Customer Reviews

Divine Discontent

5 star:		(58)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This album is lyrical and musical eloquence. Leigh Nash's voice may be an acquired taste for some, but her ability to emote and float above and blend into the accompaniment is haunting and soothing by turns, and always impressive.

Though the radio-poppiness of some of the early tracks does not blend too well with the remaining songs, which are far more orchestral, both styles are well done (though if you are tired of top-40, you will probably enjoy the later tracks much more).

Expect music that explores frustration, mystery, loneliness, sadness and angst in a vulnerable way, undergirded by a constant faith. Some songs incorporate driving, jangling electric guitars, while others meld acoustics and violins. All are enhanced by Ms. Nash's enthralling vocals.

If you want honest, well-written songs in an acoustic/electric alt album that invigorates and soothes, choose "Divine Discontent."

Goodness. Sweet, ear-candy, occasionally string-tinged, deliciously eargasmic, sugary pop goodness. Sixpence has returned after five years with the strongest offering of their career. There's a marked growth in all their abilities - writing, performing, producing, what have you - that's pretty noticeable even between this disc and their latest self-titled offering. Their own brand of intelligent pop (still embellished with some occasional violin and cello) is thankfully intact. And I don't mean to cheapen it by saying 'pop' - I just mean that it's eminently listenable, but it goes beyond simple pop with some tinges of jazz and classical sensibility, topped off with a little more whimsy than your average mainstream band. Take a listen to the non-radio tunes and you'll discover a whole world of songcraft beyond their breakthrough "Kiss Me."

Matt Slocum's way with a catchy ear-pleasing melody is as on-key as ever. Leigh Nash's half-childlike voice is sweet and innocent as always; I can understand how some people might not enjoy hearing her all the time, but I consider those vocals a fitting & essential part of the whole. Slocum's guitar is just about perfect throughout; quiet filtered chords under "Breathe Your Name" and "Don't Dream it's Over," fiery riffing through the uncharacteristically dark "Paralyzed," gentle soothing ambience in "A Million Parachutes." That closer is probably the disc's most shining moment, which is really saying something considering how solid the twelve tracks leading up to it are. There isn't a weak moment to be found anywhere.

"Breathe Your Name" alone is one of the most perfect four-minute helpings of melodic ear candy I've heard in years, and it's not even the best this album has to offer. Beautiful ballads ("Still Burning," "Melody of You," "Parachutes") sit among the more catchy upbeat tunes and there's a natural flow between them throughout. It was surprising to see that "Don't Dream It's Over" and "Waiting on the Sun" weren't written by the group; they're performed with such a dreamy upbeatness that they don't sound the least bit out of place on a SNtR disc. "Eyes Wide Open" shuffles between quirky alt-rock and an almost jazzy beat. Every song has its own identity, but none seem out of place amid the whole album's sublime mood.

The reactions to Divine Discontent seem to be mixed even among the band's fans, and I'm still not sure why. This one grabbed me right from the first spin and its appeal hasn't faded yet: it's never been out of the rotation for almost six months now and I'm only liking it more and more. It's worth at least a good listen or two for those curious. Enjoy it half as much as I do and it'll still be money well spent.

I do not like all of the songs on "Divine Discontent", but just for the ones I do like, I would be willing to give this CD more than a 5-star rating. First of all, lead singer Leigh Nash has such a sweet, beautiful voice that it's really hard to dislike ANY of the songs. Second of all, their very respectable remake of Crowded House's "Don't Dream it's Over" (which also appears on the "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" soundtrack) is quite possibly one of the best remakes of any song I've ever heard, the only big difference between the two versions being the sex of the person singing it. I think the song really works with a female voice, especially Nash's. Third of all, some of the other songs on the CD (my other favorites being "Down and Out of Time" and "Tonight") are so breathtaking that they more than make up for any of the songs that may not be as good.

I must say, I've never really liked Sixpence None the Richer, mainly because their really big hit "Kiss Me" was so overplayed on the radio when it came out, I quickly became sick of it. And I certainly never thought I'd ever buy one of their CDs. But I'm glad I did, and I'm glad it was this one. I bought it because of "Don't Dream it's Over", which was a really good song originally, and which is just as good now done by this group. I highly recommend this CD.

With this album, Sixpence None The Richer proves itself to be among the finest bands in popular music, crafting thirteen fine pop songs with a nice dose of modern rock. Like their earlier work, the music on Divine Discontent is complex and creative, yet the melodies are simple enough to stick in your head hours later. As always, the lyrics are poignant and the analogies compelling. However, in this album Sixpence takes their music to new level. Much of it lies in the production. The melancholy legato of their previous album gives way to a much brighter sound. The guitars have some added punch and there is a heavier emphasis Leigh's harmonies. The band is better than they've ever been, with great bass lines and splendid percussion. That being said, what makes this a phenomenal album is first and foremost the songwriting. Songs like Tonight, Breathe Your Name and Waiting on the Sun are pop songs so stunning that you'll sit in your car 2 minutes after you get to your destination just to finish the song. A Million Parachutes and Tension are sparse acoustic songs that make you want to close your eyes, lie on your bed and let them wash over you. Eyes Wide Open, written by Leigh, is a neat song with a completely unpredictable melody that actually works. It moves from a simple acoustic song to a piano bashing rocker in a matter of measures. Crowded House's Don't Dream It's Over is a great addition to their repertoire. With a new arrangement and vocalist, this song sounds better than it ever has. Songs like Paralyzed, although written before 9/11, have added poignancy in the wake of that day. As with any album, there are stronger songs and weaker songs. On this one, I'd say Dizzy is the only song I skip. I keep waiting for the hook, but it doesn't seem to come. However, that being said, each of their songs has it's own value and place on this album. Like few albums, this is one that can be played from start to finish over and over without getting old. Lyrically and musically, Sixpence is a band whose music will change you. I've been waiting 5 years for this album, and it was well worth the wait.

I've been patiently waiting for this day for a long time, and feel rewarded far beyond my already high expectations with Divine Discontent. A true masterpiece of introspective emotion, searching and finding, with a few light and happy thoughts thrown I for fun and good measure. A beautiful progression in the life of Sixpence. The Matt Slocum, Leigh Nash combination is unequaled in music today. Anywhere.

The strength of the early tracks (`Breathe Your Name' and `Tonight') will help this project gain traction with the listener. Very catchy tunes! But the album's true gems are still to come...

Favorite track: Melodies of You. I was caught off guard when I first heard Melodies performed live by the band many months ago. I don't recall ever being so grabbed by a song heard for the first time. `Please, please be in the next album', I recall thinking. My prayer was answered. What a raw, wonderful expression of life! "This is my call, I belong to you. This is my call, to sing the melodies of You. This is my call, I can do nothing else." Some are called to teach, some to serve, some to lead, some to sing, some to listen. What has He called YOU to do? Ask Him and He will make your path straight.

As with all of their earlier works, Sixpence just has that something special that you can't quite put your finger on (or maybe you can). An origin and inspiration beyond humanity. Their tunes engage you to search yourself and ask the big questions, while at the same time being a close friend who shares in your struggles, picks you up when you've fallen, and encourages your soul to come out of hiding and be shared with the world around you.

The technical production of Divine Discontent is superb. Rich and vibrant, full of life and ringing with instrumental blends that please the ear and warm the soul. The strings on many of the tracks are an especially nice touch.

I highly recommend this CD, and all of their earlier projects as well. Go out and get them. You'll be happy you did, and might even discover new aspects and dimensions of your life yet unseen.

Matt, Leigh and the gang: The trials, tribulations and hard work you have endured to arrive at Divine Discontent are an inspiration to me. Can't wait for your next project! THANK YOU for your valuable contributions to my life and the lives of many through the companionship of your music. Blessings and peace to you as you continue to serve the great Creator with your gifts and talents.

I have been inspired to write this review after someone at the university saw me with this cd alongside Napalm Death's classic _Scum_ (definitive grindcore, ya know) and made a snide remark.

For the sheer aural delight of pop songcraft, Sixpence None the Richer is tough to beat. Leigh Nash's innocent, sweet voice and the nonpareil popitude (that's a new word for you) of songsmith Matt Slocum is a deadly combination. With a six-person lineup of vocals, two guitars, piano, bass, and drums (as well as guests on strings), SNtR fills their songs with reams of sparkling texture, but it is never too 'crowded' to detract from its eminently snug, intimate poppy feel, and the tasteful, well-crafted structures keep everything concise and effective. Even the songs that push six minutes are highly compelling. All of these songs are perfect showcases of pure audio sweets. It's so tasty, so deliciously sugary, it makes me think of candy, but the kind of candy that you never get tired of, even as it rots away your teeth and supplicates expensive dental procedures.

Since I have one _minor_ negative point to address, I might as well get it out of the way. There are a few times when the album feels a wee bit overproduced. I suspect a more lo-fi recording might have added some extra charm to it (note that lo-fi does not proscribe glossiness, which is an essential element of SNtR's music -- for an example of a polished lo-fi pop recording, check out the Shins' _Oh, Inverted World_). But trust me, it's a very small point not really worth grumbling about. It takes away nothing from the sheer pleasure of this delightful cd (I just think a shift in gear for production would improve the music -- as is, the sound is not a detriment, per se).

But who cares about my frivolous objections...this album is a jewel of tremendous worth. Songs like "Breathe Your Name", "Tonight", and "Waiting on the Sun" are supremely listenable, ravishing pop gems. Nash's voice is so perfect for Crowded House's "Don't Dream It's Over" you'll think it was meant for her all along. Gorgeous, heart-melting ballads like "Still Burning", "Melodies of You", and the stunning "A Million Parachutes" provide foil and balance and a nice flow for the album. The lavish string arrangements on "Dizzy" are perhaps melodramatic and cheesy IN THEORY, but they cannot work but impeccably with this band's dreamy, sumptuous sound. It just works so well.

I love this CD. I want to get some more Sixpence None the Richer albums.

I started to like Sixpence about in 98 or 97. Between 99 and October 29th, 2002, I wore out the self titled Album and bought the Mega 3 collection and fell in love with that. Finally their new album is out and exceeds my expectations. The orcheastrations a very nicely done. Leigh and Matt's song are written like they always are, amazing. And their cover of "Don't Dream It's OveR" is definitely a highlight. I wish the included other songs like "Us" on here though. And I wish the book included lyrichs, but I'm not knocking off any points for that.

ALl the songs are amazing. I don't know if I have a favorite because It's hard to pick between all the great songs. I don't think Sixpence gets the recognition it deserves. Third Day (a very mediocre band) gets all the attention. That's why we (the fans) need to buy the albums for people and everything to make them big again

This CD is excellent. I like every song and I highly reccomend it. It's a great gift (the holidays are coming up).

Having heard just a small sampling from them in radio airplay, I was interested to see if this band's music was similar to some other bands I like, such as the Sundays and the Cranberries. Divine Discontent, from its suggestive and interesting title, through all the songs on the cd, is a beautiful and spirited compilation of music. Leigh Nash sings with a range from lilting melancholy, like on the tracks "Melody of You" and "A Million Parachutes", that are vaguely reminiscent of Harriet Wheeler's waif-like musical expressions with the Sundays; to inspired songs like "Tonight" and "Waiting on the Sun," that have a spirit recalling Yes: 90210 or Bono's early work with U2. There is even a sort of war protest song, "Paralyzed," told from the perspective of someone seeing a battlefield and trying to cope with the news of their friend being killed, with the repeated vocal chorus of "I breathe in; I breathe out," that impresses upon the listener a haunting contrast between dead and alive. Though, generally these songs are pretty gentle on the ears. Having read of the band's Christian roots, it kind of makes sense listening to their music. Without being overtly religious on this cd, they do communicate a depth of spirit that is a beautiful engine for much of their artistry. Sixpence None the Richer's Divine Discontent is great music, and a very listenable cd from beginning to end.

This is sixpence none the richer's last, and in my opinion, best CD. None of the songs on here were as popular as the band's 1997 smash hit Kiss Me which appealed to both Mainstream and Christian music fans. But, all of these songs are worthy of the bands's proir work. The lyrics and the music are gentle, poetic, and graceful. The sound on this album is more upbeat than the gentle pop folk this group was previously known for. My favorite song on here is waiting on the sun, which has a nice beat, and an interesting, soft sound. The lyrics to this song are cowritten by Jason Wade, lead singer of Lifehouse, and they sound more like the the lyrics of a Life House than a six pence none the richer song. The cover of Crowded House's Don't dream it's over is completely taken over by the six pence none the richer sound. This song is my second favorite on here. Another standout song would be the song that has the most ''rock'' sound on this CD, Paralyzed. This song is the most original on the album. Melody of you is a nice quiet song completely dominated by the vocals of Leigh Nash. Breathe your name and Tonight are two great songs with a haunting sound. A million parachutes is a lovely, quiet song about longong for summer on a winter night, a
feeling most people (including myself) can relate to. Altogether, this CD has many catchy although quiet songs and is defintely worth listening to.

It's been five long years since we were blessed with the sweet bliss of Leigh Nash's beautiful voice and Matt Slocum's deft guitarwork and poetic lyrics. But now, at long last, Divine Discontent is available to the listening public, and I can honestly say it was worth the wait. Divine Discontent is, in my opinion, their best album yet. It's not as "artsy-fartsy" as their last album, but rocks a little more and is probably more accessible to a general audience, more like their 1995 album "This Beautiful Mess." Songs like "Breathe Your Name", "Waiting On the Sun", and "Tonight" are bouncy little pop gems that are sure to get stuck in your head for days, while more melancholy songs like "A Million Parachutes" and "Melody of You" showcase their more contemplative side. Like their last album, this one also contains a cover of an '80s pop song, this time Crowded House's "Don't Dream It's Over", and although some may criticize them for doing this just to get a little more mainstream exposure, it is still a beautiful rendition of a timeless classic (in my opinion, at least). Like always, their music is artistically advanced and has so much depth, musically and lyrically. Sixpence fans will definitely not be disappointed.