In 2000, Dave Douglas replaced Stephen Cushman on drums. In 2004, John Warne, formerly of Ace Troubleshooter replaced Brian on bass guitar. In 2005,Jon Schneck joined on with additional guitars, as well as banjo, bells, and backing vocals. In 2008, Ethan Luck, formerly of The O.C. Supertones and Demon Hunter replaced Dave on drums.
The band has released 9 albums, including 2 Christmas albums, as well as 6 EPs, and some other miscellaneous projects. Starting in 2000 with their second album, Relient K was signed to Gotee Records, a Christian record label. In 2004, their album Mmhmm shot them into mainstream popularity when it released at #15 on Billboard 200, and was released on Gotee, Mono Vs. Stereo (both Christian record labels), as well as Capitol, a secular label. They stayed with Gotee/Capitol until 2007, and their album Five Score and Seven Years Ago released at #6. Their latest album, Forget and Not Slow Down was released in 2009 with Mono Vs. Stereo. The band has done very well in both the Christian and mainstream music industries. The band has received numerous awards including a Grammy Award nomination in 2003 for Best Rock Gospel Album and two Dove Awards. The band has sold over 2 million records, with three albums being given gold certification by the RIAA.
The band's musical style has changed over the years, starting off as very pop-punk, and maturing into a unique sort of pop-alternative-rock, with many songs varying in style, and some including acoustic guitars, piano, banjo, synths, bells, etc. Through the years, their lyrics and songwriting have matured, but they have not lost their silly side and sense of humor. They still often reference their Christian faith throughout their songs.
Matt Thiessen, the band's main songwriter, also has a solo side project, Matthew Thiessen and the Earthquakes. He has also collaborated with Owl City. Dave Douglas also had a solo side project, Agnes.
Flare
Relient K Lyrics
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It's so unfair when you compare
The one who's fairest of the fair
A solar flare shines through her hair
It's so unfair when you compare
The one who's fairest of the fair
The lyrics of Relient K's song "Flare" are deeply poetic and open to interpretation. However, there is a sense of admiration and infatuation towards a particular person who seems to embody a rare and dazzling beauty. The comparison made in the song suggests that this person is so radiant that even a solar flare, which is one of the most powerful and intense natural phenomena in the universe, pales in comparison to her. It highlights the fact that beauty is not necessarily about a person's physical appearance alone, but more about the energy and aura they exude.
The repetition of the same lines in the song, "A solar flare shines through her hair, it's so unfair when you compare, the one who's fairest of the fair," emphasizes the intensity and constancy of the singer's feelings towards the person he is describing. He seems almost in awe of her, as if she is some kind of rare and precious object that he doesn't want to lose. The use of "unfair" indicates that he may feel like he is not worthy of her, or that it's unfair that someone so special should have to share the world with so many others.
Line by Line Meaning
A solar flare shines through her hair
Her beauty is so radiant and stunning, like a bright and fiery explosion of energy.
It's so unfair when you compare
It's wrong to judge someone's worth or value based on how they measure up to others.
The one who's fairest of the fair
The idea of a person being labeled as the ultimate standard of beauty is flawed and unrealistic, as true beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.
Contributed by Eva M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.