL (Live From Lexington), a 10-track live record featuring standouts from her genre-blending album REBEL, as well as her breakout hit “My Jesus.” Unapologetically real and driven by a clear purpose and conviction, Anne Wilson continues to set herself apart in the music industry.
Photo credit: Robby Klein