Hal Ketchum wasn't quite sure what he wanted to achieve with
I Saw the Light. He returned to Austin to cut a number of songs that are edgier and folkier than many of the songs that made him into a star. However, he didn't want to abandon that smooth sound that gave him hits, so there are quite a few slick songs that were cut together. Each of the sessions have isolated moments where everything works, but put together the Austin and Nashville tracks don't add up to an enjoyable record. It's not only that the two production extremes don't mesh, it's that the material is drastically uneven. There are enough good moments to make the record worth a listen for hardcore fans, but searching for them may be difficult for some less dedicated listeners. ~ Thom Owens