Customer Reviews

Five Score And Seven Years Ago

5 star:		(55)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Relient K has managed to something that rarely we see a band do in their fifth release: top their previous four releases while maintaining that familiar sound that defined Relient K as a gigantic, monstrous musical force to be reckoned with. Light and poppy, but deep and dark, Relient K takes us through the everyman's daily struggle with both, his human and spiritual self. Loaded with the witty lyrics that Relient K is so famous for, "Five Score & Seven Years Ago" is, undeniably, a gem.

"There's a lot more variety in terms of the music[:] it has a broader scope and it's much more diverse," said the band when I asked them about their latest release. "It has more instruments and more vocals." Right they are. With the addition of John Warne (bass) and Jon Schneck (guitars, banjo, mandolin, etc), Relient K now has five (that's right - five) singing voices. The result? A richer, fuller melodic structure that accents in just the right places in every song - most notably in their first single "Must Have Done Something Right" and their album-ending, 11-minute musical and lyrical masterpiece: "Deathbed" (which features the voice of Switchfoot's Jon Foreman as "Jesus"). Musically, the sound is as tight as ever: the progressions, the riffy guitars, the injective drumming - all mixed with excellence (the production, by the way, is phenomenal). One thing that one notices rather quickly is the appearance of the piano in more songs. A welcomed addition, since it truly makes the sound deeper and fuller.

Lyrically, their humor is, as always, evident on some songs, but there are a few darker humored songs that kind of pick up where "Who I am Hates Who I've Been" (from their album "MmHmm") left us. Focusing on redemption, Relient K declares that, no matter what, God can give you another chance: "Yeah, we're fallen people. Yeah, we're sinful, you know? That's going to happen," said the band, "but He's always there, you know? He'll dust us off and give us a hug." Other songs, like "Faking My Own Suicide" and "The Best Thing", take a fresh and fun look at love and relationships.

In short, "Five Score & Seven Years Ago" is an awesome follow-up to "MmHmm" and, in this critic's opinion, out-did it. If you thought blandly of their previous releases: although this album still carries that Relient K flavor of their previous albums, there's definitely something different on this one - you might want to give it a try. It doesn't matter how long you've been a Relient K fan, this is the album that you've been waiting for. If you're not a Relient K fan yet, brace yourself - you're in for a big, happy surprise!

Enjoy!

I admit I was a little doubtful they were going to make an album as good as mmhmm, and also this was my most expected album of the year. so expectations were pretty high, but they've vanished any of my doubts since I can say this is they're best album yet.

Songs like "The Best thing", "Come Right Out and Say It", "Forgiven" and "Bite My Tongue" will stick to your head for a long time. the biggest surprise for me was "Deathbed". I've always liked punk-rock-short-songs and I was far from imagining I was going to enjoy an 11-minutes song this much.

The only part that felt a little out of place was "I Need You" because they sound too much like Anberlin (at least to me). But it is a great song nonetheless.

Buy this album and enjoy an excellent band at their best. I did.

I had been heavily anticipating Relient K's new album for about two weeks, ever since I had decided on a whim to rip my friend's copy of Mmhm. Well it being my Spring Break and all, I woke up at 11 yesterday and immediately zipped to Best Buy to buy Five Score...

Being a new fan, I hadn't really had the opportunity to listen to a lot of their older stuff, save for Two Lefts Don't Make A Right and SOME of Tongue in Cheek...but you can really hear their musical progression from one album to the next. Matt Thiessen's songwriting has always been Grade A, but with the previous three releases he's taken it to an entirely different level. Mmhm IS the true Relient K sound...with songs like When I Go Down, Be My Escape, Life After Death and Taxes, Who I Am Hates Who I've Been...

But now we have Five Score and the band has once again taken their sound to another level.

From the opening Beatles/Beach Boys-esque harmonies of "Plead the Fifth", and then on to the rocking "Come Right Out and Say It" and "I Need You," it's apparent immediately that the band has raised their game. It's still Relient K, but it's Relient K more refined and focused than they've ever been. Everything is in perfect balance.

We then have "The Best Thing," which is the first of a few songs about the newfound love of his life. As with many songs on the cd, is has a great piano riff throughout as well as a ridiculously catchy chorus.

"Forgiven" is my personal favorite song on the cd. Again, a very nice piano riff underneath a frantic strumming guitar, followed by a chorus that just swells...."We're all guilty of the same things, we think the thoughts whether or not we see them through, and I know that I have been forgiven..."

"Must Have Done Something Right" is a pretty playful love song that is once again very catchy.

"Give Until There's Nothing Left" is probably my second favorite song on the cd with, per usual, a great message.

"Devastation and Reform" is another rocking track with a very nice guitar riff from Hoopes. Great chorus.

"I'm Taking You With Me" is another love song. Pretty good.

"Faking My Own Suicide" has slide guitars and great folk sound to it. Unlike anything I've heard from RK before. Great song.

"Bite My Tongue" has more great guitar work and another great message...don't cause pain through words.

"Up and Up" is yet another well-written, uplifting, happy track about celebrating everyday of your life. Great chorus and great song.

"Death Bed" is about a dying cancer patient. It sounds like a song titled "death bed" might be really heavy, sad way of ending such a happy cd, but while the song is very powerful, it's not what you think it probably is. It's probably not much of a stretch to say that this is the best song Matt Thiessen has ever written. The verses recount the dying man's life behind a very bouncy beat and great piano playing. Matt Thiessen apparently played about 12 instruments in this song which is really a testament to what an amazingly talented individual he really is. This song IS Relient K, and it continues their trend of ending their albums with great songs...ala Jefferson Aero Plane, When I Go Down...

Well, yeah, it's an amazing album. Go out and purchase a copy if you want to hear one of the best kept secrets in pop music. Okay, maybe they aren't THAT big of a secret, but they are still relatively under the radar...probably because of the Christian Rock label. But as Matt T said, "C.S. Lewis wasn't about just writing to Christians to make them better. He was about writing books that everyone could read and expand their minds. That's what music is all about, too. [Not long] ago it was absurd that P.O.D. was doing Ozzfest or that Sixpence None the Richer was all over the radio. Then, all the sudden, it's all changed."

I am not that huge a fan of Relient K. I really liked many of the songs on MMHMM. What I like about them is their ability to transition the sound many times within 1 song with key changes and change of tempo, etc. THIS album however blew me away. This was one of the first albums ever that I listened to it the whole way through without thinking, "when will this song be done" or even skipping a song halfway through. The opener is a great one. A random A Cappella doo-wop that just plain sounds cool and is not what I expected for a starter. Songs like The Best Thing, Must Have Done Something Right, Faking My Own Suicide have a classic Relient K sound with a more "mature/modern" quality. So they gave us great love songs. They also gave us a song like Forgiven saying that we have all made mistakes, but there is forgiveness. Lastly, the "ear" opener on the whole album was Deathbed. Simply INCREDIBLE. This is Matt Thiessen's song writing ability at its best. He arranged for a host of instruments, change in tempo many times, and allowed Switchfoot's Jon Foreman to sing as a guest. Great song and overall great album. I was very impressed.

Like most people who reviewed this album, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. As a long-time fan (since 2000--right after their self-titled release), I have seen them mature over the years along with my music tastes.

My first impression wasn't a good one: I heard "Must Have Done Something Right" on MySpace and, although it's alright, it's was not exactly the "mature Relient K" I had expected. Turns out, that is my least favorite track on the album (I hope Capitol Records picked this as their No. 1 single, not they guys of RK). Their lyrics and music have, without question, progressed with each and every CD they release.

The CD concludes with a song called "Deathbed" that is the masterpiece of--not only Matt Thiessen's song-writing career--but I think it's the best piece of work Relient K has ever done. The lyrics are...beyond words. The 11-minute long song tells the story of a man who has made choices throughout his life that he regrets (By '47, I was fourteen/I'd acquired a taste for liquor and nicotine/I smoked until I threw up, yet I still lit 'em up/For thirty more years, like a machine).

As he is dying, he eventually accepts Jesus into his life (I was so scared of Jesus, but he sought me out/Like the cancer in my lungs that's killing me now/And I've given up hope on the days I have left/But I cling to the hope of my life in the next) and the regrets of what he has done in his life (You cried wolf, the tears they soaked your fur/The blood dripped from your fangs/You said 'What have I done?'/You loved that lamb with every sinful bone/And there you wept alone/Your heart was so contrite). It is truly the best song of Relient K's career, and the song ends with the lead singer of Switchfoot, Jon, singing as Jesus. Five days later, this is still my favorite song that I repeat almost ad nauseum.

This does not take away from the rest of the album, though. RK starts to explore new territory beyond the piano and banjo on "Mmhmm." From the a capella "Plead the Fifth" to the Death Cab sounding "Give Until There's Nothing Left" to the folky song "Faking My Own Suicide" that Thiessen did originally with his side-project, Matt Thiessen and the Earthquakes.

While RK has certianly expanded their horizons musically, they have stuck to what got them to be one of the most popular mainstream Christian artists today. "I Need You", "Bite My Tongue" and "Come Right Out and Say It" sound like the old RK, only with more mature lyrics. My other favorites (other than the ones I mentioned in this review) include "Forgiven" and "Devestation and Reform."

Whether you're a new fan, an old fan or someone who has never been a fan of them before, you should give this album a try. They're not the strictly pop-punk band they used to be; they have become something that can appeal to most audiences.

It was love at first song for me, when I heard "Getting in to You" on the radio for the first time.

I like it. It has it's own flavor, as do all of their cds. It seems like they change their style a little bit with every album. My favorites have stars next to them.

"Forgiven" and "Devastation and Reform" have a distinctive flair that I don't know how to describe (but that I really like), and "Faking My Own Suicide and "Deathbed" are kind of folky.

1 "Pleading The Fifth" - LOL, they've brought back a little of their random accapella stuff (think "Anatomy").

2 "Come Right Out And Say It" struck a familiar chord with me. "Even if words are probably going to hurt, I'd rather have the truth than something insincere... Come right out and say what it is you're thinking even though I'm thinking it's not what I want to hear."

3 "I Need You" - The lyrics are great! I can definitely relate. Makes me think of some of the Psalms.

4 "The Best Thing" - Thiessen (lead singer and writer of all their songs) seems to have found the love of his life, which makes him a little sappier than usual. It's about time, the rest of them are all married, I think. " ...when I looked into your eyes and you dared to stare right back. You should've said 'Nice to meet you, I'm your other half.'"

*5 I immediately liked "Forgiven" which is quite distinctive from Relient K's usual style, but very good. "And you can't see past the blood on my hands to see that you've been aptly damned to fail and fail again. 'Cause we're all guilty of the same things. We think the thoughts whether or not we see them through."

*6 "Must Have Done Something Right" is typical Thiessen. I love his way with words. It's quirky and sappy - in a good way. "We should get jerseys, 'cause we make a good team. But yours would look better than mine, because you're out of my league." Very happy song.

7 "Give Until There's Nothing Left To Give" - "No one told me the right way to go about this. So I'll figure it out for myself... No one told me how bad I need you. But I somehow arrived at that conclusion all by myself. And I want all you have to offer. So I'll offer myself..." Yep, Relient K always has something to speak for me.

*8 "Devastation and Reform" - Again, a new style, but I like it. Nice guitar lick! Nice lyrics!

9 "I'm Taking You With Me" - Another mushy song... Groan..."If home is where my heart is, then home is where you are. But it's getting oh so hard to spend these days without my heart" Still nice.

*10 "Faking My Own Suicide" made me laugh... and think about high school. "I'm faking my own suicide... I wish you thought I was dead. So rather than me, you'll be depressed instead. And before arriving at my grave, you'd come to the conclusion you'd loved me all your days... You'll say aloud that you would've been my wife. And right about that time is when I'd come back to life." It's funny and it sounds almost like Nickel Creek - folk songy. Very different style.

11 "Crayons Can Melt On Us For All I Care" - hahhahahaha! No comment.

12. "Bite My Tongue" - Good song. About pride and screwing up and hurting other people "...the power of your words can repair all that I've destroyed... so I'll swallow up my pride and give you control.."

13. "Up and Up" - My theme song right now. "Yesterday was not quite what it could've been, as were most of the days before. But I swear, today with every breath I'm breathing in, I'll be trying to make it so much more...Yeah, there's nothing left to prove, 'cause I'm just trying to be a better version of me, for you... For you never cease to supply me with what I need for a good life. So when I'm down I'll hold my head up high. 'Cause you're the reason why..."

14. Deathbed - an 11 minute epic song about a dying cancer patient. I don't know what I think about this song yet. Not actually sure I like it. Apparently, though, Matt can play Horn, Trombone, Euphonium, Trumpet, Guitar, Piano, Organ, Percussion, and Penny Whistle. That is kind of amusing.

Okay so I've been a Relient K fan for a while now, but I have to admit. This CD is the best, most lyrically profound yet and the music is simply amazing.

1. Plead the Fifth 6/10 ~ The intro to the album is quite...interesting. It sounds cool with the accapella, but I really don't understand the words *blinks*

2.Come Out Right and Say It 9/10 ~ Why don't you come right out and say it? This song will rock your socks. You can say it. Come on.

3. I Need You 9/10 ~ The instruments rocking out at the beginning is awesome and I love how it gradually builds up into the chorus, and then there are the "whoa's" that are everywhere in the album. Fun one to play air drums to. Haha.

4. The Best Thing 8/10 ~ Not one of my favorites, but it's alright.

5. Forgiven 10/10 ~ LOVE IT! It's one of my absolute favorites. The lyrics are great.

6. Must Have Done Something Right 9/10 ~ A great classic-sounding Relient K song. If you haven't checked out the music video yet you must. Go. Now. No, wait and read this review first if you please. =] Haha.

7. Give Until There's Nothing Left 8/10 ~ Nice, kinda slow, but nice.

8. Devestation and Reform 8/10 ~ The guitar at the beginning rocks. Another fun air drums song.

9. I'm Taking You With Me 10/10 ~ Ah! Another of my favorites! The tune is really catchy and there's "whoa's" in this song too. The best "whoa's" in the album, methinks. Wow that sounds weird.

10. Faking My Own Suicide 9.5/10 ~ I really like this song. It's different and fresh

11. Crayons Can Melt On Us For All I Care 9/10 ~ One word. Hilarious.

12. Bite my Tongue 10/10 ~ I can't help but move with this song. Especially the chorus.

13. Up and Up 9/10 ~ More whoa's! They are seriously everywhere, but Relient K can definitely pull it off. And it sounds incredible too.

14. Deathbed 9/10 ~ An 11 minute song! The lyrics are thought provoking, the tune and the vocals are great, as are the instruments.

Relient K deserves a gold star! Yay! *applaudes*

Alright then

There's my review

And that is the end

I hope it was helpful

Relient K fanatic friend

Thank you for your time. =]

Relient K has been very consistent over the years, and remarkably, they have again raised the bar. This collection of songs rocks, in its entirety. Except for one 15-second interlude, every song is iPod-worthy. The album's opening track "Plead the Fifth" finds the guys skillfully harmonizing a cappella, Beach Boys style. Too bad it's only a minute and thirteen seconds long as it leaves the listener wanting more. The lead single, "Must Have Done Something Right" features a killer hook. Other strong tracks are "Forgiven" and "The Best Thing." The band finishes the album with a dramatic, eleven-minute song called "Deathbed", which tells the story of a man dying of lung cancer who reflects on his life and poor decisions, but recounts the night when he put his faith in Christ. And to top it off, Switchfoot's Jon Foreman sings the final verse. Enough said.

After months and months of anticipation for Relient K's newest work I was worried I was setting myself up for dissapointment. I began to love each of their albums more and more since "Anatomy" and they grew to become my favorite band. After first hearing their first fun, catchy single "must have done something right" my excitement hit a peek. Was I to be dissapointed by the album?

Not in any way.

I love every song on the cd. Relient K kept their same sound that I loved from "mmhmm" but yet still matured it in a way with piano and their voices that it got even better (all five members sing throughout the album, including the awesome accapella first track "Plead the Fifth", which caused me to first think I had mistakenly played a Guster cd, and then when I was assured it was Relient K's, the song began to sound like that of the Beach Boys). I was worried when I read that they had two folky sounding songs "Faking my own suicide" and "deathbed" on the album, but they ended up to be my favorite songs on the cd! "Faking my own suicide" is soft and sweet but yet also made me laugh, and "Deathbed" is very powerful, probably the most powerful lyrics Theissen has ever written.

Other personal favorites: "Im Taking You With Me", "Forgiven", "The Best Thing", and "Must Have Done Something Right" (but its hard to choose cause they are all awesome!)

Most definately buy "Five Score"

I didn't really know what to expect with Relient K's latest effort Five Score and Seven Years Ago. Their last album Mmhmm wasn't as cheese filled as their previous albums but I still wasn't a fan. When I put the newest album in and heard the opening track "Plead The Fifth", I knew this was going to be different, and much more mature. The introduction reminds me of a song the Beach Boys would do, with great harmonies overlaying Thiessen's incredible vocals. The album takes off from there with the hard hitting rock song "Come Right Out and Say It". I like the direction that Relient K has gone in with this new album. Instead of their usual punk driven tunes, they went for a more rock driven and piano filled sound. Howard Benson once again produces a catchy in your face rock album with leading drum beats that will showcase this band's musicianship. The songs "Devastation and Reform" and "Bite My Tongue" best showcase the type of hard hitting rock songs that Benson is capable of producing. This album shows depth both musically, and lyrically. The album does still include a few of their typical syrupy songs such as the first single "Must Have Done Something Right" with cheesy lyrics, but for the majority of the album you are going to hear serious lyrics behind amazing instrumental melodies. Relient K hasn't escaped from their Christian roots, however the spiritual messages in the album are much more discreet than in their previous efforts and show up only as undertones in the lyrics.

Thiessen also implements his amazing piano abilities much more on this album than he has in their past efforts. It works brilliantly on most of the songs. One of the standout tracks for me is "Forgiven" which could be one of the best crossover songs I've heard from a Christian band. I could see this song on both secular and Christian radio.

Other tracks that I found very enjoyable were "The Best Thing", "Give", and "I'm Taking You With Me". Relient K is a band that likes to have fun, and the very unnecessary "Crayons Can Melt on Us for All I Care" displays the fun side of the band.

The highlight of this album for me was the epic finale Deathbed. Matt Thiessen begins this ballad on the piano, but the song soon takes an entertaining turn as Thiessen tells the story of a man that is dying from cancer. This song brings the band back to their spiritual roots, with John Foreman of Switchfoot singing as the voice of Jesus at the conclusion of the song.

"Five Score and Seven Years Ago" is definitely the compilation that I was waiting for from Relient K, and it is sure to skyrocket Relient K into greater success.