Contemporary icons Sixpence None The Richer, led the way by singer Leigh Nash's recognizable vocals, flooded the charts in the '90s and early 2000s. The band found notable success with their hit single "Kiss Me" and their cover of The La's "There She Goes."
The band's 2002 album, Divine Discontent, continued their commercial momentum. The album didn't sell as many units as their previous self-titled album. But it added several iconic songs to the band's discography. It also served as a major turning point for the band before a long hiatus. As the album turns 20, let's look at some of the album's most iconic songs.
"Breathe Your Name"
The album's lead single is the most known of the album's original cuts. Its light rock hook fits the band's signature sound as well as the sound popular at the time. Yet the song's almost other-worldly chorus elevates it into an instantly memorable pop hit. The song's lyrics can work in the context of a relationship with another person and our relationship with Christ. Together with the song's beautiful melodies, the song is one of the band's most memorable cuts.
"Don't Dream It's Over"
A cover of '80s band Crowded House's biggest hit, the song became another Sixpence cover to achieve notable crossover success. Released as the album's second single, it resonated with mainstream audiences.
The song tackles sociopolitical issues in a way that feels organic within the band's signature style. With the early 2000s sending the U.S. into another war, the song's critique of the average citizen's ambivalence felt especially prevalent. Despite some of the references not being quite as current in 2022, the song's broader themes still hit home. Also, while the song has an early 2000s sound, it could still find a home on the radio 20 years later.
"Waiting On The Sun"
"Waiting On The Sun" is a simple fun Sixpence song. It has all the light and breezy fun of a '90s pop hit without the overproduction of many modern cuts. Its almost whimsical melody can fit well into a walk outside on a summer day. And yet, dig a little into the lyrics, and you find an honest portrayal of surrender. It's a confession of all the things the singer doesn't know and is choosing to place in God's hands. So, while the song's carefree vibes make it a pleasant earworm, there's more substance to this catchiness than the standard pop hit. As is always true with a Sixpence song.
Take a Deep Dive
The acclaimed album only released a few songs to radio, but many of the album's deeper cuts had the makings of a smash hit. "Tonight" has a groovy guitar hook and an engaging chorus that would've sounded great on the radio and in product placements. "Down and Out of Time" took a more haunting and low-key approach, making for a moodier track that balanced the album's anthems. "Melody of You," a textured song with a mysterious violin hook, has a haunting chorus that plays to the versatile strength of Leigh Nash's vocals. If you're a fan of the band's well-known radio smashes, take this chance to do a deeper dive into some of their lesser-known cuts.
What was your favorite track from Divine Discontent?
J.J. Francesco is a longtime contributor to the NRT Staff. He's published the novel 'Because of Austin' and regularly seeks new ways to engage faith, life, and community. His new Christmas novel, "When Miracles Can Dream," releases this holiday season.
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