Smalltown Poets - Third Verse

Tuesday 1st May 2001
Smalltown Poets - Third Verse
Smalltown Poets - Third Verse

STYLE: Pop
RATING 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 3266-3855
LABEL: Forefront FFD5267
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1
RELEASE DATE: 2001-01-19
RRP: £1.99

Reviewed by Tony Cummings

As we go to press "Quasar" from the Poets last album is still on the Cross Rhythms playlist so it won't be a surprise to learn that Third Verse" is also stuffed full of radio friendly hooks. As aficionados of American pop rock will tell you, Atlanta is currently THE place for producing bands that both sell by the bushel load yet retain a thread of musical intelligence. These Georgia boys with their wistful blend of jangly guitars, retro-meets-modern rhythms and keenly crafted songwriting show again that their years of dues paying have paid big creative dividends. I love that eat-at-you opener "Every Reason"; those gliding harmonies on "Any Other Love"; the compelling cover of the 77s' "The Lust, The Flesh, The Eyes And The Pride Of Life"; and I love their songsmith ability to speak old, old truths with fresh inventiveness. Take the wistful ballad "Clean" ('Bare before you at the waterside/Afraid to take the step into the tide/Oh, I feel so obscene/Knowing I am only/Clean/Because you promised me/I'm clean/Wash me/I'm clean'). Whether this is a fairly successful album or a huge sales blockbuster largely depends on the fickle nature of the marketplace. But for those who investigate this now I suspect they'll discern a CCM classic.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.

Sample Track Listing:
1. Every Reason [Listen]
4. Clean [Listen]

This track data is supplied by the Cross Rhythms CD/DVD review library. Please note that CD tracks may vary according to release region or product version.

Reader Comments

Posted by Don in state of Delaware @ 16:32 on Aug 31 2011

I had seen this talented group of guys on a late night TBN show; in fact some of the first songs I heard them sing are on this cd. "Firefly" , "Beautiful,-
Scandalous Night" and "Every Reason" are among top fave songs. The very pop lyrical "Every Reason" is first song on cd; very catchy tune. Some of the lyrics to "Firefly" are on inside cd pamphlet; they do speak. "Clean" is top notch ccm material; very relative lyrics for every believer. I really like the heart grabbing lyrics of "No Kinder SAVIOUR". The late Dana Key was also exec. producer of this recording as well as all the previous releases:what a legacy we have been left with. GOD Bless! - Don



The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

Add your comment

We welcome your opinions but libellous and abusive comments are not allowed.












We are committed to protecting your privacy. By clicking 'Send comment' you consent to Cross Rhythms storing and processing your personal data. For more information about how we care for your data please see our privacy policy.