Along with Jars of Clay, Creed, and U2, Sixpence None The Richer stands in an elite class of Christian oriented artists that are popular in the secular world. Having escaped the niche market, they are better recognized than the average Christian artist can ever dream of being. That's why it's fortunate that they're so exceptionally good at what they do.
What they do is make light and easy going yet still energetic and strangely compelling pop/folk music. You may have heard many artists described as unique, but Sixpence really is unique, I have never heard anyone in CCM or secular music with a comparable sound. Their music is melodic, introspective, and engrossing, with lots of intricate instrumentation and deep, complex rhythms in songs that sound simple on first encounter.
Sixpence None The Richer followed '95's This Beautiful Mess with an across the board improvement in skill and quality. This is one of the most cohesive albums I've ever heard, yet each song is a unique artistic experience all its own. The acoustic ballad "Kiss Me" became a major crossover hit, and it's not even the best song on the album. It is, however, an entertaining song, fully deserving of the attention it received. "There She Goes" also received significant attention, also for perfectly valid reasons. Those two songs are probably the most accessible on the album, but it is the even-less-typical, more innovative stuff that really gets my attention here: "We Have Forgotten" kicks things off nicely with a predictably creative melody. Other highlights include every other song, but especially: The entirely Spanish "Puedo Escribir," "Sister Mother," the hauntingly beautiful "I Won't Stay Long" - "Love" amalgamation (two different tracks, but they sound very much like one jam session), and "Moving On."
Sixpence features enough instrumental talent, composition skills, and lyrical depth to make me happily count them among my all time favorite bands, and I recommend Sixpence None The Richer to anyone interested in pop music that stretches boundaries. I realize this band isn't for everyone, but that's okay with me, because it is for me.
Top Picks: "We Have Forgotten," "Kiss Me," "I Can't Catch You," "Sister, Mother," and "Love."
Pros: Brilliant composition, excellent execution.
Cons: None worth noting. However, despite the hugely successful "Kiss Me," this is not the world's most universally appealing album.
Nathan's Score: 4.5/5
Josh's Score: 4.5/5
Other coverage for this album
Exit Zine 1999Reviewed by Joel ThomasOne of the hottest bands in Christian rock today is Sixpence None the Richer. Formed eight years ago in Texas, Sixpence has a history of offering listeners introspective, meaningful lyrics over a backdrop of lush, sometimes dreamy and wandering, sometimes catchy, pop/alternative rock. Leigh Nash, whose beautiful voice provides those female vocals, sometimes sounds wondering and sensitive, other…The Lighthouse Unsorted 1998Reviewed by Alex KlagesAfter taking a couple years off, to finish school and to try to re-earn their artistic freedom, Sixpence has come back with an album which is, like their other albums, both lyrically honest and musically pleasing. Yet, within the first ten seconds of the first track, I was instantly aware that this wasn't the same as Sixpence's other albums. The album begins with an over 15-minute trio of songs…Puddlegum 1998Reviewed by Kevin Flick / Mindy DannerSixpence's self titled debut album is like a masterpiece sculpted from a single stone. Matt Slocum intricately communicates the emotions of the lyrics through the music composition. The music flows elegantly to portray the mood of each poetic ballad. Trials have drifted away to reveal what I feel is the most complete album that has ever graced the Christian market. Sixpence wanted to be released…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by Lisa Reid / Matt LaswellThe new Sixpence release sounds nothing like the last one. Why does it seem like we've heard that before? Just as the jangly modern rock of 1995's This Beautiful Mess marked a departure from the alternafolk of the band's debut The Fatherless and the Widow, so the much-anticipated Sixpence None the Richer is a step in yet another direction. Once again, the band has managed to transform its sound…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by James StewartWhen I heard that Steve Taylor was starting a record label, I was excited. I expected great things. Then when I heard the first band to release an album on said label would be Sixpence None the Richer, I could hardly wait for November to come. Well, it's come and I've heard the album. Sixpence's sound has changed quite a bit. After the wonderful rock album that was This Beautiful Mess, many…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by Linda T. StonehockerAh, money & stability. What a difference the basics make, and money & stability are right up there on the list with food, shelter & clothing in order for a musician to be productive, creative, and heard by an audience. Steve Taylor's rescue of Sixpence None the Richer for his new label has provided these important elements which they take full advantage of on this, their third release. The pain…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by Josh SpencerI've owned all of Sixpence None The Richer's albums for a while now, but I've never really been one to rave about their brilliance as so many fans do. Sure, they make some very well-crafted music, and Leigh's got a really beautiful voice, but for some reason I rarely reach for their albums. Ever since I got this newest one, though, I've wanted to play it every time I see it. Strange. I suspect it…The Phantom Tollbooth 1997Reviewed by Steven S. BaldwinSixpence None the Richer has conceived a self-titled album as lush and beautiful as you can make without sacrificing the requisite modern rock energy. The songs are dramatic, conjuring comparisons to a more aggressive Innocence Mission in tone and inspiration as well as a stirring rock opera in realization. Leigh's wispy voice, Dale's deft drumming, (mostly) J.J.'s melodic bass, and Matt's ample…Similar sounding releases
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2000Aaron SprinkleThe Kindest Days
1999Charlie PeacockKingdom ComeMore from Sixpence None the Richer
1995This Beautiful Mess
2002Divine Discontent
1993The Fatherless and the Widow
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1999Kiss Me (Single)
