Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

JFH Music Review


Smalltown Poets, 'Smalltown Poets'
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Smalltown Poets
Smalltown Poets



Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Pop Rock / Alternative
Album length: 11 tracks: 41 minutes, 17 seconds
Street Date: March 25, 1997


READER RATING:   


For my money, Georgia-based band Smalltown Poets' Self-Titled debut album was the best 90s college alt-rock album of its time. Released in 1997, it stands as a testament to the era's predominate musical palate, offering a refreshing blend of earnestness and musicality reminiscent of its contemporaries from the mainstream, like The Gin Blossoms and The Goo Goo Dolls. Mirroring an influence without ripping them off is hard to do, but the Poets do so successfully.

The opening run of four tracks, spanning smash hit "Prophet, Priest, and King" to the soaring ballad "I'll Give," is the album's peak stretch, but the b-side of the album is no slouch either. Another favorite is "Scenario," which features relatable gratitudes for the grace of God like, "My faults do run deep/your mercies deeper." Additionally, "Monkey's Paw," the heaviest song of the album, stands out with a delightful groove, crunchy guitars, and a wailing solo.

Lastly, the album ends on a highly effective one-two punch with the worshipful track, "Trust," and the convicting "Inside the Bubble." The lyrics of "Trust," in particular, bear highlight with its heartfelt 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." The warmth of the heavenly sentiment and the near-strained vocal is the band at its ardent best.

At now twenty-seven years since its release at the time of this writing, Smalltown Poets' Self-Titled album more than holds up. I would even go so far as to say it's among the best top-to-bottom albums of 90s CCM with "Prophet, Priest, and King" at the very least a must for any playlist of the era. All in all, this is still a favorite album of CCM for this listener/reviewer, as I return to it several times a year. You can't miss this one if you love 90s alt rock!

- Review date: 3/25/24, written by Josh Balogh of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

 


. Record Label: Forefront Records
. Album length: 11 tracks: 41 minutes, 17 seconds
. Street Date: March 25, 1997
. Buy It: Amazon.com (CD)
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

  1. Prophet, Priest and King (3:36)
  2. If You'll Let Me Love You (3:02)
  3. Everything I Hate (3:11)
  4. I'll Give (4:01)
  5. Anymore (3:21)
  6. Who You Are (3:17)
  7. Scenario (3:31)
  8. There's a Day (4:00)
  9. Monkey's Paw (3:05)
  10. Trust (3:31)
  11. Inside the Bubble (6:43)

 

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Search JFH



This Wednesday, October 8, 2025
SINGLES
Amy Jay Back to What's Natural - Single (independent)

This Friday, October 10, 2025
ALBUMS
Citizens m us eum [Anotherland Records]
Jesus Culture Send The Fire: Live From London [Capitol CMG]
Tasha Layton Life in Me [BEC]
Myles Maestro Dead End Road - EP [Syntax]
Make Sure Starry May Morning (independent)
SNT. VINCENT Final Greetings [Syntax]
Razzie Digital Psalms - EP [Syntax]
Josh Wright LEAD (Deluxe) (independent)

SINGLES
Holly Brand One Thing He Wouldn't Do - Single [Integrity]
Chosen Road Daddy Was a Navy Man - Single [Thoroughbred]
Drakeford Writing on the Wall - Single (independent)
EJ Swavv & Jeff Knox Deja Vu - Single [Syntax]
Kelo Memory Lane - Single [Syntax]
MAYIA Pass Me Not - Single [Syntax]
Kevi Morse Like You - Single [Syntax]
Jeannie Ortega Decipher - Single [Syntax]
Run51 Song Of My Soul - Single [DREAM]
Zane Vickery Name (Live at Greenbriar) - Single (independent)
Vineyard Worship & Dreaming The Impossible Praise You For Eternity - Single [Vineyard]

Next Friday, October 17, 2025
ALBUMS
ANTHNY DIARY ENTRY 1 [Provident]
Blanca Full Bloom [Curb]
Chris Blue Every Day Is Christmas [Gaither]
Geoff Moore and The Distance Foundations (Re-Release) [Girder]
Geoff Moore and The Distance A Place To Stand (Re-Release) [Girder]
Nate Parrish Make Me A Mountain (independent)
Psallos The New and Better Way: Hymns of Hebrews (independent)
Anne Wilson Stars [Capitol CMG]

SINGLES
Zane Vickery All Things New - Single (independent)

DVD
Chris Blue Every Day Is Christmas DVD [Gaither]


For all release dates, click here!
 

Purchase Original Art Prints, Drawings, Stickers, Bookmarks and more from JFH's own John DiBiase!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images