Emerging from a fevered state, Mose Wilson's track “That’s Love” encapsulates the intricate feelings – and chaotic moments – of love that resonate throughout his second album.
Stream: “That’s Love” – Mose Wilson
In a haze of illness, armed only with a guitar and some DayQuil, Mose Wilson inadvertently crafted the song that would become the essence of his new album, “That’s Love.” Last January, confined to his bed with a severe cold – or possibly the flu – he relied on cold medication, sleep, and the occasional bowl of chicken noodle soup. On the fifth day, still fatigued but finally sitting up, he took a few sips of DayQuil, brewed a cup of coffee, and reached for his guitar.
“That’s Love” – Mose Wilson
“I started strumming this groove between D minor and A7,” Wilson reminisces. “Then a melody just flowed out of me. I think I played for what seemed like an hour – probably closer to 10 minutes – and suddenly had the idea to write a love song.”
However, it wouldn’t be your typical love song. Wilson wasn’t aiming for something cheerful or even sorrowful. He sought something genuine that encompassed not only the highs and lows but everything in between.
He wrote as quickly as he could, captured a single voice memo on his phone, and then went back to sleep. Hours later, he listened back. It felt complete. He didn’t modify a single word or chord. That song born from fever, “That’s Love,” became the heart of the album – and also its title track, set for release on July 17. Atwood Magazine is excited to premiere this song today ahead of its launch!
That’s love
It’s good and it’s bad
That’s love
It’s happy and sad
You can’t live without it
And you can’t stop it
That’s love
From the start to the finish
That’s love
It’s pleasure and pain
That’s love
In truth and in vain
You can resist it
Or allow it to take over
But that’s love
Body and soul
The 11-track album “That’s Love” serves as Wilson’s much-anticipated follow-up to his self-titled debut released four years earlier. This time around, he fully embraced the role of producer, molding the sound from beginning to end. The final rendition of “That’s Love” retains the rawness of the initial demo, enhanced with a touch of magic, recorded at The Bomb Shelter in Nashville.
Much like his earlier works, the album occupies the space between roots, country, and Americana, yet it also integrates elements of soul, funk, and rock and roll—an eclectic mix that mirrors his life experiences and diverse influences. From the catchy “Cajun Baby” ready for two-stepping to the seductive charm of “Dance with You,” “That’s Love” highlights Wilson’s skill in transitioning between various moods and styles while remaining true to his authentic voice.
Mose Wilson © Justin Hughes
Wilson began strumming the guitar and leading hymns in church at the tender age of six, despite coming from a family without a musical background.
By the time he was able to pen songs, he had been influenced by the sounds of country icons like Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Over the years, Wilson’s songwriting has expanded to delve into themes of love and heartbreak, mortality, family, nightlife, and the quiet moments that shape a life. On “That’s Love,” these themes are especially pronounced. The album does not portray love as simplistic or idealistic; rather, it embraces its contradictions and acknowledges both its beauty and its bruises.
Each track possesses a natural, unembellished quality, anchored by Wilson’s candid delivery. Whether he sings about clinging too long, letting go too soon, or discovering something sacred in life’s everyday chaos, the common thread is a profound honesty.
His guitar work supports the songs without overshadowing them. The analog ambiance of The Bomb Shelter enhances the recordings, making it feel intimate, as though you are right there in the room. The production is discreet yet intentional, designed to amplify the narratives.
In addition to his own music, Wilson has spent years working with esteemed artists such as Melissa Carper, Hannah Juanita, Sweet Megg, and Eliza Thorn. These musical alliances have influenced his sound, and the impact is apparent – a hint of jazz, a touch of swing, perhaps a dash of bluegrass – yet it remains distinctly Wilson.
Mose Wilson © Justin Hughes
“That’s Love” transcends being merely a collection of songs; it reflects his perspective: that life, like love, is filled with challenging edges and concealed grace.
The album does not seek
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Emerging from a passionate dream, Mose Wilson’s song “That’s Love” encapsulates the complex feelings – and chaotic experiences – of love that resonate in the core of his second album.