Music Review: One Summer's Evening Live by Bruce Carroll

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: A set of his strongest songs with two outstanding new entries.

Cons: A few songs get short changed.

The Bottom Line:

Outstanding new songs

Round out many classic ones

Must have for his fans

Great Collection of Bruce Carroll's Best Songs

One Summer's Evening Live is perfect for everyone familiar with Bruce Carroll's music. It features all his best songs from his first 5 releases and two "new" songs. I say "new" because I had heard them in concert long before this CD came out, but they weren't on any normal CD. "Shadow and Light" is a reflection on the struggle of Christians to live a holy life. "Simon Peter" is a classic from his concerts that deals with Peter's feelings of guilt after he betrays Jesus, ultimately ending with his new resolve after seeing the risen Savior.

It's hard to pick favorites from the rest of the line-up of his radio hits, but I would have to include "I'm Still Here" and "Living in the Pages" as examples of his great songwriting and singing ability.

Probably the biggest drawback and surprise on here is the medley of hit songs "The Great Exchange," "Driving Nails," and "Who Will be Jesus." they are great songs, but just get a quick chorus each. This is the shortest track on the disc, and it's got three songs in it.

Bruce has long since past his peak of popularity, if he ever truly had one. The country leaning in his songs never went over super big in the mainly adult contemporary world of early 90's Christian music. Still, it's not a super strong influence, and the words are outstanding.

This CD does not have any stories on it, just Bruce singing and the audience reactions. As such, there is nothing that doesn't stand up to repeat listening. I find I listen to One Summer's Evening Live more then any of his others.