"BRUCE T. CARROLL/First Bird to Sing: This cat that's been through it all could have been forgiven if this folkie set was a bunch of mush mouthed southern gothic attempts. Perseverance let's you make surprises. This is a brilliant album that attacks the dark side with a tac flashlight and hope. Inspirational throughout, he hammered various aspects of the dark side into submission giving hope to all of us no matter what we've been through that might be less than desirable. Very much a singular talent that deserves admiration."
– Chris Spector, Midwest Record