For this album, Colton Dixon wrote songs with TobyMac and Matthew West, in addition to his regular collaborators David Garcia, Ben Glover, Adam Watts, Andy Dodd and Gannin Arnold. He wrote "Our Time Is Now" with TobyMac before touring with him as part of the Winter Jam tour in early 2014, but finished the song afterwards.[2] The song "More of You" was the last song recorded for the album, and it was released as the lead single on June 24, 2014.[3]
According to Dixon, the title of the song "Anchor" came from a need for anchor as the foundation of life because at times he felt he was drifting. The idea behind the song then turned into this theme-based record.[4][5]
Promotion
Dixon's image will appear on millions of Mountain Dew cans distributed by the Pepsi company at Wal-Mart. The cans will also come with a free download from the album.[6]
Indicating in a four star review by CCM Magazine, Andy Argyrakis calls the music simply, "extraordinary".[8] Matthew Cordle, in an eight out of ten review from Cross Rhythms, realizing, "While there are a couple of weaker, less inspiring moments and there could have been a little more sonic variety, most of the songs here are uplifting and thought-provoking."[11] Signaling in a four and a half star review from New Release Tuesday, Caitlin Lassiter recognizing, "Anchor surpasses expectations and shows off Colton's talent in new ways. For such a young artist, an album of this caliber is truly amazing."[14] In rating the album three and a half stars Wayne Myatt for Jesus Freak Hideout, referencing, "much credit is given to Colton Dixon for taking a different approach with this project and trying something more diverse; this is a welcome pop rock release in 2014."[12] Jonathan Andre, awarding the album four stars at 365 Days of Inspiring Media, says, "Well done Colton for such an empowering, encouraging and enjoyable album".[7] Rating the album a 4.5 out of five for Christian Music Review, Amanda Brogan writes, "Colton Dixon calls us to join him in walking with Christ amidst the storm."[9] Writing a review for Christian Review Magazine, Leah St. John rating the album five stars states, "All of the tracks on Anchor are excellent, and I could find no fault with any of them."[10] Rebekah Joy, giving the album eight stars at Jesus Wired, describes, "Anchor is a timeless, phenomenal album that will inspire listeners to live their lives for Christ, and encourage them on tough days."[13] Awarding the album a 3.9 out of five star review from PPCORN, Jessica Morris reports, "Anchor will grow on you with each subsequent listen."[15]
Commercial
The album debuted on Billboard 200 at No. 23 with 9,688 copies sold on its debut week.[17] It was also No. 1 on four other charts - Christian/Gospel Album, Digital charts, ChristianRock/Alternative Album chart, and Contemporary Christian Album chart.[18] The album has sold 28,000 copies as of September 2015.[19]
