Relient K – Five Score and Seven Years Ago
Published by Tyler Hayes January 22nd, 2007 in Album and Reviews. 12 Comments 4,643 viewsTags: Relient K.
Artist: Relient K
Album: Five Score and Seven Years Ago
Label: Capitol Records
Purchase: Amazon
Release Date: March 6th, 2007
Overall: 7.9
Music: 8.0
Lyrics: 8.0
Production: 9.0
“Five score and seven years ago� is Relient K’s new album which is the follow up to the major label debut “mmhmm�. I applaud them for giving this album an actual name instead of just a sound that made you feel ridiculous when said out loud. I was very excited to hear this record because Relient K has always put out quality music, and the same still applies with the new record. The staple of this band has and continues to be the ability to blend the comical and serious sides of life into a beautifully crafted song.
The first song “Plead the fifth� is more of an intro to the record, but it definitely shows off the guy’s ability to write a catchy melody. “Come right out and say It� is the next song which is familiar Relient K territory and touches on the subject of wanting to hear the truth instead of a pretty lie to spare someone’s feelings. “Must have done something right�, which is the first single, has been out for awhile and is a good song, but seems to sound better in the context of the other songs on “Five Score…�. Speaking of the single, my guess is that “I’m taking you with me� will end up being one at some point with its instantly catchy chorus.
“Deathbed�, which is the album closer, comes in at a whopping 11:05 minutes long. The song is told from a first person perspective of someone dying from cancer. The song starts off soft and slow but doesn’t stay that way long, adding a range of different instruments along the journey. The song also includes a guest vocalist which sounds like Switchfoot lead singer “Jonathan Foreman�.
I’ll take the advice from the song “Come right out and say it� and just tell it like it is for this record. This is an album which you will need to put in some time to fully enjoy. I found this album very forgettable the first couple times I listened to it, but it has grown on me. There are a couple of weaker songs scattered on the album but overall a good listen.
I just wasted your time with this review. Buy the record and you’ll know what I mean.
Track listing
1. Plead the Fifth
2. Come Right Out and Say It
3. I Need You
4. The Best Thing
5. Forgiven
6. Must Have Done Something Right
7. Give
8. Devastation and Reform
9. 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. Deathbed
12 Responses to “Relient K – Five Score and Seven Years Ago”
- 1 Pingback on Feb 23rd, 2007 at 1:32 pm
- 2 Pingback on Mar 8th, 2007 at 2:30 pm
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While you did give it a good rating, I have to disagree. I found this to be their best work to date. It caught me the first time I listened to it and it still does each time I listen.
The guest vocalist is Jon Foreman.
There are some really good songs on here. Its still growing on me but its turing out to sound like their best to date. “Plead the Fifth” is a great intro non the less.
I’d give this a solid 8 to 8.5. Relient K has not let me down for the past 3 albums and Five Score is no exception. The first time through, I was not blown away, but compared to some of the dismal releases in 2006, I would consider this year’s best material had this come out then. I LOVE “Bite My Tongue” and “Up and Up”… the riffs and lyrics are infectious and affecting.
I’d definitely call this Relient K’s strongest effort to date. Upon closer listen, the subtleties of this record come parading to the surface. Vocally this is far superior to anything the band have ever masterminded. The harmonies and choral parts are powerful and well placed. Moreover, there are some truly terrific guitar riffs going on (see “Come Right Out And Say It @ 1:35).
And, of course, true to Relient K fashion, Matthew’s lyrics steal the spotlight at every opportunity. Honestly, this guy has such a unique word play that I could hear his lyrics from a mile away. Thessien is definitely one of the stronger lyricists in the scene right now. He writes such positive, thoughtful, and reflective verses that I often wish some bands would fall in line.
Relient-K rocks this has to be one of there best C.Ds yet,but really all their C.Ds are so amazing!!!!!
Hey great rating.
Every album of rk is amzaing. And the best thing is that they are progressing all the time! luv Matt T!!!!
OMGSH I love Relient K, and my favorite song on there new Album is “Plead the Fifth”. I swear that songs is sooo cool and awesome!!
If you havent heard it, you can listen to a clip of it on myspace. http://www.myspace.com/relientk
Relient K continues to grow along with adding new band members. 1st play I was impressed, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, confirmed my earlier thoughts that this is great CD! Relent K rocks!, with thought filled lyrics to great musicial talent.
Relient K is amazing. I’ve stuck with them through all of their albums. I’m not one of those posers who just listens to “Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been”, “Be My Escape”, and “Must Have Done Something Right”. I still love Sadie Hawkins Dance, and I know all the words to the whole album “Mmhmm”. I went to their concert at the beginning of the month and they’re just as good on the CDs as they are live. “Five Score and Seven Years Ago” is a great album. My personal favorite is “Bite My Tongue”. I think their weakest song is “Plead the Fifth”. When I heard “Crayons Can Melt On Us”, I laughed for literally five minutes straight (yes, I’m an easy laugh). I’m going to try to buy the album soon- for now, I just listen to them on myspace.