Music
ByThomas NewmanPosted onUpdated on
BJ Thomas began his long and successful career as a country singer in the 1960s. His career spanned more than fifty years, ending on May 29, 2021, when the singer passed away from lung cancer at his Arlington, Texas home at the age of 78. He is best known for his number one chart-busting hit “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” which remained in the number one position for four weeks. His music was a blend of country and adult contemporary. He leaves behind many fans. To honor his memory, and his contributions to the music world, here are the 10 best BJ Thomas songs of all-time ranked per their popularity with fans and critics alike.
10. “As Long as We Got Each Other”
This song became one of the biggest hits from BJ Thomas, released in 1988 on his Midnight Minute album. You might remember it as the theme song for the television sitcom “Growing Pains” with Alan Thicke, the late actor father of singer Robin Thicke. It was the opening song for the show from 1985 through 1992, according to Country Thang Daily.
9. “The Eyes of a New York Woman,” No. 28, 1968
According to Billboard, “The Eyes of a New York Woman was released as the lead single from the album On My Way, in 1968. The song reached the top 30 hit on Billboard’s Hot 100 that year. This was one of the most underrated songs of Thomas’ career when it was released, but it is now viewed as one of his top ten best hits. It’s funny how things change over time. This song featured country music themes but it also leaned toward the pop genre.
8. “No Love At All,”
“No Love At All” was first performed by country singer Lynn Anderson. BJ Thomas revived the song releasing it on his Most of All album in 1971. Upon its release, the song charted at the 16th spot for its all-time high. Thomas took the song even higher than Anderson had, but it had a pop flavor, which he was known for doing with country music.
7. “Rock and Roll Lullaby,”
“Rock and Roll Lullaby” was released as a single in 1972. It was composed by Cynthia Weil and Barry man. It hit the top 20 charts and peaked at the 15th spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, but the Billboard Adult Contemporary music charts took it all the way to number one.
6. “Don’t Worry Baby,”
“Don’t Worry Baby” was one of the most successful cover songs released by Thomas. It came out in 1977 as his interpretation of The Beach Boys’ favorite, and it reached the second position on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart. This was the last big hit for Thomas in the pop music arena, making it to the 17th position on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.
5. “Whatever Happened to Old Fashioned Love”
According to Classic Rock History, this song was released as a country song and it went all the way to number one on US Billboard Country Music charts for 1983. It was one of the biggest hits of his career. The classic was written by Lewis Anderson.
4. “I Just Can’t Help Believing”
“I Just Can’t Help Believing is another tune written by Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann. It was released in 1970 and became yet another BJ Thomas song to hit the top of the charts. It made number one on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary Music chart and also placed in the top ten of Billboard’s Hot 100. The song had previously been released by the late great Elvis Presley.
3. “Hey Won’t You Play Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song”
This song was one of the biggest hits for BJ Thomas. It was played nonstop on the radio when it was released in 1975. It quickly rose to the number one position on the Billboard Top 100 charts, as well as the Billboard Adult Contemporary Music charts, also placing on the Billboard Country charts. It was popular in the United States but also charted in Canada.
2. “Hooked On A Feeling”
“Hooked On Feeling” is the second biggest hit of BJ Thomas’ career. This song was featured in the film “Guardians Of The Galaxy” most recently. It was released in 1868 and became number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart the year of its release. This was an original song that Thomas recorded first and it stuck as one of his best endeavors.
1. “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head”
The number one biggest hit of all time for BJ Thomas is the song “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head.” It was released in 1868 and went to the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and the US Billboard Adult Contemporary charts where it took the number one spot. The song was also featured in the film “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford.” It won an Oscar for Best Original Song. This tune was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, two of the most famous composers of the era. This song would go on to become one of the most iconic tunes in American pop culture and it’s been featured in multiple movie clips because it just fits in so well with those moments when you have to look up at the sky and say, “That figures….” BJ Thomas will forever be remembered for this hit song.
