Relient K - Five Score and Seven Years Ago

[Tony Pascarella]

Relient K - Five Score and Seven Years Ago
Release Date: March 6, 2007
Record Label: Capitol Records

Relient K's history dates back to their 1998 demo, All Work and No Play, which resulted in their signing to Gotee Records. After three albums on Gotee, the band made a jump to the heavy-hitting Capitol Records to release Mmhmm in 2004. Now featuring two new members (guitarist Jon Schneck and bassist John Warne), the band seems ready to take on anything. After selling roughly 800,000 units of Mmhmm, Relient K returns to center stage with their dominant major-label follow-up titled Five Score and Seven Years Ago.

Relient K went with a different face behind the boards for this record, alternative rock mega-producer Howard Benson. As with most Benson-produced albums, Five Score and Seven Years Ago hits hard and fast in all the right places, with quality tone. "I Need You" is one of the speediest numbers we have heard from the band. Matt Thiessen delivers his message with impassioned urgency as Dave Douglas prominently backs him up. One noticeably different factor on this record is Douglas' contribution; drum parts are considerably fuller than on previous records, giving the band more of an "epic" musically.

As has always been the case, Five Score and Seven Years is saturated with syrupy choruses. Some of the lyrics are corny, but the Relient K trumps the cheese with heartfelt honesty. For example, on "Must Have Done Something Right," the album's lead single, Thiessen opens with "We should get jerseys 'cause we make a good team/but yours would look better than mine 'cause you're out of my league." Cheesimus maximus, but this is anthemic, good-natured pop music for the good-natured people of the world. "Faking My Own Suicide" comes off as serious thematically, but its tongue-in-cheek approach dances somewhere between humor and sadness; stylistically, it's reminiscent of some of the more methodical songs on Mmhmm.

Setting aside the amusing twelve seconds of "Crayons Can Melt On Us For All I Care," the next track is a stellar effort. "Bite My Tongue" is a single in the making, with enough musical manic-depression for an entire mental ward. It is catchy, instrumentally entertaining, and lyrically solid. The (pardon the wordplay) uplifting "Up and Up" deals with self-betterment before leading into the 11-minute marathon, "Deathbed." The piano-heavy track tells the chilling narrative of an elderly patient dying from lung cancer. There's no hidden track here, it happens to be an epic tale that tugs at your heartstrings like never before, replete with enough strings to fill an entire orchestra pit.

No one who has been anticipating this album will be disappointed. The change of producer has not dumbed down the music at all; this is the Relient K that you all know and love, just bigger and louder than ever before. It expands on the happier (yet musically grittier) side of Mmhmm without losing any of the band's trademark fun. Relient K have always been "that guy" who melts the girl's by saying all the romantic things she wants to hear, and they have comfortably settled into their success. Don't get your panties in a bunch over a score that might be "too low." Relient K consistently outdo themselves, and Five Score and Seven Years Ago sets the bar higher yet. I adore this album for what it is, and I think you will too. Break out a smile, hug your (cute next-door) neighbor, and feel good about life for the next 51 minutes.

Buy Relient K's Five Score and Seven Years Ago on iTunes (http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/stat?id=PjIvm57kicI&offerid=78941&type=3&subid=0&tmpid=1826&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fphobos. apple.com%252FWebObjects%252FMZStor e.woa%252Fwa%252FviewAlbum%253Fi%25 3D215484977%2526id%253D215484976%25 26s%253D143441%2526partnerId%253D30 )

01. Plead the Fifth
02. Come Right Out and Say It
03. I Need You
04. The Best Thing
05. Forgiven
06. Must Have Done Something Right
07. Give
08. Devastation and Reform
09. I'm Taking You With Me
10. Faking My Own Suicide
11. Crayons Can Melt On us For All I Care
12. Bite My Tongue
13. Up and Up
14. DeathbedMyspace (http://www.myspace.com/relientk) | AP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/relientk) | Official Site (http://www.relientk.com)

[Drew Beringer]

Good review, I would have bumped lyrics up to a 7.5 and creativity to an 8, but that's just me, I agree with the majority of the content in the review.

[TheHeretic]

Very solid and catchy album. Great effort.

[Say Hello 87]

haha, honestly...im not even a huge fan of relient k but since reading this ill buy this record and see them live, thanks much

[sweetfootaction]

Excellent review! I haven't listened to this and I'm still waiting til tuesday to pick this up. I've waited this long, I think I can go a few more days.

Side note: In their live show I wish that they'd play a few more old songs like "Hello McFly" or "My Girlfriend". I know that they've said that they're not big on the old stuff anymore, but being a classic fan I appreciate all their stuff from the beginning.

[MGTrolling]

Totally, I've been a fan of this band since 2000, when I saw them play the wee-stage at Sunshine Fest in Minnesota. I can appreciate why they try to stay away from real old stuff: it's good but I'd imagine most casual Relient K fans aren't familiar with their early Gotee albums. They exude so much passion and it's great that they've continued to strive for that in each release and see their improvement.

[C480RG]

this is the first time since sadie hawkins dance that ive been really excited for this release. this album should do damn wonders for them.

[Drew Beringer]

I saw em live at some Christian fest in like 2001 and they played all that goofy shit and even covered Backstreet Boys lolol

[jhennis]

haha, honestly...im not even a huge fan of relient k but since reading this ill buy this record and see them live, thanks much
why the hell would you go pick up an album because some kid in his parents basement said he liked it...download it, and then if you like it put it on your ipod.

[MGTrolling]

I hope you're kidding dude....

[Roboman]

why the hell would you go pick up an album because some kid in his parents basement said he liked it...download it, and then if you like it put it on your ipod.

Yeah, wooooonderful philosophy you have there, bro.

[keeplioving]

why the hell would you go pick up an album because some kid in his parents basement said he liked it...download it, and then if you like it put it on your ipod.

what the hell is wrong with him supporting them? I've bought some albums based on reviews/suggestions from friends, and most of the time I'm not let down. if you're broke, then no, I wouldn't suggest it. but why not? just let him be.

[sweetforever]

very well written review. very fun album

[C480RG]

why the hell would you go pick up an album because some kid in his parents basement said he liked it...download it, and then if you like it put it on your ipod.

your probably one of those people who complain when their favorite bands dont get put on a great tour too, arent you?

[dakinemaui1983]

you gave relient k an 85 percent and The Higher like a 40... thats embarrassing.. check yourself

[Drew Beringer]

you gave relient k an 85 percent and The Higher like a 40... thats embarrassing.. check yourself

hahahahahaha RK is so superior to The Higher. The Higher is like a 60 at absolute best.

[Gitch]

you gave relient k an 85 percent and The Higher like a 40... thats embarrassing.. check yourself

well its simple, relient k = good, the higher = not so much

[Blake Solomon]

really good review. I think I still like MMhmm more, but I was not let down by this at all (as you said.) cheers!

[animmortalsoul]

"Don't get your panties in a bunch over a score that might be 'too low.'"

Sherwood review chaos reference?

[thispostscript]

great review Tony....this album should be enormous!

[takingbackrufio]

Good review. I prefer Mmhmm, but this album is certainly worthy of many spins, especially when summer comes around.

[IamTheINDUSTRY]

bump lyrics up a little bit.

[saving jonathan]

I saw em live at some Christian fest in like 2001 and they played all that goofy shit and even covered Backstreet Boys lolol


i think i might have been there. in kentucky?... what was it called...icthus. thats it.

[BruisedxBroken]

two lefts was a classic. mmhmm was mildly entertaining, emphasis on the mildly. five score is a load of dung. i think i've offically grown out of relient k. fuck you, howard benson...

[takingshots]

sweet review can't wait to get it

[bruisexblackeye]

Side note: In their live show I wish that they'd play a few more old songs like "Hello McFly" or "My Girlfriend". I know that they've said that they're not big on the old stuff anymore, but being a classic fan I appreciate all their stuff from the beginning.

the past few times i've seen them, they've played "softer to me" which is one of my fav RK songs, especially off the self-titled album.

[Scott Weber]

you gave relient k an 85 percent and The Higher like a 40... thats embarrassing.. check yourself
relient k - amazing songwriters for their genre. great, layered, pop-punk/rock. the higher - cheesy boy-band dance pop garbage.

[gravitywinsagn]

a very cool album...

[Tyler Revolution]

Great album.

[Darren McLeod]

i'm torn on this album. i thought mmhmm was one of the better albums of its style when it was released, and while some tracks on here are good, there are a few that just don't do it for me.

[Traceyisapunk]

I was totally let down by this album. I absolutely loved their previous effort, but this feels like it's just lacking the energy they once possessed. Which is a shame. But hey, that's just my opinion, I'm sure loads of people will dig it.

[Chris Fallon]

Since the first time I heard this album over a month ago, I have been in love with it. I think it's perfection and I find the lyrics reflect a lot of what is currently happening in my own and my friends' lives.

Personally, I think this could be one of my very favorite albums of 2007. There's nothing I truly can say I dislike about this album. It's positive, it's charming and it gives you heavy-hitting musicianship combined with super-sweet melodies (and the harmonies on this album are tremendous).

Still, I like your review, Tony and understand your score, so everything is good in the 'hood. Relient K makes us happy and that is all that matters.

[radxbandit]

great review, man. i thought you did a great job at praising the record without over-hyping. although i felt the vocals score could have been higher, i mean, i've yet to hear a man in this genre as talented at vocal arrangements as matt is.

[keeplioving]

relient k - amazing songwriters for their genre. great, layered, pop-punk/rock. the higher - cheesy boy-band dance pop garbage.


haha, exactly.

[trindaddy]

why the hell would you go pick up an album because some kid in his parents basement said he liked it...download it, and then if you like it put it on your ipod.


wow dude. that's a completely shit-headed thing to say.


if he wants to support an artist fine. how and what he spends his money on isn't any of your damn business anyways.

[radxbandit]

i'm torn on this album. i thought mmhmm was one of the better albums of its style when it was released, and while some tracks on here are good, there are a few that just don't do it for me.

yeah i agree but there are very few tracks that "don't do it for me," and the rest of the tracks far outweigh that minor flaw.

[Tony Pascarella]

"Don't get your panties in a bunch over a score that might be 'too low.'"

Sherwood review chaos reference?Sorta. The words in my review were very, very positive because I like the album, and translating that to a numerical score can be tough, especially when I have to rate each category independently. I don't mind doing it at all, but I hope people take the time to read what I had to say instead of thinking, "AP.net has a track record of making an 85 be above average but not great, so I'm going to pass." I definitely toughened up my rating system for 2007 to make sure I wasn't a) neglecting the bottom half of the scores and b) giving out too many 90s. Can't win 'em all, though.

i'm torn on this album. i thought mmhmm was one of the better albums of its style when it was released, and while some tracks on here are good, there are a few that just don't do it for me.You didn't strike me as a Relient K fan, Darren. You learn something new every day.

I was totally let down by this album. I absolutely loved their previous effort, but this feels like it's just lacking the energy they once possessed. Which is a shame. But hey, that's just my opinion, I'm sure loads of people will dig it.To me, it feels like they took the energy of Mmhmm and the melancholy of Mmhmm and extrapolated the former while turning the latter into "Deathbed," which is a great song. I generally have a tough time sitting through an 11-minute song, but they kept it interesting.

great review, man. i thought you did a great job at praising the record without over-hyping. although i felt the vocals score could have been higher, i mean, i've yet to hear a man in this genre as talented at vocal arrangements as matt is.Thanks. They really improved the harmonies on this record (along with the drum production), which shows a step forward musically to me. It's a fuller sounding album all-around.

The reviewers here give out high marks so easilly.Because we enjoy music? An 85 for an album that will probably remain one of my favorite "fun" albums of 2007 is not overly high. Besides, it got a review that praised its finer points and explained some of the drawbacks to the album--which is exactly what a review should do.

[mr chainsaw]

Excellent review! I haven't listened to this and I'm still waiting til tuesday to pick this up. I've waited this long, I think I can go a few more days.

Side note: In their live show I wish that they'd play a few more old songs like "Hello McFly" or "My Girlfriend". I know that they've said that they're not big on the old stuff anymore, but being a classic fan I appreciate all their stuff from the beginning.

They used to play a ton of old stuff until their original bassist left. Their concerts used to be so much fun. I miss dermike.

[mr chainsaw]

I was totally let down by this album. I absolutely loved their previous effort, but this feels like it's just lacking the energy they once possessed. Which is a shame. But hey, that's just my opinion, I'm sure loads of people will dig it.

They have been lacking energy ever since Brian Pittman left the band.

[piaffeprncess98]

I love this album. I think the b-side "Fallen Man" would actually fit in nicely. I'd have to say my favorites are "Bite My Tongue" and "Up and Up".

[mike l]

1) they sucked when i saw them at bamboozle 2005 (they were inside on the 'main' stage but sowas i can make a mess. it was before bamboozle got whored out to linkin park and wierd al, and they sucked.

2) don't talk shit on the higher without listening to histrionics, its just not fair. and i mean the album not the song.

[Tony Pascarella]

2) don't talk shit on the higher without listening to histrionics, its just not fair. and i mean the album not the song.I'm not sure, but I don't think this was directed at me. If it happened to be, I think The Higher's new album is terrible (second-worst album I've heard this year, losing to Blinded Black for the title). Relient K can pull off the cheesiness factor by backing it up with great showings in all of the other areas. The Higher are average at best; maybe a couple albums down the road they'll be able to impress me, but right now they're simply a gimmick band, and not a very good one at that.

[Tony Pascarella]

I love this album. I think the b-side "Fallen Man" would actually fit in nicely. I'd have to say my favorites are "Bite My Tongue" and "Up and Up".I need to listen to that; I've heard good things.

[March_Faster!!]

I was about to go postal on you until I read the end of the review that told me "not to get your panties in a bunch over the low score". This album is really fantastic, and I'd say that "Deathbed" is one the most epic, heart-wrenching songs I've had the pleasure of hearing. Relient K can do no wrong.

[bankrom]

i liked the record alright, but everything has gone downhill since anatomy, in my humble opinion.
still, one of the funner bands to see. glad they're doing well.

[Badgers08]

hahaha, Cheesimus maximus. i love it. can't wait to here this album, i like what i've heard so far

[squared82]

i liked the record alright, but everything has gone downhill since anatomy, in my humble opinion.
still, one of the funner bands to see. glad they're doing well.

really? I'd say that is their worst effort, and that its all gone uphill from there. haha. To each there own I guess.

This is probably my front runner for album of the year.

[robz4]

I'm liking this album more and more everytime I hear it, even if they do waste ten seconds of my life evertime :-) Good review!

[DownAndOut]

Excellent review. I've loved all the stuff they have come out with. I'm actually proud to say that they are from my hometown

I saw em live at some Christian fest in like 2001 and they played all that goofy shit and even covered Backstreet Boys lolol
Yeah they did Backstreet Boys when I saw them back in I think 99 or 2000. Always entertaining.

[roxy]

Awesome review Tony.

[irishpunk14]

great review.looking forward to the album.

[Vicky82]

its a good album. i will be buying it no doubt. They definately make some feel good music

[bop24buf]

Great review, and great album. I definitely loved it more than Mmhmm. I can't wait to see them on the first date of their tour. Should be a great show.

[jaimej]

Good review Tony! I agree. I really enjoy this album.

[piaffeprncess98]

I need to listen to that; I've heard good things.

It is good. I honestly feel like it could have been included in the album and not disrupt the flow of songs.

[Big_Guy]

their last one was way better. this one is nowhere near as catchy.

their lyrics have always sucked, so I don't really need to take them into consideration

[Scott Weber]

How can a band who writes songs mostly made up of power chords, simple verse chorus structures and repitition deserve a 9 for musicianship??
It's hard to take anything you say seriously since your name comes from a Socratic album.

[sayyes]

i'm torn on this album. i thought mmhmm was one of the better albums of its style when it was released, and while some tracks on here are good, there are a few that just don't do it for me.
my thoughts exactly

[John-Michael]

Wow. This is the first Relient K record I had to actively try to keep listening too. All the songs are way too slow and other than the singles this is some of the weakest game the dudes have dropped since all work and no play. Bring back Mmmmhmmm or S/T

[thatwasamoment]

Good review. I'll check the record out.

[contentloser]

This is one of few bands that I can say get better with each release. All albums are slightly, if not majorly, better than the one before. I love this band and am seriously considering seeing them this May. Crayons is possibly the best thing, seeing as the rest of the album before that point is consisted of serious songs/non-joke songs like the ones included on Self-titled and Anatomy.

[DysentaryGary]

This album definitely gripped me the second I heard the first track. I think it's amazing, from start to finish.

[bruisexblackeye]

1) they sucked when i saw them at bamboozle 2005 (they were inside on the 'main' stage but sowas i can make a mess. it was before bamboozle got whored out to linkin park and wierd al, and they sucked.

relient k used to be one of the most boring live bands i'd ever seen. but after mmhmm picked up some steam they got A LOT better. & the new dudes help (although i miss brian pittman dearly & jon should go back & reform Ace Troubleshooter!!!!!). hoopes still has no clue what stage presence is, though. haha.

& i second the missing of dermike.

[Chevy114]

"2 lefts don't make a right... but 3 do" is still one of my all time favorite albums by any band, so I will definately check this out.

[werealldudes19]

this cd is cashhh yooo

[Scott Weber]

I hard to take anyone seriously who makes points of peoples usernames rather than answering an extremely valid point. Im not a huge Socratic fan i just liked the name.
Attacking an artist's usage of simplistic chords and song structures is not a valid argument for attacking musicianship or songwriting ability - are you going to attack The Beatles too? There is much more that goes into it - Relient K's music is deeply layered, Matt has excellent lyrical delivery, and their albums always achieve great continuity throughout.

[anxangelsxcry]

this cd is cashhh yooo

cash indeed my good man

[Branevember31]

good review...i hope this sells well

[Drew Beringer]

It's hard to take anything you say seriously since your name comes from a Socratic album.

hhahahahaha

[costello.]

relient k cannot fail.
been listening to them since the fourth grade (admittedly not all that long ago to some of you), and they've never disappointed.

[mike l]

It's hard to take anything you say seriously since your name comes from a Socratic album.

LMFAO OWNED!

Oh Tony umm I think that you are a silly man to think that they are average at best after hearing their debut full length. I admit their new record is nothing to write home about though. Oh, and btw I do really like Relient K i was beyond obsessed with MMHMM when it came out but that fizzled andI still never gave this record a chance.

[ansonyuhas]

Good review. I am looking forward to another summer with Relient K.

[CircaSin]

relient k is weak

[.KillMoneen.]

you gave relient k an 85 percent and The Higher like a 40... thats embarrassing.. check yourself


Thats probably because the Highers new album is terrible.

[dingy]

One of the best albums to come out so far this year.

[crzydrmmer]

I saw em live at some Christian fest in like 2001 and they played all that goofy shit and even covered Backstreet Boys lolol

haha me too... it was sick though

[youareallfreaks]

i've been spinning this album alot. i love the acapella opener.

[ghostyouare]

I do not like this CD.

[radxbandit]

Sorta. The words in my review were very, very positive because I like the album, and translating that to a numerical score can be tough, especially when I have to rate each category independently. I don't mind doing it at all, but I hope people take the time to read what I had to say instead of thinking, "AP.net has a track record of making an 85 be above average but not great, so I'm going to pass." I definitely toughened up my rating system for 2007 to make sure I wasn't a) neglecting the bottom half of the scores and b) giving out too many 90s. Can't win 'em all, though.

You didn't strike me as a Relient K fan, Darren. You learn something new every day.

To me, it feels like they took the energy of Mmhmm and the melancholy of Mmhmm and extrapolated the former while turning the latter into "Deathbed," which is a great song. I generally have a tough time sitting through an 11-minute song, but they kept it interesting.

Thanks. They really improved the harmonies on this record (along with the drum production), which shows a step forward musically to me. It's a fuller sounding album all-around.

Because we enjoy music? An 85 for an album that will probably remain one of my favorite "fun" albums of 2007 is not overly high. Besides, it got a review that praised its finer points and explained some of the drawbacks to the album--which is exactly what a review should do.


Yeah I totally agree, the drums made this record a hell of a lot more exciting.

[*crying stars*]

I've been a fan of Relient K for a looooong time. Great review.

I'm so stoked.

[TheWeakest]

i can't wait

[TheWeakest]

this cd is cashhh yooo

no man, you're cash yoo

[emokid333]

can't wait

[Scott Weber]

You think Based on a True Story is one of the two best albums ever made,

Have you not heard of music?
It's better than Socratic.

[Evrythng=mnglss]

Yeah they did Backstreet Boys when I saw them back in I think 99 or 2000. Always entertaining.

haha, yeah their covers are pretty great. matt even covered a little beyonce on a radio station a while back. theres a video on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtsjtYnRDxI pretty funny stuff.

[Tony Pascarella]

It's better than Socratic.Game, set, and match.

[Scott Weber]

Once again moron i dont like Socratic that much. I'd say it was about the same but SILYMI is better than both.
Hey, I'm not the guy who made a user name out of their album and expected people to believe that he wasn't a fan.

[Scott Weber]

I dont care whether you believe it or not, it is of no relevance to my comments about the review or this band.
FYI, some of your submitted reviews got approved. I'd recommend reading the tips in the news post.

[Mad_Griffith]

i'm going to listen to this one

[mmmuffins]

I disagree with setting aside "Crayons..." It's classic rK and Matt Thiessen. It's taken the humor of "Gibberish" and the skits on other albums, but made it much more current so it fits in (we really don't need another "Gibberish").

"Bite My Tongue" has got to be one of the best songs rK has ever written, if not the best. Amazing.

[sidewacker]

Once again moron i dont like Socratic that much. I'd say it was about the same but SILYMI is better than both.
Hey douche bag, I'm sick of hearing you bitch, that's all you little UK pussies do is bitch. We're not sorry that two centuries of climatic variation over there has accounted for your small penis sizes.

[drudo182]

Three more days...!

[hopeforthebest]

I could go on about americans but your not worth my time.

go listen to some gay uk bands like bring me the horizon

[drummer1400]

My pre-order should come in today. I'm so ridiculously excited!

[tacosforcharles]

The special edition is worth it in my opinion. The DVD was awesome.

[Music=Peace]

I like the first verse for the song "Must Have Done Something Right." It makes me smile.

[blink621]

the cd is marvelous...a great effort and they definately did themselves justice by using this producer...

[Shatter_Glass]

im so happy i "Gave in" and bought this. I bought out of habit but stayed for what I forgot about them: Fun music with heart and substance .....and corniness.

[L.G. FUAD]

does anyone else think the best songs are in the second half of the cd?

[TAYF152]

does anyone else think the best songs are in the second half of the cd?

Yeah, I think the final three songs are the best on the album.

[Etrain4242]

This cd is amazing deathbed is an awesome song by the way. Im taking you with me is great too!

[drummer1400]

Deathbed is as good as it gets.

[SanePsychotic]

Great album. I wouldn't say it's as good as Mmhmm but that's probably because it hasn't grown enough on me yet. Relient K is just one of those bands that I don't get into their albums right away. But so far so good.

[SanePsychotic]

does anyone else think the best songs are in the second half of the cd?

Yeah, but there's not really a low point in the album.

[RelientMayday]

Very accurate review. I agree with everything. I love this whole CD. I totally agree with the cheesy but honest lyrics fact. That is how most of Relient K is, especially going back to The Anatomy Of The Tongue In Cheek's "Sadie Hawkins Dance". One thing I love about Relient K which is well shown in Five Score and Seven Years Ago is that fact that most of the time Relient K has happy, cheesy, upbeat songs that everyone loves to bounce along to. However every now and again they slip up and and blow you away with some slow, powerful song that just makes you go "Wow". This is shown in Five Score and Seven Years Ago with the eleven minute and five second epic "Deathbed". I love everything about this band and they did not let me down with this album.

[cscwell107]

I liked this album but I like mhmm better

[stereokiller]

does anyone else think the best songs are in the second half of the cd?
your username = my favorite song

just had to say it.