When something good comes about, clones are going to sprout out from every corner in its wake, hoping that they can be as good as the real thing. Just look at the Chicken Soup for the Soul books. When that book became popular, out came a million other books such as Chicken Soup for the Country Soul, and many others. It's just plain annoying. However, sometimes there are exceptions. The Smalltown Poets latest release, Third Verse, is an exception.
They sound way too much like Jars of Clay for it to be a mere coincidence. However, the Poets have added their own unique sound to this type of music, and did a good job on it too. Since previous Poets releases have been merely mediocre, Third Verse is a pleasant surprise.
The beginning trio of songs are all radio-friendly songs, but have not been overplayed and have excellent lyrics that make you think. "Every Reason" has a nice pop/rock feel and the message boldly proclaims why they have chosen to follow Jesus in a series of three parables. "Any Other Love" is another happy tune with a challenging message to "Turn from any other love/to the only face of Your love." "Firefly" is the final of the trio, which uses a clever analogy of the Father's light to a very unique creation, a firefly.
The Poets step out of the box with a cover of Mike Roe's 1987 song, "The Lust, the Flesh, the Eyes, and the Pride of Life." Although shrouded in mystery, they have this song clearly point to Christianity, and the guitars and vocals here are some of the best on the album. Next, Smalltown Poets give beautiful imagery in a nicely done song, "Waterfall." The second cover in the album is the hymn, "Beautiful, Scandalous Night." This song about the crucifixion takes a turn from the usual Poet sound as well, but is well done.
And finally, Smalltown Poets did something that I had been waiting for someone to do ever since Audio A's Some Kind of Zombie. To actually end an album with an upbeat song. So many albums just fall off with a somber ballad that I get sick of it. "100 Billion Watts" is light hearted, yet does not stray from the strong lyrics. It answers some of the questions about the theme of the album in the last lyric, "As the thoughts of God, began to take this shape/The Only Son was His perfection from the first/and everyone who wants to welcome his embrace/knows the power of the third creation verse." "100 Billion Watts" has a spectacular guitar solo in the middle that reminds me of Eric Clapton's guitar magic.
At first glance, Third Verse may look like just another rip off of some other bands, but the Smalltown Poets have improved quite a bit from previous albums and are well worth a second look.
Mark's Score: 3.5/5
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Shelby FosterRadio rock, lyrically clean-cut and musically polished to perfection has always been the Smalltown Poets' forte and little changes on this, their third album. Catchy opener "Every Reason" is a great tune with a somewhat heavier beat than previous offerings, and threatens the killer blow which, unfortunately, this album never delivers. Most of the songs offered here have an immediate pop-rock…ReAL Magazine 2000Reviewed by John M. De MarcoThe Poets have quite a reputation to live up to: Ten Top 10 singles, six Dove nominations, two #1 videos, one Grammy nomination, and a Billboard music video award. Their much anticipated third album, Third Verse, arrived in stores at the end of September, 2000. Their notoriety earned them the help of big-wig producer Paul Ebersold (Sister Hazel, Three Doors Down). Poets lead singer Michael…Similar sounding releases
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