Fans of comedians and stand-up acts know good humor is hard to come by. Wholesome humor is even harder to find. So when Christian comedians like Mark Lowry or Bob Smiley let the jokes fly, it's nice to be able to rest assured you're in for some good clean fun. Bob Smiley continues to serve as proof that you don't have to be foul to be funny (as if foul is funny in the first place?!).

I've Got a Funny Feeling About This is Bob Smiley's second recording, but his debut on Inpop Records. The album clocks in at 70 minutes of clean fun -- and he doesn't waste time getting started. A rather high-pitched voice greets the listener at the beginning of the intro. Smiley's fast story-telling and slightly monotone and squeaky voice is an acquired taste and will most likely take a few tracks to get used to. I had a similar feeling towards comedian/actor Chris Tucker's voice when I first heard it during the film Rush Hour. So once the listener adjusts to Smiley's voice, they will also need to excuse Bob's random grunts, gasps, and noises he emits as he clears his throat after a majority of the jokes. From here on in, it's a mix of some pretty funny jokes, and occasional gut-busters.

Smiley starts off by shuffling stories about his young son along with tales of his father's effective use of discipline on him during his younger days. In talking about being a father and his compassion and love for his son, he manages to tie in a serious message of God's role as our loving Heavenly Father. The diversion is short enough that it doesn't really effect the pace of his routine. He does this a couple times during his set which is appears to be a unique and effective way to share the Gospel with an audience who's attention is definitely his.

And like most comedians, Smiley's jokes don't always hit their intended mark. While a few might leave you cringing or expecting him to apologize for how bad it was, those are thankfully few and far in between. One of the other few problems with the album is the same that goes for most comedic recordings: the lack of visuals. Some jokes are meant to be aided by gestures and facial expressions, something that is always missing from an audio recording. Naturally, this automatically sinks several jokes, or just doesn't allow them to be as funny as intended.

Bob Smiley is unique and funny enough to capture the attention of listeners looking for an alternative to the mainstream trash that comedic fans are force-fed these days. Not perfect, but definitely worth a listen, I've Got a Funny Feeling About This is 70 minutes of guilt-free entertainment.

- Review date: 4/21/02, written by John DiBiase