Mmhmm, it’s true. After 2004’s hit release Mmhmm, that gave Relient K their third consecutive gold release, the band brings out Five Score and Seven Years Ago, the most mature songwriting we’ve seen from Matt Thiessen and the band to date. Not only are the lyrics very strong, but the band leads us into what could be some of the best music that we’ve heard from Relient K to date.
Five Score starts off with “Plead the Fifth” a song that is written from the perspective of a 19th century man with an outlandish conspiracy theory about Lincoln’s death. “Come Right Out and Say It” is the first track you get to actually hear the maturity in the lyrics. Why don't you come right out and say it / Even if words are probably going to hurt / I'd rather have the truth than something insincere – chorus (first half).
“I Need You” is a strong prayer to God about searching for Him, revealing that the band hasn’t lost its Christian roots, but maybe even grew stronger? Take a look for yourself… I need you / I need you here / I need you now / I need security somehow / I need you / Like you would not believe / You're the only thing I want / Cause you're everything I need – chorus. Another very strong song is “Forgiven”… And you can't see past the blood on my hands / To see that you've been aptly damned / To fail and fail again – pre-chorus… Cause 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 / And I just hope you can forgive me too – chorus.
If you’re worried that Relient K went all out on the serious songs and didn’t have fun on Five Score rest assured there is a good amount of fun songs, including “Crayons Can Melt On Us For All I Care” a short 12 second song clip that will have you laughing for sure. There are a few fun love songs on Five Score as well like “The Best Thing”, the first single “Must Have Done Something Right”, and “Faking My Own Suicide”.
A song that I really like is “Devastation and Reform.” Fear can drive stick and its taking me down this road / A road down which I swore I'd never go / And here I sit, thinking of God knows what / Afraid to admit I might self-destruct – first verse. Thank you, God for giving me the insight / So I might make these wrongs right / If and when there ever is a next time / Cause failure is a blessing in disguise – bridge… So I'll offer myself and I'll just give until there's nothing else. I think almost anyone can relate to that song, I’d say it’s probably the most honest song on the record.
“Deathbed” is one of the quirky songs that I really love. Featuring guest vocalist Jon Foreman of Switchfoot it’s sure to have you laughing and thinking as it bends back and forth between jokes and serious thoughts. Written from the perspective of a cancer patient, the song is you’ll want to listen to over and over; the amazing part is it doesn’t repeat, and it’s over eleven minutes long!
Five Score also has great instrumentation. From the almost Country sounding “Faking My Own Suicide” to the very Poppy “Give” the album is connected well enough that it doesn’t have any gaps, but it’s diverse enough that you’ll know you’re on a new song. Relient K “Scored” big when it comes to not repeating themselves.
Overall, Relient K matured a whole lot. They also didn’t loose the faith, which excites me to see what this album will do in the mainstream market. Christians can be proud, because Relient K has brought to the plate such an honest album. Matt Thiessen wrote some amazing songs, showing exactly where his heart is at. Be sure to pick up Five Score and Seven Years Ago as soon as possible! You’ll be extremely glad you did!
Article by Jeremy Koering, Editor / Photographer / General Writing
