Bill Wilson - Soul of Christmas (2020)

It’s not too often that artists follow up their hyped debut LP with a holiday album. But, Bill Wilson has never really been a regular artist. At the age when most musicians are winding their careers down with short tours or cover albums, Wilson, 76, put out his first project, Stand Up!. Two years later, he’s following it up with Soul of Christmas, to bring some joy to a holiday season that caps off a turbulent year.

“[People] need something to put in some good uplifting spirits,” Wilson said. “If you have nothing else to think about, think about just being able to celebrate, being able to just be here. We lost so many people this year and I’m sure they were probably thinking of Christmas, too, just like we are.”

It would be easy, amid a pandemic that openly discourages gathering with family and friends, to play up the cynicism of an arduous year. But, Wilson’s intent to create something cheerful and brimming with hope is clear throughout Soul of Christmas. This album is in love with happiness, revering the feelings of camaraderie in the holidays.