Divinely Discontented

It’s been four years since we’ve heard from Sixpence None the Richer. In the picky audience of the music ’biz nowadays, four years spell many thingsthe band has fallen victim to fame and decadence, have sadly become expired flavors of the month, or as in the Vanilla Ice’s case, McDonald’s employee of the month. Consider that Britney Spears was virtually unknown back in ’98 and is now bigger than, well big! In four short years, pop has become a showdown of the sexiest wall-grinder gyrating to MIDI-induced music. Whatever happened to the pop bands who play real instruments and write their own songs? Sixpence None the Richer seemed poised to embody that ‘other’ side of pop, but after "Kiss Me" and "There She Goes", the band virtually disappeared. Obviously not victims of decadence being devout Christians, nor employees of the month, the band still had troubles of their own.

Music politics explain everything. Former label Squint didn’t have enough money to produce another album so the band jumped into three labels before finally ending up on Reprise Records. In the four years, the band hasn’t completely been idle. Unable to produce and release as Sixpence with all the legal tangles, singer Leigh Nash kept herself busy singing and collaborating with diverse genres from dance music, alternative rock, and adult contemporary music (a.k.a. Coffee Ad Music) for the soundtrack of Bounce. Co-founder Matt Slocum on the other hand spent his time developing young musical talents in the band’s hometown in Nashville, Tennessee. Through it all however, the band had been in the studio since 2000 and after two years of long waiting, Sixpence None the Richer releases their follow up to their self-titled smash hit album with Divine Discontent!

Divine Discontent seems like a welcome relief to radio friendly tunes. Now there’s nothing really wrong with pop music nowadays, well except maybe for the fact that is has become saturated by ‘would-be’ divas and boy bands. It’s about time that something different, like a gush of fresh air emerged in the pop world. At least there’s something else to listen to other than redundant songs ruling the airwaves. Even singer Leigh Nash quipped that she was hesitant in entering a music scene driven by "teen pop". Well she need not fear because a little diversity here and there is always welcome.

Filled with catchy and short pop songs, what sets Divine Discontent apart from pop releases is that it’s a band effort. From the opening track, the mid-tempo, sweet but mature first single "Breathe Your Name", it’s apparent that the band has moved a notch above "Kiss Me"-like songs. Sixpence None the Richer may alienate new fans with its new tunes, but they will most definitely gain new ones at the same time. People who found the band’s past efforts too teeny-boppy will at least notice their evolution in songwriting. The band has even gone democratic, letting the pretty and talented Leigh Nash write two songs, "Down and Out of Time" and the potential hit "Eyes Wide Open". The remake of Cracker’s ’80 s hit " Don’t Dream It’s Over" was well made. While most remakes sound exactly like the originals, Sixpence took out the ’80 s feel, made the song more upbeat and much more suitable for the song’s message by putting a folksy twist to it!

Sure, there’s room for improvement for the band but then they have the potential to match themselves further. It’s just a relief that they came out with a very timely album; one that doesn’t rely on augmented anatomy, less clothing and lyrics stolen off cheers in football games during halftime. Nice to see that pop a band is still capable of adding sensibility, emotion, heart and honesty in a well-made "pop fusion" album that can be listened to throughout the 13 tracks. That is so rare nowadays and that’s what makes listening to Divine Discontent so satisfying.