Divine Discontent (2002)
Divine Discontent is the fourth studio album by the Christian alternative rock band Sixpence None the Richer, released on October 29, 2002 by Squint/
Word/Curb Records and Reprise/Warner Records.
It was Sixpence's long-waited follow-up to their 1997 self-titled breakthrough release, Sixpence None the Richer, that featured their hit smash "Kiss Me." Before the release, Sixpence went through another rough patch. Steve Taylor's Squint label collapsed due to a takeover from Word Entertainment. Sixpence were working on their follow-up to their self-titled third album around 1999 and took about a couple of years to make. The album's completion and release was delayed due to a protracted struggle with their prior record label which lead singer Leigh Nash has described as being a low point for her, but that the process had made her emotionally stronger. In press notes, lead songwriter Matt Slocum said that there is "spiritual content" in many of his songs which come from "trying to be honest about the issues of life," while adding that "it also comes more in the form of asking questions than giving answers." Taylor was forced out of the company leadership. Squint was resurrected by Word Entertainment after Taylor's departure, to create a new, unrelated label as an avenue for potential crossover acts under their newfound partnership with AOL Time Warner at the time. The only common element was the existence of Sixpence on the label's roster, due to their existing contract.
Divine Discontent blends the band’s signature acoustic pop-rock melodies with subtle electronic elements and contemplative, question-driven spiritual themes. It features the hit singles "Breathe Your Name" and a popular cover of Crowded House's "Don't Dream It's Over," which climbed into the Top 10 on the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart. Their third single, "Waiting On the Sun," was co-written by Jason Wade (lead singer and musician of Lifehouse). Despite the three singles, Divine Discontent was not as successful as their previous release, plus the behind-the-scenes drama did not help the album push through to either Gold or Platinum status.
Divine Discontent debuted and peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums and at No. 154 on the Billboard 200 charts. In 2003, Sixpence were nominated for three Dove Awards, winning only Modern Rock/Alternative Recorded Song of the Year for "Breathe Your Name" at the 34th GMA Dove Awards.
Track listing
All songs written by Matt Slocum, except where noted.
1. Breathe Your Name -3:58
2. Tonight -3:53
3. Down and Out of Time (Matt Slocum, Leigh Nash) -3:29
4. Don't Dream It's Over (Neil Finn) -4:04
5. Waiting On the Sun (Jason Wade, Ron Aniello) -2:56
6. Still Burning (Matt Slocum, Sean Kelly) -4:03
7. Melody For You -4:51
8. Paralyzed -3:55
9. I've Been Waiting -4:20
10. Eyes Wide Open (Leigh Nash) -3:29
11. Dizzy -6:37
12. Tension is a Passing Note -3:31
13. A Million Paraschutes (Matt Slocum, Sam Ashworth) -6:20
Personnel
Sixpence None the Richer:
Leigh Nash -vocals
Matt Slocum -acoustic and electric guitars, cello, keyboards, vibraphone, e-bow
Justin Cary -bass guitar
Sean Kelly -acoustic, electric and hi-string guitars
Dale Baker -drums, percussion
Jerry Dale McFadden -piano, Hammond B3 organ, mellotron
Rob Mitchell -drums, percussion
additional musicians:
Tim Pierce -guitar
Jamie Muhoberac -keyboards
Rick Todd -French horn
string section:
Kris Wilkinson -leader, viola
viola players: Denyse Buffum, Evan Wilson, Monisa Angell and Bob Becker
Bruce Dukov -leader, violin
violin players: Bob Peterson, Brian Leonard, David Davidson, Eve Butler, Jacob
Lawson, Joel Derouin, John Wittenberg, Mario De Leon, Pamela Sixfin, Peter
Kent and Rachel Purkin
Van Dyke Parks -leader
cello players -Anthony LaMarchina, Carl Rabinowitz, Dan Smith, John
Catchings, Larry Corbett, Rudy Stein and Suzie Katayama
Accolades
Dove Award -Modern Rock/Alternative Recorded Song of the Year ("Breathe Your
Name")
Radio singles
2002 -2003 "Breathe Your Name" -#18 Billboard Adult Pop Airplay, -#1 R&R
Christian CHR for 5 weeks, -#8 R&R Christian AC, -#17 R&R Hot AC
2003 "Don't Dream It's Over" -#78 Billboard Hot 100, -#12 Billboard AC, -#9
Billboard Adult Pop Airplay, -#5 R&R Christian CHR, -#13 R&R AC, -#9 R&R Hot AC
2003 "Waiting On the Sun" -#15 R&R Christian CHR, -#29 R&R Christian AC
Previous release: Sixpence None the Richer (1997)
Next release: The Best of Sixpence None the Richer (2004) (compilation album)
Watch the music video of "Breathe Your Name" here:
Watch the music video of "Don't Dream It's Over" here:
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