AMG Review of Smell the Color 9

Ashleigh Kittle
All Music Guide

Just the title of Chris Rice's 2000 Rocketown Records release -- Smell the Color 9 -- is enough to draw curiosity on the part of listeners. After all, what exactly is the singer/songwriter alluding to with such a title? In essence, he is addressing the intangibleness of God. The project combines CCM with touches of folk stylings. Rice's reflective lyrics, which often ask more questions than they provide answers, are reminiscent of work by Rich Mullins or Nichole Nordeman. Songs include the musically circus-themed "Questions for Heaven" and the '70s-flavored "Magic Wand."