Love Shines cover

Love Shines

B. J. Thomas · 1983

32 min · 10 tracks · country music

A heartfelt blend of contemporary Christian and country influences, underscored by B. J. Thomas's soulful vocals and uplifting melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Love Shines Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's core message of hope and faith, highlighted by an anthemic chorus that invites listener participation.
  • →
    He's Coming Back in a Blaze of Glory — This track combines traditional gospel themes with a modern rock vibe, showcasing Thomas's ability to bridge genres while delivering a powerful message.
  • →
    Pray for Me — With its poignant lyrics and emotional delivery, this song reflects personal vulnerability and dependence on faith, making it a standout moment on the album.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • uplifting themes of hope
  • short bursts of joyful energy
  • reflective moments of connection
  • sing-along choruses with friends

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lengthy, immersive albums
  • want darker, more complex themes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — Solid entry in the catalog, but not widely recognized or essential for new listeners.
Themes
faith-based hope· gospel rock revival
Career context
Released in 1983, Love Shines marked B. J. Thomas's return to the music scene after a series of successful pop hits in the 1970s. This album is a pivotal moment that showcases his transition into contemporary Christian music, following his earlier crossover success with songs like 'Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head.'
Stylistic neighbors
Glen Campbell· Jim Croce· John Denver
New to B. J. Thomas? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 Love Shines Start here 3:04
  • 2 He's Got Religion 3:27
  • 3 Best Friend 3:26
  • 4 Born to Fly 3:37
  • 5 They See God There 2:57
  • 6 He's Coming Back in a Blaze of Glory 2:53
  • 7 Teach Me to See 3:32
  • 8 Pray for Me 3:18
  • 9 That's What's Wrong With the World Today 3:11
  • 10 Let's All Go Down to the River 2:39

What to play next

The Great American Dream
Listen next

The Great American Dream

1983

Continues the uplifting themes with a fresh sound from the same year.
Some Love Songs Never Die
Go back to

Some Love Songs Never Die

1981

Sets the emotional tone that leads into the reflective nature of Love Shines.
Full B. J. Thomas discography Where to start with B. J. Thomas Artists like B. J. Thomas
contemporary Christian music

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Age to Age

Age to Age

Amy Grant

Shares similar faith-based themes and a blend of pop and country influences with uplifting melodies.

The Big Picture

The Big Picture

Michael W. Smith

Combines heartfelt lyrics with a contemporary Christian sound, echoing the same spiritual uplift.

Songs

Songs

Rich Mullins

Explores themes of faith and hope through a mix of folk and rock that resonates with emotional depth.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata