Mmhmm by Relient K

Mmhmm is Relient K's 2004 album, the one where the band's craft caught up with its heart. The jokes are still here, but the songs reach further into grace, regret, and the work of growing up. I return to it because it manages to be fun and genuinely moving at once.

Why listen?

The sound is polished pop-punk with smarter arrangements and bigger choruses than before. The production is crisp and full, giving the melodies room to soar. The lyrics deal honestly with failure and the hope of being made new, never preachy. There is a maturity here that does not kill the fun. It is the record where the band became something more than clever.

Favourite song: Be My Escape

The breakout song, and rightly so. It is a fast, urgent prayer about being stuck and longing for a way out.

And I've been housing all this doubt and insecurity
And I've been locked inside that house
All the while You hold the key
And I've been dying to get out and that might be the death of me
Ooh, I gotta get outta here
I'm begging You to be my escape

The verses tumble out almost too fast to keep up, then the chorus throws the doors open. It reminds me of the relief of finally reaching the gate at the end of a hard, fenced-in stretch of path. The song admits that we cannot rescue ourselves, and finds freedom in admitting it.

Key takeaway

Mmhmm is Relient K at their best, funny and wise in the same breath. A high point of their catalogue.

Tracklist

• The One I'm Waiting For
• Be My Escape
• High of 75
• I So Hate Consequences
• My Girl's Ex-Boyfriend
• More Than Useless
• Which to Bury, Us or the Hatchet?
• Let It All Out
• Who I Am Hates Who I've Been
• Maintain Consciousness
• This Week the Trend
• Life After Death & Taxes (Failure II)
• When I Go Down

Details

Listen on

• Apple Music
• Amazon
• Spotify

Enjoyed this post?

Well, you could share the post with others, follow me via Social Media or RSS Feeds and/or send me a comment via email.

Tags