Divine Discontent is the fourth studio album by American band Sixpence None the Richer, released on October 29, 2002.

Background

Lead singer Leigh Nash has described her understanding of the album title as being that "sometimes your pain and the bad things you go through in life can be good if they bring you to a better place, a stronger place in your life," that is, "discontent can be divine." The album's completion and release was delayed due to a protracted struggle with their prior record label which Nash has described as being a low point for her, but that the process had made her emotionally stronger. In press notes, lead songwriter Matt Slocum said that there is "spiritual content" in many of his songs which come from "trying to be honest about the issues of life," while adding that "it also comes more in the form of asking questions than giving answers." The cover of Crowded House's "Don't Dream It's Over" was one of the later songs to be selected for the album, as it was a request by the label. However, the band was an admirer of Neil Finn and so did not mind. Nash and Slocum parted ways in early 2004 before reuniting to record the My Dear Machine EP in 2008.

Critical reception

Nikki Tranter of PopMatters praised Divine Discontent as "an expertly written, musically tight, effortlessly executed ride, proving that, as musical partners, Nash and Slocum are a force to be reckoned with." In 2003, the song "Breathe Your Name" won the GMA Dove Award for Modern Rock/Alternative Recorded Song of the Year.

Track listing

Personnel

Sixpence None the Richer Additional personnel Production

Charts

Album - Billboard (United States) Singles - Billboard (United States)