In the spring of 1997,
Bob Carlisle unexpectedly had a crossover hit with "Butterfly Kisses," an ode to his love for his daughter that just happened to hit the airwaves around Father's Day. Excited at the prospect of a major hit, the label re-released
Carlisle's Shades of Grace under the title
Butterfly Kisses, hoping it would lure in the mainstream audience. Although their gambit worked, it's unclear how many "Butterfly Kisses" fans will be satisfied with the entire album, because it doesn't have that many songs that are equally as catchy. The sound of the record is pleasant enough, since
Carlisle has a good voice and the music is smooth and unobtrusive, but there aren't enough strong songs to satisfy pop consumers. Still, Shades of Grace/
Butterfly Kisses demonstrates a leap forward for
Carlisle, and its best, hook-laden moments make it his best record yet. ~ Rodney Batdorf