Bruce Carroll's music is often found in the "Christian Country" section of Christian bookstores but he has always had a broad appeal to the mainstream Christian market as well. On Speed Of Light, he has found a new producer in Reed Arvin (who also produced Rich Mullins and Billy Sprague), and there is a corresponding newness to his musical idiom.
Although the quintessential storyteller in Carroll comes through in songs like "Don't Blame Love," the album as a whole covers an amazing range of subject matter. The title cut, "Speed Of Light," assures us that, Einstein's theory of relativity not withstanding, Jesus can be anywhere "at the speed of light." "Just Like Church To Me" contemplates the wonders of the natural world and the outdoors, pointing out that God's creation leads to worship. "I Want To Trust You" is an introspection on his own faith. The theme linking all the songs is that of reassurance-especially "More To Come," "You Can Get There From Here," "Worth It All," and "Rise Above It All."
The production of Arvin has led to orchestration and chord sequences that are more complex and modern than Carroll's previous albums, and are definite improvements over his previous work. There is frequent use of acoustic guitar and a lot of keyboard work. "Here I Go Again" approaches the style of Wayne Watson, "You Can Get There From Here" is reminiscent of Steven Curtis Chapman, and "I Want To Trust You" and "Just Like Church To Me" are equivalent to some of the better work Billy Sprague has done.
In short, it is time that Bruce Carroll should be mentioned in the same category as the above artists, because this is equivalent to or better than anything they have done. This album doesn't belong in the country rack, but if you see it there, buy it and take it home.
