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    ReAL Magazine 2000/Smalltown Poets
    Smalltown Poets — Third Verse cover

    Smalltown Poets

    Third Verse

    (2000)

    Reviewed by John M. De Marco

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    Label Ardent RecordsReAL Magazine2000
    acoustic rockalternative rockccmpop rock

    The Poets have quite a reputation to live up to: Ten Top 10 singles, six Dove nominations, two #1 videos, one Grammy nomination, and a Billboard music video award. Their much anticipated third album, Third Verse, arrived in stores at the end of September, 2000.

    Their notoriety earned them the help of big-wig producer Paul Ebersold (Sister Hazel, Three Doors Down). Poets lead singer Michael Johnston said that, "This is the most fun we've ever had in the studio, and I think the results will reflect that."

    Lyrically, the Poets once again show the depth and forthright that makes them genuine enough to be called "The Poets". Doubt, obedience, grace and forgiveness are all wrestled with throughout the album. Their messages are honest and they hit hard.

    One of the reasons the Poets teamed up with Ebersold was to stretch themselves musically. The Poets have definitely matured musically with this release and still maintain the sound that has brought them into the spotlight. With their solid sound and strong message, Third Verse is a CD worth checking out.

    Other coverage for this album

    The Rebel Base 2001Reviewed by Mark BakerWhen something good comes about, clones are going to sprout out from every corner in its wake, hoping that they can be as good as the real thing. Just look at the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. When that book became popular, out came a million other books such as Chicken Soup for the Country Soul, and many others. It's just plain annoying. However, sometimes there are exceptions. The Smalltown…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Shelby FosterRadio rock, lyrically clean-cut and musically polished to perfection has always been the Smalltown Poets' forte and little changes on this, their third album. Catchy opener "Every Reason" is a great tune with a somewhat heavier beat than previous offerings, and threatens the killer blow which, unfortunately, this album never delivers. Most of the songs offered here have an immediate pop-rock…

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