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Smalltown Poets - Listen Closely Audio CD

A fair review of the Smalltown Poets "Listen Closely" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Smalltown Poets reviews here, or go back to the Smalltown Poets tabs.

Smalltown Poets Band: Smalltown Poets
Title: Listen Closely
Rating:
Release Date: 1999-01-12
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Call Me Christian 2: Anthing Genuine 3: There Is Only You 4: Gloria 5: 48 States 6: Long Long Way 7: Gospel Is Peace 8: Hold It up to the Light 9: New Man 10: Quasar 11: Garland of Grace 12: One of These Days

If you can only buy one Smalltown Poets CD, buy this one!
Their self-titled debut and Third Verse are great albums, but Listen Closely is far and away my favorite. I have been a Smalltown Poets fan for many years, and this is the album that I go back to when I need a quick SP fix. Listen Closely sublimely showcases the strength of Michael Johnston's writing and the musical improvements the band has made since its debut. I love the song "Hold It Up to the Light"; Johnston's upper register is beautiful match for the vulnerability of the lyrics and melody of this track. "Call Me Christian" is a wonderful statement of faith and the Gin Blossoms' vibe of the song will definitely have you singing along. Don't miss the album's closing song. "One of These Days" is a simple and eloquent take on our longing for heaven and it closes the CD perfectly. Please give Listen Closely a spin; you will not be disappointed. .


Absolute Best CD in my collection!
Every song on this album is great. This CD is amazing. 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!.


I love it!!
In my opinion, the best two songs on it are 48 states and hold it up to the light. Listen Closely is a great CD with a great message.


Another gem from Smalltown Poets
Not only did it come out a little over a year later, it also sounds much like the first CD stylisticly. "Listen Closely" follows the Smalltown Poets debut album closely in in so many ways.

"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.


Anything Genuine
After that, we just had to have the new album! These songs contain great messages that just inspire you to be all-out and genuine for Christ!. This CD was so good! I had never really heard of Smalltown Poets until my brother bought one of those CD mixes with _48 States_ on it.


You can see a complete list of all Smalltown Poets discography, or go back to the Smalltown Poets tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.

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