History of Five Score and Seven Years Ago in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 16, 2026

Five score and seven years ago—referencing the 1863 Gettysburg Address—Abraham Lincoln reflected on the founding principles of the United States. Delivered during the American Civil War, the speech emphasized the nation's dedication to the proposition that all men are created equal. Lincoln sought to redefine the conflict not merely as a fight to preserve the Union, but as a struggle for human equality and a 'new birth of freedom.' By honoring those who sacrificed their lives at Gettysburg, he urged the American people to ensure that democracy—a government of, by, and for the people—would not perish from the earth. The address remains a seminal document in American history, serving as a powerful call to uphold the values of liberty and national unity in the face of profound internal division.

2001: Writing of Faking My Own Suicide

In 2001, Thiessen wrote the song "Faking My Own Suicide," which became the earliest track associated with the album. Although it was the first song composed, it was ultimately withheld from the final record due to concerns that the title and subject matter would be perceived as too controversial or insensitive by Christian audiences.

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2004: Release of Mmhmm

In 2004, the band Relient K released the album Mmhmm, which served as the predecessor to their later work and marked a period of transition in the band's lineup.

August 2006: Completion of Recording Process

By August 2006, the recording process for the album was concluded after the group worked under a rushed schedule to meet an initial autumn release deadline, though the label ultimately postponed the project.

November 28, 2006: Release of Must Have Done Something Right

On November 28, 2006, the song "Must Have Done Something Right" was released to iTunes as the lead single for the album Five Score and Seven Years Ago, accompanied by the bonus track "Fallen Man."

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February 10, 2007: Must Have Done Something Right Music Video Debut

The official music video for the single "Must Have Done Something Right" was made available to the public online on February 10, 2007.

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March 6, 2007: Release of Five Score and Seven Years Ago

On March 6, 2007, the Christian rock band Relient K released their fifth studio album, titled Five Score and Seven Years Ago. This project marked several transitions for the group, serving as their final release under Capitol Records and Gotee Records, while also being the first full-length album to feature new band members John Warne on bass and Jon Schneck on guitar.

April 10, 2007: The Best Thing Single Release

On April 10, 2007, the band released "The Best Thing" as the third official single from their album Five Score and Seven Years Ago.

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July 11, 2007: Sales Milestone for Five Score and Seven Years Ago

As of July 11, 2007, the album Five Score and Seven Years Ago achieved significant commercial success, reaching 152,560 copies sold within the United States and exceeding 750,000 copies in worldwide sales.

2007: Recognition as a Top Pop Punk Album

In 2007, the music release was celebrated as a standout record of the year, later being featured by BuzzFeed as one of the 36 essential pop-punk albums and recognized by Indie Vision Music as a favorite hit from that period in 2007.

2007: Critical Reception of Five Score and Seven Years Ago

Throughout 2007, the album Five Score and Seven Years Ago received significant praise from music critics, who highlighted the band's matured songwriting, improved musical textures, and successful production collaborations.

January 2008: Release of Devastation and Reform

In January 2008, the sixth and final single from the album, titled "Devastation and Reform," was serviced to the Christian radio market.

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August 2008: Relient K Performs at Warped Tour

Between June and August 2008, the band performed as part of the 2008 lineup for the annual Warped Tour concert series, which served as a major touring engagement for the group during that summer.

2016: Return of Dave Douglas and Air for Free

In 2016, the band Relient K released the album Air for Free, which marked the return of drummer Dave Douglas, who had previously departed the group following the 2007 album cycle for Five Score and Seven Years Ago.