Forget and Not Slow Down

Artist: Relient K
Label: Gotee
Genre: Rock, Pop

By Debra Akins, contributing writer, GospelMusicChannel.com

Matt Thiessen should be banished to an isolated cabin in the woods more often if the resulting musical fare is anything like what he's crafted on Relient K's latest release, Forget And Not Slow Down - because we'd all be the better for it. Thiessen and his band mates have constructed some of the best songs of their career here, thanks in large part to his inspired lyrics and melodies that are all at once poetic, sublime and totally accessible. (And just to be clear, the multi-month retreat to a remote lake house in Tennessee was self-imposed on Thiessen's part.)

Characterized in the band's bio as an optimistic break-up album, Forget And Not Slow Down underscores the ever-evolving and maturing songwriter Thiessen has become as this memorable collection of songs captures the very real emotions of love lost, but with a refreshingly unique and forward-thinking perspective. The bouncy, melodic title track (and album opener) declares, "I'd rather forget and not slow down than gather regret for the things I can't change now."

And along with Thiessen's well-crafted songs, the whole band should be commended for its musical cohesiveness and consistency from the album's start to finish. With long-time producer Mark Townsend (who turns in another superb effort here) at the helm, Relient K has fashioned a thoughtful, personal project that is not too heavy for its own good. It's a great balance of lyrical depth and fun, melodic, pop music with an indie-flavored edge.

Forget And Not Slow Down is a career album for Relient K and certainly one of the best releases of the year. It's one you'll want to hear over and over.