Search - Sixpence None the Richer :: Fatherless & The Widow

Humble Beginnings

Gift Card Recipient | New York, NY | 01/25/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I love buying a band's first album after I've become a fan of later works - it's always fun to hear where my favourite groups started out. For example, I first became a fan of Sixpence through their second record, "This Beautiful Mess". I loved the juxtaposition of Leigh's sweet voice against hard guitars and intelligent, literary lyrics. Then, I bought the self-titled record, well before "Kiss Me" hit the charts. That was when I bestowed the heavy title of Favourite Band Ever on Sixpence...and this debut is good. Sure, it's not the concept-laden, Beatlesque masterpiece of their self-titled. Sure, it's not quite the daring spiritual rock of "This Beautiful Mess". It's not even the super-polished pop candy of "Divine Discontent", but it's good. They took their influences (most notably The Sundays) and made those styles their own. Matt Slocum was already writing smarter, deeper lyrics at 21 than most young writers these days. Leigh's voice is notably deeper, as she seems to be just finding it. And all of that is okay. "Fatherless..." shines with intelligence, homage to influences, and loads of potential. It's a very summery, light record (despite the heavy lyrical content) with circular, swirly guitars and upbeat melodies.Standouts (in my opinion) are "Field of Flowers", "An Apology", "Spotlight", "Trust", and "Falling Leaves"."

Auspicious Debut

Todd Jenkins | San Bernardino, CA USA | 02/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this on cassette in 1994 while on a business trip to the U.K. I had never heard of the band before, and because of their name I thought they might be an English group! (I wasn't yet into C.S. Lewis enough to catch the reference.) Imagine my surprise to find they were not only from Texas, but one of the best-sounding, freshest Christian bands I had encountered up to that time. "Fatherless" is an exceptionally good starting point for a band that had a marvelous run, and knew how to quit when they were ahead. Recommended without reservation."

In case you thought Sixpence was a one-hit wonder...

Bubble23 | 10/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Long before Kiss Me, Sixpence released this debut. This was the start of their unique sound- very refreshing, when you consider how so many artists try to sound like someone else. This album is much more decidedly Christian than their S/T album that contains Kiss Me, but it's still not preachy. The first track, Field of Flowers, is surreal and fun, the track, Trust (Reprise) is gorgeous, and everything in between is excellent. Okay, anyway, buy this album. You won't regret it."