While he's often recorded gospel songs, Everybody's Brother is Billy Joe Shaver's first full gospel album. But don't go in expecting typical gospel stylings. This is gospel gone honky tonk, imprinted with Billy Joe's own unique signature.

Each of the 15 songs carries a piece of Shaver within it. A deeply religious man, he has always stated as he does in the title cut: "It is not what goes in which defiles you, but what comes out." What comes out on this CD is a look deep into the man himself.

"Rolling Stone" offers a glimpse into Billy Joe's humble beginnings, being raised by his grandmother and growing up quickly on his own. The powerful "Get Thee Behind Me Satan" with John Anderson is a strong foot-tapper reminiscent of old-time church revivals.

"When I Get My Wings" may remind fans of his classic "Live Forever," with a similar message and uplifting feel. Shaver sings with so much passion that one cannot help but picture him standing with arms reaching out, joyously flapping away.

Not all songs are quite so poignant and religious. Shaver adds his own brand of humor in the bluesy "The Tough Get Going" and the Tanya Tucker duet "Played the Game Too Long." And he tops it all with "If You Don’t Love Jesus," in which he sarcastically states "If you don't love Jesus go to hell" — a religious tribute perhaps only Billy Joe could deliver.

The album closes perfectly with the classic "You Just Can't Beat Jesus Christ," recorded in the late '70s with Johnny Cash. Even the late Eddy Shaver appears in this song as the 15-year-old guitar master he was.

When people talk about which artists should be enshrined in the Country Music Hall of Fame, it's not often that Shaver figures into the debate. But the man is a true living legend, and if the world is a just place, then Everybody's Brother will help propel his name toward the top of the list.

Reviewed by John Walker.

(5 out of 5)

Buy: Lone Star Music, Amazon, iTunes