Sixpence None the Richer

Best of Sixpence

Word Records

Word Records marks the end of the short-lived career of an exceedingly remarkable collaboration of two friends; vocalist Leigh Nash and songwriter/guitarist Matt Slocum, known as Sixpence None the Richer. This collection of 18 songs covers 10 years of Sixpence music, including a Japanese single version of “Kiss Me,” and all of their hit songs.

Sixpence got its start back around 1994 when they released “The Fatherless and Widow” on REX Records. After REX went defunct, Sixpence found a home on Squint where they released “Sixpence None the Richer” in 1997. This album was out for about a year before “Kiss Me” landed on the movie soundtrack to “She's All That” and catapulted the band into overnight success. Their final album in 2002 “Divine Discontent” covered “Don't Dream It's Over” by Crowded House. Dreamy is how I would describe the whole Sixpence experience. Leigh Nash's vocals were dreamy, and their fusion of creativity and faith was dreamy, and the short but influential run is like a dream that ends too soon.

Although the band had a short discography and many label woes, they had a huge impact on Christian radio and the mainstream. This is a great collection that has inspired some retrospective thoughts on the popularity of Sixpence, and the impact of success on the CCM community and the band. Their collaborative creativeness will be missed, but I'm certain many of their songs will be heard on radio for a long time.

- Ken W.