"Happy Man" by B.J.Thomas (1979)

Very pretty, mellifluous contemporary gospel album by Texas singer who never really left gospel music behind, although he broke really big into pop charts with several #1 hits but this was obviously music close to his heart. Its religious only because of lyrics and the message is actually very philosophical, in spirit of "What a Wonderful World" - love for humanity, friendship, compassion for fellow travelers, understanding and love - all wrapped in easy listening, light pop sound that with different words could easily be love songs to a girl or a lover. Change "Jesus" for "Girl" and it could have been just perfect 1970s pop music. 

As I understand, this seems to have been period when Billy Joe Thomas had some personal issues and briefly lost a direction in life, but he quickly gained back the confidence and foundation trough faith, marriage and adoption of baby. It shows in this music, because this is a statement of grown up, adult man who has something else to say instead recording just another love song - no matter what opinion about religion you might have, the message here is universal and even the old curmudgeon like me actually genuinely enjoys this. First of all, Thomas is just amazingly smooth singer and I could listen to him all day long, no matter what genre - his tenderness, honesty and warmth are sincere, this is not acting or show biz, it's kind of voice that comes from the heart. The fact that in dark times he turned back to religion (where he started, singing in a church choir) and now decided to celebrate Lord's name, well personally I have absolutely no problems with it since essential messages here are basically comforting. Or I heard too many gospel albums by Al Green so I don't find it unusual, preachy or intrusive at all. Interestingly enough, I came to this album few years ago and its just strange how it had sneaked under my skin, I never thought this would appeal to me as much. The album itself was actually very successful, with four singles on charts and it was one of five Grammy awards Thomas got for Best Inspirational Performance, so at that time he was really biggest contemporary Christian artist of the period. (His album was the very first Christian album to go platinum). I just love this.