Sixpence None the Richer

Item: The Fatherless and the Widow
Author: Scott Deering / Michelle Deering

The Fatherless and the Widow

(1993)

Reviewed by Scott Deering / Michelle Deering

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Label R.E.X. MusicThe LighthouseNovember 1993

adult alternative alternative rock college rock jangle pop

When I first heard the title cut "Fatherless and the Widow" on a sampler CD, I was immediately struck by the song's profound simplicity in its musical arrangement and production quality. The melody eased me so effortlessly into a relaxed contemplative mode that I knew that a great deal of skilled artistry had been poured into each stanza. I didn't initially know what they were singing about, and later realized that it was a touching portrayal of the loss of a loved one to death and how behind closed doors, they reveal their fears to the God of Heaven above. It was then that I realized that this group, Sixpence None the Richer, was a group whose complete album I eagerly awaited. Their freshman debut, Fatherless and the Widow was not a disappointment.

From the CD cover it is apparent that this young duo is being marketed as an "artsy type" alternative group, and truth be told, their style is rather unique. The first cut, "Field of Flowers" is a very carefree tune that showcases a few acoustic and electric guitars accompanied by a drum. Nothing of any great spiritual significance is conveyed as Leigh Bingham's youthful mezzo-soprano voice ably flits through every guitar riff singing, "these lyrics are so frivolous they really have no meaning, but I wrote them for you." While this fun song seemingly sets the initial tone for the album, the rest of the songs very consistently fit in with the overall theme of the album; that of life and the ways a believer faces various aspects of it.

The title cut is a heart wrenching, yet soothing, song for anyone who has ever lost a close family member and dealt with grieving. The song cuts to the heart of adjustments undergone by the deceased's survivors, but offers hope that there is still a God who is very near to them-listening to their crying.

Overall, this album is one where every song could really stand on its own merit. When compiled together, however, they paint a unique, ministering picture of the variety of thoughts and struggles undergone by someone who has cried out to God.