Smalltown Poets

If you were to pair the lyrical insight of Steven Curtis Chapman with the musical stylings of Jars of Clay (minus the strings), you’d probably come up with something quite similar to Smalltown Poets.

These five guys, along with producer John Hampton (Audio Adrenaline, Gin Blossoms), have assembled a fine debut album, rich in both lyrical content and musical direction. The poetic musings and keen observations in the lyrics are accompanied by solid, hooky tunes which underscore the message of hope winding through 11 songs.

Lead vocalist Michael Johnston sounds almost effortless as he glides from one strong melody to another. The remainder of the band backs him in fine form, especially guitarist Kevin Breuner, who adds some tasty seasoning to “There’s a Day” and “Monkey’s Paw.” Still, talent alone wouldn’t be enough to carry this album, if it were plagued by weak material. Thankfully, it is not.

Cranking things up is “Prophet, Priest and King,” which comments on the relative insignificance of attaining political influence when we as believers have access to the very throne of God. “Everything I Hate,” the gutsy first single, explores the classic Romans 7 dilemma of “doing what I don’t want to do” in a fresh way that neatly avoids triteness. Built around a big chorus, “Scenario” is an honest and simple look at both humanity’s sin and God’s mercy. “Trust” marries a beautiful lyric that would be at home on any Twila Paris record to a Counting Crows-esque sound, resulting in a gentle invitation to “Take this bread, drink this cup / Know this price has pardoned you / From all that’s hardened you / But it’s going to take some trust.”

Wonderfully free from confining trendiness, musical predictability, and lyrical clichés, Smalltown Poets is one of the most consistent rock albums since Jars of Clay to find its way into the Christian marketplace.