Nothing but a Burning Light


Nothing but a Burning Light is an album by Canadian singer/songwriter Bruce Cockburn. It was released in 1991 by Columbia Records.

Reception

In a retrospective review, AllMusic critic Brett Hartenbach wrote of the album: "Throughout, Burnett's production is understated, allowing Cockburn's voice, guitar, and songs to lead the way over a solid foundation of bass, drums, and tasteful organ by Booker T. Jones. This sort of sympathetic production brings out the best in Cockburn and his material, which is consistently strong... Though it may lack the immediate power, Nothing but a Burning Light is Bruce Cockburn's best since his 1984 release Stealing Fire." The New York Times called the album the finest of Cockburn's career, writing that he "has returned to a simpler, more reflective folk-rock mode." Trouser Press wrote that the album "contains some of Cockburn’s best loved songs but falls a notch or two below great."

Track listing

All songs written by Bruce Cockburn, except where noted.
  1. "A Dream Like Mine" – 3:53
  2. "Kit Carson" – 4:12
  3. "Mighty Trucks of Midnight" – 5:57
  4. "Soul of a Man" – 3:52
  5. "Great Big Love" – 5:13
  6. "One of the Best Ones" – 6:57
  7. "Somebody Touched Me" – 4:16
  8. "Cry of a Tiny Babe" – 7:31
  9. "Actions Speak Louder" – 3:01
  10. "Indian Wars" – 6:58
  11. "When It's Gone, It's Gone" – 4:19
  12. "Child of the Wind" – 4:08

Personnel

Production