Relient K, the increasingly popular Christian pop/punk band's first album, which is self-titled, contains hoards of hooks and plenty of edgy rock, making them more accessible and diverse than typical punk bands. Their harmonious vocals and happy-go-lucky songs such as "When You're Around", "Charles in Charge," and "17 Magazine" attract the pop-lovers. Punk music lovers should enjoy the harder numbers such as "Hello McFly" and "My Girlfriend."
The lyrics are honest and set strong images of the worldview of Relient K. They are truly repentant in "Hello McFly," which explains their desire to go back in time and change what they have done wrong in their lives. There is a true prayerful atmosphere in "Balloon Ride," and the All Star United-like sarcastic nature of "17 Magazine" gets their point across well.
Relient K can be as clever as the W's, as seen in songs such as "Nancy Drew." They can be as sarcastic as All Star United in "17 Magazine," and they can strike a hard beat like MxPx with "Hello McFly." If you get down with any of these bands, at least give Relient K a listen.
Relient K boomed with success after their first release--pleasing all kinds of different tastes of music. They are fun, witty, and a blast to see in concert. Relient K's first release is excellent, but not perfect; it's something to work from and build on. Will Relient K step it up to be one of the greats, or will they merely be one-hit wonders? I don't know about you, but I hope the former is true about Relient K, because they have what it takes to bring about some much needed change in the Christian music industry.
Mark's Score: 4.5/5
Other coverage for this album
The Rebel Base 2001Reviewed by Josh HurstIn general, I do not care for mainstream music acts a whole lot. Sure, I like a few popular bands, like dc Talk and U2, but most of the bands that I listen to are fairly obscure and low-key. One would think, then, that I would not be very impressed with Relient K, the best-selling new rock artist in Christian music last year. Interestingly enough, however, I do enjoy Relient K. Their live shows…ReAL Magazine 2000Reviewed by Shawna T.The great thing about Christian punk music is that usually the CDs are so upbeat you feel happy and gooey when you listen to them. Relient K's self titled debut is no exception. Matt Theissen, their lead vocalist and guitarist, even said they want to "show kids that Christians can have a lot fun." A notable difference between Relient K and most punk bands, however, is that Relient K sings with…Exit Zine 2000Reviewed by James M. BranumAs I was strolling through the local Christian bookstore recently, a CD cover plastered with an interesting sticker immediately caught my eye. The sticker proclaimed in big bold letters, "popular punk rock-n-roll for the modern teenager." "Hmmm..." I thought. "Why should that make someone want to buy the CD? And how could it be popular if it just came out?" These questions perplexed me, so I gave…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Kerry MaffeoDespite valiant efforts of the band to steer clear of the punk-rock label, Gotee Records' relient K's self-titled debut album is just that. While it certainly has elements of modern rock and pop, the album has a definite MxPx feel to it. Lyrically, the release has all the elements of the new wave of punk-rock. Light, often humorous, yet with an edge of truth, characteristic of the genre.…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Andy ArgyrakisThere's nothing special about the ordinary band Relient K, who despite their budding enthusiasm, add minimal substance to the world of punk music. Granted, they have uplifting lyrics that appeal to pre-teens and the youth group crowd, but they still have a long way to go as mature artists in the genre. Relient K is a direct copy band of those like MxPx and Blink-182, and at times on the album,…Similar sounding releases
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