Sixpence None The Richer was mistaken for a brand-new band when their single “Kiss Me” topped the international charts in 1999. In fact, the group had already earned a cult following in the Christian music world thanks to a pair of albums released by the small R.E.X. label, The Fatherless and the Widow (1993) and This Beautiful Mess (1995). The Best of the Early Years gathers the strongest tracks from these releases, showcasing Leigh (Bingham) Nash’s gossamer vocals and guitarist Matt Slocum’s tuneful, lyrically-provocative songwriting. From the start, Sixpence was a thinking-person’s folk-rock group, delving into profound spiritual terrain with a questioning spirit. Nash’s singing brings out the restless longing in songs like “Angeltread,” “Within a Room Somewhere” and “I Can’t Explain,” with Slocum and the band framing her silken tones with luminous sonic textures. Through it all, there’s an honesty and conviction to this music that gives it appeal beyond the confines of the Contemporary Christian genre. Those who know Sixpence only from “Kiss Me” will find this a rewarding discovery.