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On the charts: Review

B.J. Thomas
You Call That A Mountain
Don Chance, Country Music Writer,
Next rating: NEX 1/2

It was clear and cold in Colorado Springs when I first worked with B.J. Thomas at the Colo-rado Opry. Even though he was only one of many major guest artists to perform at the Opry that fall, his short series of sellout-shows made probably the strongest and most lasting impres-sion on the local crowds at the venerable theater. And me. I recall when, standing out by his tour bus before a show, he pointed at Pikes Peak in the dis-tance and said, "You call that a mountain?" At the time, I thought he was just making a subtle joke. But several years later now, Thomas' new album, "You Call That A Mountain," captures all the down-to-earth personality and unique vocal character that has made him such a fan favorite for more than three decades. Opening with the title cut and first single release, "You Call That A Mountain," the album, quickly establishes the fact that, even though his name has been gone from the radio charts for many years, B.J. Thomas has lost none of his ability to deliver a powerful song. Even the old Rafe Van Hoy-penned classic, "What's Forever For," a hit for Michael Martin Murphey back in the early '80s, comes across fresh and new, and loaded with enough potential to make it a good prospect for chart action as the album's follow-up single. Although six of the 11 numbers are fresh re-recordings of past B.J. Thomas hits, including "Hey Won't You Play," "Old Fashioned Love," and the Grammy-winning gospel gem "Home Where I Belong," the new songs are just as impressive. "Somebody's Gonna Lose" and "Most Of All" are the equal of any songs Thomas has ever recorded, and the hit that started his career, the timeless Hank Williams standard, "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," could still be a career-establisher. It's just a good reminder that the man is far from gone! While not everybody will particularly care for "You Call That A Mountain," not even diehard country fans necessarily, it's still an outstanding effort by one of the music industry's most en-during and versatile entertainers. Personally, I liked B.J. Thomas' singing years before I had the pleasure of working with him. His voice has always been distinctive, and his material has usually been just right for the times. And a member of the Grand Ole Opry for almost two decades, Thomas has certainly proven his country leanings. I hope the new album yields a few more hits. And, last I heard, he was still singing to sold-out houses in Colorado Springs.

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