Customer Reviews

String Quartet Tribute to Relient K

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

this is a pretty good tribute utilizing a violin for the melody and emphasized by the viola, bass, and cello. the songs are compiled from relient k's first album, self titled "relient k", to their latest, "mmhmm". the selection of music is fair, and range from their deeply thought out spiritual songs to their witty but understandingly true songs.

I have never been a huge fan of "classical" music that includes violins and such, but my brother bought this CD and I was very interested. I am a big fan of Relient K but would I like this string quartet? I did! They make the music of Relient K so relaxing and soothing. Anyone who has a taste for Relient K will like this.

The String Quartet did a wonderful job on playing their songs on other instruments and it sounds perfect and identical to the song. They even add a little extra "oomph" into the music that makes you more attracted to it. So I will say again, If you like Relient K, you will like this.

After the release of mmhmm in 2004, Relient K got major mainstream attention; MTV, The Tonight Show, and other venues now featured the band for the first time. The band also captured the attention of one Todd Mark Rubenstein, one of the leaders of "The String Quartet Tribute," a group that puts the classical spin on everyone from "The Beatles" to "U2," "Good Charlotte" to "American Idol," over 200 albums in all, with Rubenstein doing over 40 of those himself. That's right; your favorite Relient K songs have been turned into classical music.


Now, before you click away, at least find a sample of album first. If you don't like what you hear, or if you're not a fan of classical music in general, you'll most likely not like this project. This review, however, is for the rest of us.


The way that the group works is they go note for note on the songs, replacing the band's instruments with violins, cellos, and the occasional drum. But, the obvious first question is, does it work? Well, one advantage is that it puts more emphasis on the emotions of the music itself, with songs like "Getting into You" and "Jefferson, Aero Plane," this works well. However, there is an exception with "Let It All Out," which was primariy vocally and lyrically driven, not quite as musically reliant. The quartet's version, being all music, doesn't work as well.


Surprisingly, taking on guitar driven songs such as "Softer to Me," "Failure to Excommunicate," and "Pressing On" gives new angles to the songs, and more of an appreciation for the melodies that Matt Thiessen is able to craft with each one. And although not a string instrument, the drum plays an important role on the album as well, especially with "Be My Escape." The drum's presence gives the song more depth, and more bang for the buck, but it only comes out when needed. The string treatment also does fan-favorites justice. "Mood Rings," "Sadie Hawkins Dance," and "In Love with the 80's" still remain as fun as ever, even without the lyrics that made the songs.


I recommend that you listen to Relient K's versions of the songs, then the string versions; so you can gain a greater appreciation for the album and the songs. Otherwise, if you don't know the songs, it's just a nice album for background music, and a nice modern alternative to the legends that composed symphonies with just a piano, and their mind.


Overall, if you're not a fan of classical music, then you'll probably pass this one up. However, if you're willing to give it a try, then I highly recommend it. With most cases in the album, the string tribute does each song justice, and adds new depth to them. A worthy tribute of a band that will go down as legends in CCM history, all I can hope for is The String Quartet Tribute to Relient K Pt. 2.

This is awesome it has good songs from relient ranging from their first release to now. i rate it five star. and for anyone who says its missing a good song... if youre really a relient k fan, you'd have all the CDs anyways... like me... so what if im a nerd...

This CD has very well done string quartet recreations of Relient K's big hit songs.I would highly recommend it as a good addition to a Relient K fan's collection or for someone who enjoys variety as well. It is also a good way to bring the amazing music of Relient K to someone who likes strings.

Coming from a big fan of Relient K I had high standards for making a tribute album. This nailed it perfectly! I love the sounds of cellos and violens and when put to Relient K music makes a combination worthy of great approval.

I've been a long time fan of Relient K and let me say that this album is as fresh and unique as it is nostalgic.

This album is absolutely amazing! Such a pleasure to listen to! I can't turn it off! 5 stars!

If Benjamin ever reads these reviews again, he should know that if you were to ask Relient K if they even like the song "My Girlfriend", they would say they hate it. That is why wouldn't be on a tribute cd. You can't make it a tribute with a song that they hate. I know this because of an exlusive interview where this topic came up...

Anyways, to the rest of the CD. I am very pleased with the selection of these songs. I am a long time fan of Relient K, and just about all of my favorite songs are included in this cd, so I think's pretty good.

I don't know of a real tribute that doesnt include the best songs, as in this case My Girlfriend wasnt included and everyone who knows Relient K knows this song.