Aileen R. (aileen) from N HOLLYWOOD, CA Reviewed on 5/21/2008...
"I, for one, am glad to see the Smalltown Poets continue to release music. They are definitely one of the best pop/rock bands around right now." --Brent A. Mikel (Amazon.com)
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CD Reviews
God's Word shines brightly
Josh@parappa.com | United States | 02/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Smalltown Poets have created a masterpiece in their sophomore CD, "Listen Closely," as it has become my favorite album, and made them easily my favorite band. Their lyrics are so God-centered, it is impossible to miss the point. These guys are on fire for God! The spiritual, thought-provoking lyrics, together with the wonderful pop music touches make this a very original CD, and one which you will not grow tired of. Every song on the album deserves to be a radio hit, and they each could be if time allowed every last song to be played on the radio before the next album is released. Even more amazing than the fact that all twelve songs are so great is the fact that each of them come together to form a true album, they fit together as if they were all pieces of a puzzle, right with each other. Naming favorites is very hard, and it seems unfair to those which are not listed, but with careful thought it is possible to pick out those which stand out even above the rest. One of the most brilliant songs I have ever heard is "There Is Only You". Listening to this song, I find it hard to know whether I should sing along to the inspiring Christian lyrics, or kneel down and pray on the spot. Knowing that we all struggle at times with not allowing God to be the only one in our lives, this song has special meaning, reminding me to always let God be first. Another one of the greatest songs I know is "Hold It Up To The Light". This song clearly states that when we have a decision, we should hold it up to the Light, and trust our Lord to bless the decision that we make through faith in Him. Incredibly inspiring, you could not ask for any more from lyrics. Musically, this is one of the most soothing songs, its music is a perfect fit with the lyrics of trusting and relying on God through faith. There are many more songs which are so great, it is impossible to describe all of them. A few more of my personal favorites are: "The Gospel Is Peace," "Call Me Christian," "Long, Long Way," and "Anything Genuine". I encourage you to buy this album, and hear how great the songs I have talked about are, and find out more about the other songs, because they are definitely worthy of attention as well! If you like Christian music at all, do yourself a favor and buy this wonderful album by the Smalltown Poets. Incredible Christ-centered lyrics which cause great inspiration, along with melodic pop/rock music will beg you to "Listen Closely" time and time again!"
This band really is addictive! They rock!
Kate | Lynchburg, VA USA | 12/10/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I first heard of the Smalltown Poets on the WOW'99 cd. I was hooked! I enjoy their positive lyrics and catchy tunes, and the fact that they appeal to teens and non-Christians and also communicate the Word of God in their lyrics and can GET THE POINT ACROSS TO YOU ABOUT JESUS! I realy like this band. Don't pass them up! The Smalltown Poets rock!"
Absolute Best CD in my collection!
lutherchick | United States | 02/13/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is amazing. Every song on this album is great. It's not just one good song and then 10 other lousy songs. Right up to the last track, every minute is inspiring and energizing. There's a hidden track in the middle where a small child sings the refrain of "Jesus loves me". It is a reminder to us all to remain child-like in our exploration of the world. Peace!"
Another gem from Smalltown Poets
Brent A. Mikel | Maysville, GA | 11/25/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Listen Closely" follows the Smalltown Poets debut album closely in in so many ways. Not only did it come out a little over a year later, it also sounds much like the first CD stylisticly."Call Me Christian" sets the tone for the album much like "Prophet, Priest, and King" did for the debut CD. Other strong songs on "Listen Closely" include "Anything Genuine," "Gloria," and "Hold it up to The Light" (just to name three).For those of you who know a little music trivia, "Call Me Christian" has been released before from a little known band named Villanelle. In fact, if you ever get your hands on Villanelle's "Orange Peels and Pinwheels" CD, check and see how many members of that band found their way into Smalltown Poets. You may also notice that Villanelle associated closely with The Waiting on their "Blue Belly Sky" project (check on the back of the CD flyer where it says, "Much Love and Gratitude").Okay, let's get back on the subject here. I, for one, am glad to see the Smalltown Poets continue to release music. They are definitely one of the best pop/rock bands around right now."
This Band Is Truely Awesome and Rocks Like no other!
Brent A. Mikel | 11/06/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I just went to an SP concert and had a BLAST! If you like SP i sugest checking out new upcoming artist "The Straw Theory" & Another group called SUNDRY! They all rock and they rocked snellville! Check em out! And deffinetly learn all the words to all of Smalltown Poets Songs! :)"