Bottom Line:
Everyone knows his name. Everyone knows his voice. Astoundingly enough, most people really know very little of his music outside of, well, two or three songs. But those two or three songs are some of the most immediately recognizable songs in the history of country music, widely known in pop circles and used as standards for country music. Who is this iconic singer? B.J. Thomas. And those songs were, indeed, awesome. Still are, really. But right now B.J. Thomas is singing some new tunes, and it's time to listen to that voice capture more than just "Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song."
I'm well aware that B.J. Thomas has done more than three songs. However, if you asked just the
common person in the street to name a BJ song, the answer would likely be "Raindrops Keep
Fallin' On My Head," "Hooked On A Feeling," or the above-mentioned country standard,
"(Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song." In fact, that last one
is so very much a country standard, it's been used in sitcoms as an example of what country music is
all about (That 70's Show). B.J. Thomas has the voice and style of the true classic Golden Age
of Country, and if you like such crooners as Eddie Rabbit, Ronnie Milsap, Gary Morris, and Kenny
Rogers, then this is exactly the music for you. Relaxed, comfortable, friendly music that falls into
"country" by some quirk of genre-placement, light pop with a slight southern beat maybe, or just
relaxed rock that has enough of a cry in it to be called "country." Whatever it's called, it's not
heavy-handed crossover, like some of today's pop; and it's certainly not unlistenable. It's the good
side of country-pop, and few do it as well as B.J. Thomas does. With his instantly recognizable
voice and dedicated fans, Thomas is ready and raring to go with his new music, his first studio
recording in over a decade, sounding as good as he ever did with some really good songs in his
pocket.
Demonstrating his range and skill, Thomas deftly shifts from tear-drenched love ballads to upbeat
cheerful melodies, proving all the while he most certainly still has the chops to pull it off. While it's
been some time since his last full-length studio album, Thomas has not been away from music
completely. He's been doing live shows (and releasing a live DVD, Raindrops and
Boondocks), contributing songs to movies such as the independent Jake's Corner, and
generally keeping his fingers in the mix. But most important to Thomas has been living his life at
home with wife Gloria and daughters Paige, Nora, and Erin. Once the girls were grown, and
Thomas saw anew how much his fans still loved his music, it was a catalyst that propelled him back
into the studio. The rest didn't hurt him any. There may not be another iconic classic on this disc,
but with strong songs like the title track, "Streets of Fire," "Stranger in the Mirror,"
and "Angel," there is certainly more than enough to please his long-time fans and newcomers
to his music. I can't say if Thomas is going to break out with another lasting hit, but I sure would
like to see radio pick him up. As crossover crooners go, he's certainly one of the best, and just
because he's not an American-Idol-winning twenty-something, he deserves some air play.
Track List:
- Love to Burn
- A Song For You
- Heaven's Gotta Help
- Back Against the Wall
- Angel
- Miracle in You
- Streets of Fire
- Stranger in the Mirror
- Be Honest
- Play Something Sweet
- I Never Could Have Made It Without You
- REMEMBERING ELVIS: T-R-O-U-B-L-E
