Sixpence None The Richer: Rosemary Hill

The other day in a Facebook group for women in their 30s and 40s, someone asked if it’d be weird for her to walk down the aisle to “Kiss Me,” a song most women in that age range sang along to while rocking flared jeans and daydreaming about Freddie Prinze Jr. If she happens to read this, no. Totally not weird, but it’s interesting how Sixpence None The Richer has managed to have a grasp on an entire generation all these years later. However, I’d welcome those women (and others) to listen to their 2024 release, Rosemary Hill. While it doesn’t have anything that would cater to a tween crowd, it does highlight what happens when manic pixie girls grow up. 

Sixpence None The Richer put on their songwriting pants and went to town creating poetic moments throughout on songs like “Homeland” and the titular track, which reminded me of something Chappell Roan might make a few chapters into her career based on the line delivery; the oomph. Musically speaking, Rosemary Hill felt like it was made for the Renaissance Faire girlies. The ones who love a sea chanty from time to time as “We Are Love” delivered those vibes from the start, while “Thread the Needle” will make plenty want to twirl like Stevie Nicks. Speaking of a rock queen, “Julia” gave a burst of ‘90s alt-rock energy that broke apart the record nicely. The same can be said of the standout on the record, “Child and Man.” This is the song I’d expect that aforementioned woman with a wedding in the works to fall in love with just as she once did years ago, sans the flared jeans. 

Since their start, Sixpence None The Richer has had quite the ride. Members coming and going, reunions here and there, but they’re back and showcasing that they still have it when it comes to crafting a good tune. If there is one genre I miss in the mainstream, it’s music like this – simple adult contemporary sounds that don’t have all the TikTok flare. Just pure songwriting alongside easygoing arrangements for the mature manic pixie women of the world. 

Sixpence None The Richer Rosemary Hill
Release Date: October 4, 2024
Genre: Adult Contemporary
Reasons to Sing Along: “Child and Man” and “Julia”