Veteran band Smalltown Poets have had a unique career in Christian music. Opening strong with their debut album in 1997, their initial run became beloved by critics and fans alike. But their commercial star was never quite as high as it was at the start of their career.
After their 4th album in 2004, it seemed like they might go quietly into that good night, rarely to be heard from again. But the Poets weren't ready to permanently hang up those guitars just yet. A few years later, they re-emerged as an independent band, to begin a strong run of indie albums.
As their debut album turns 25 years old, I look at the band's illustrious career, thus far.
The Debut
In the latter half of the '90s, a certain flavor of acoustic-driven guitar rock became fairly popular in Christian music. Bands like Jars of Clay were a leading face of this type of sound, with melodically rich, emotive vocals, with less of the overprocessing often seen in pop and rock. Another big name in this musical space was Smalltown Poets. Known for their deep lyrics and honest delivery, they developed quite a following right out of the gate.
Smalltown Poets' debut album, released in 1997, offered notable hits, while at the same time remaining an underrated gem, thus prepping them for a strong career flying under the radar of the Christian A-list.
Songs like "Prophet, Priest, and King," as well as the emotional, "If You'll Let Me Love You," became Christian radio hits and helped make Smalltown Poets a force to be reckoned with. "Everything I Hate" and "I'll Give" offered more reflective hits, examining the emptiness of our sinful natures and the freedom found in Christ.
Continued Hits
In the following years, Smalltown Poets continued their success with a slew of radio hits that pleased listeners. The sophomore album, Listen Closely, released in 1998, offered fans the rousing "Anything Genuine," the introspective "Call Me Christian," and "There Is Only You," which focused on ignoring other idols who try to take the place of Christ. (The song's music video is a riot, by the way.)
Third Verse followed two years later, in 2000, featuring hits like the anthemic "Firefly" and the bouncy "Any Other Love." There's even a thoughtful cover of The Choir's "Beautiful, Scandalous Night" thrown in for good measure. In 2004, the band leaned more into their artful side with It's Later Than It's Ever Been, a release that featured the hit "The Truth Is Out" as well as the Easter-themed "Love So Divine."
Despite remaining officially "active," the band largely disappeared from the spotlight for a time. It would've been easy to write them off as yet another band that quietly faded into obscurity without an official announcement or "goodbye" album and tour. However, the Poets proved that some bands can indeed find life after a label.
The Return
In 2010, the Smalltown Poets returned to Christian music with the Christmas single, "In the Bleak Midwinter," a simple acoustic-driven cover of the English poet Christina Rossetti-penned hymn (this is the most upbeat version of the song yet). It could've easily been a one-off, but the following year, in 2011, the band independently released Smalltown Poets Christmas, a highly underrated Christmas album.
Continuing their run of independent releases, the band released the Under the New Sun EP in 2012, and Christmas Time Again in 2014. It seemed that, despite moving on from music as a full-time gig, the band had managed to find a way to continue releasing music periodically.
The band made another return in 2018, with their full-length album, Say Hello. One of the year's best kept secrets, the band produced a mature and quality contemporary rock release that made it seem like no time had passed since their last full-length record. Songs like the anthemic "Say Hello" or the reflective "Are You With Me" harkened back to their past while the worshipful "You're My Shepherd" (featuring Mac Powell of Third Day) strived for quiet worship.
The band seemed to hit a stride over the years, regularly releasing new singles for both Christmas and ordinary time--eventually building to yet another full length release in 2021 with NWxSE. Another under-the-radar collection of treasures that is sure to please fans who seek it out.
Smalltown Poets have had a pretty solid career in Christian music. Enjoying some commercial success before transitioning into more of a best kept secret, the band has enjoyed an incredible second act as independent artists. If you'd forgotten about this great band from the late 1990s, check them out where you stream music and see what you've been missing.
J.J. Francesco is a long-time contributor to the NRT Staff. He's published the novel 'Because of Austin' and regularly seeks new ways to engage faith, life, and community. He is currently working on releasing a brand new novel.
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