Divine Discontent cover

Released 24 years ago this October

Divine Discontent

Sixpence None the Richer · 2002

55 min · 13 tracks · indie rock

A lush blend of melodic pop-rock infused with introspective lyrics and shimmering instrumentation that captures a sense of yearning.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Breathe Your Name — This track serves as the album's lead single, exemplifying the band's signature sound with its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics about longing and connection.
  • →
    Don't Dream It's Over — A cover of Crowded House's classic, this rendition showcases the band's ability to reinterpret familiar songs while adding their own emotional depth and nuance.
  • →
    Melody of You — This song stands out for its poetic lyrics and intricate arrangement, reflecting on themes of love and appreciation in a way that resonates deeply throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends melodic pop-rock with introspective lyrics but lacks strong cohesion in its sequencing.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies that create a lush soundscape, particularly in 'Breathe Your Name' and 'Still Burning'.
  • The album includes a cover of Crowded House's 'Don't Dream It's Over', which is arranged to fit seamlessly with the original compositions.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • reflective soundscape for introspection
  • dynamic journey with emotional peaks
  • ethereal melodies for late-night thoughts
  • patient pacing that invites reflection
  • uplifting moments amidst melancholy

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

Career context
Divine Discontent is Sixpence None the Richer's fourth studio album, released in 2002, following their breakthrough success with 'Kiss Me' in 1997. By this time, the band had established a strong presence in the Christian alternative rock scene and sought to explore more diverse musical influences while maintaining their signature sound.
Stylistic neighbors
The Civil Wars· Jars of Clay· Sara Groves

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Melody of You

    The shift in perspective to directly address a beloved person introduces intimacy and vulnerability previously unexpressed in earlier tracks.

    This direct address contrasts with other songs that maintain distance, creating an emotional pivot that deepens the listener's connection to the narrative.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Breathe Your Name 3:56
  • 2 Tonight 3:52
  • 3 Down and Out of Time 3:28
  • 4 Don’t Dream It’s Over 4:03
  • 5 Waiting on the Sun 2:54
  • 6 Still Burning 4:02
  • 7 Melody of You 4:50
  • 8 Paralyzed 3:54
  • 9 I’ve Been Waiting 4:19
  • 10 Eyes Wide Open 3:28
  • 11 Dizzy 6:36
  • 12 Tension Is a Passing Note 3:30
  • 13 A Million Parachutes 6:19

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata