This past summer, Relient K released their 9th full-length album titled Air for Free. It has been a while since I was as excited for an album as I was for this one. There are two bands who almost fully encompass my whole musical nostalgia to a tee, and they are Relient K and Switchfoot(ironically these two bands are on tour together currently and I will be seeing them later this week). I expected a return to form for Relient K when this album came out and I was reeling with excitement. I loved the album artwork and all of the hype leading up to the release wishing it to be an album similar to their masterpiece Forget and Not Slow Down. However, something akin to that album was not what I got. I received something much more, melodies that touched my heart, lyrics that reflected my soul, and an album that would stick in my mind for months after. Yes, Matt Thiessen and Matthew Hoopes, although not all some of their best, have written songs that are about the right things in this album and it came out at the right time in my life.
The second song “Local Construction” subjects what I consider to be my life’s motto: constant improvement. In the chorus, Thiessen declares “Fix the car, fix the house, fix the flaws in myself. It's never done." It’s about striving for perfection. Though unattainable, it is the only way to ensure you are working through your problems. This song is a classic case of self-improvement as we deconstruct and build ourselves up.
Next, the tune that probably affected me the most is the fifth track “Man.” The chorus goes “Wake up, Wake up, it's time to be a man." This song came to me in the midst of constant self-pity and depression. It ironically was a wake-up call for me as the chorus concludes with “wave goodbye as I outgrow the shadow of Peter Pan.” Peter Pan being childhood wonderment and dreams but also immaturity and unwillingness to take responsibility. It was what I needed to stop feeling sorry for myself. I had to stop blaming the world and work, improve, and progress.
Lastly, “God” comforted me in a time of rampant uncertainty. I am a Christian and have always been a Christian; however, this album came out a time when I was doubtful. This song was an orient for me and helped reaffirm what I believed. Thiessen sings,
"I believe in night, I believe in day
And I believe there's a light coming back around again
And I believe you're right cause I believe there's a way
And I believe I might have some catching up to do
I believe in God, I believe in God
Oh, oh, oh-oh-oh, and I believe that I, I believe enough
So help me God
I believe in love and I believe in us
Oh, oh, oh-oh-oh, and I believe the sky was made for me to touch
I believe the sky was made for me to touch"
Again this is a wonderful reflection of what I feel. I truly do believe and I believe the sky was made for me to reach. It is a song of hope for me and a reminder of my fundamental beliefs as a follower of Christ.
