JesusfreakHideout.com: Highlighting 2016 Part One -- Looking Ahead To New Music In The First Half of 2016

For our 10th annual Highlighting feature, we split the year into TWO pieces -- January to June and July to December. Each list contains 10 artists/releases for a total of 20 in total for 2016. So, without further ado, we give you Highlighting Second-Half 2016! -- Please keep in mind that any artists that placed in the First Half (like Skillet, Paper Route and winner House of Heroes) won't be re-listed here!

3 of 10

#3. Relient K
Air For Free

Release Date: July 22, 2016

If anyone can release a compelling existential song about Instagram, it's these guys. It just makes sense. The punk-pop "Bummin'" seems like a return to form, too. Some might not be holding their breath after the controversial and coy Collapsible Lung, but RK has enough of a track record to keep me excited for Air for Free.
- Roger Gelwicks

Something about Matt and Matt's attitudes, the album artwork, the tracklist, and the lead single "Bummin'" has got me extremely excited for Air For Free.
- Christopher Smith

Throughout their career, Relient K has only continued to impress (despite Collapsible Lung's poppy approach) and the single released for Air For Free holds firmly the promise the streak will continue. Will the new tunes meet the brilliance of Forget and Not Slow Down is yet to be answered, but I'd be surprised if they don't at least get close.
- Lucas Munachen

Relient K has always been a favorite of mine and I’ve enjoyed watching them mature as I’ve matured myself (Matt Thiessen is just a couple of years older than me). However, Collapsible Lung was a very big disappointment. I’m hoping the guys are back on track and that Air For Free picks up where Forget and Not Slow Down left off.
- Michael Weaver

Relient K is due for a good second act, and a good album and exposure in the form of an opening slot on Switchfoot’s fall tour could be just the prod the boys from Ohio could use to again grab the cultural zeitgeist in that old fashioned “Marilyn Manson Ate My Girlfriend” way.
- Alex Caldwell

No, Relient K, you may have slowed down a lot since the mid-2000’s when you were in your heyday, but as this ranking says, we haven’t forgotten you. But you are going to have to do a bit of work to win back everyone after Collapsible Lung. Here's hoping that Air For Free does that!
- Mark Rice

Visit our Relient K page for more information about them...

2016 Countdown: July to December

10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1

©January 2016 Jesusfreakhideout.com

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Music Out This Week

This Friday, December 19, 2025
ALBUMS

CarriedOn Atlas: Revere - Single (independent)

Sleeping At Last Atlas: Revere - EP (independent)

The Undertaking! Only Left Alive To See The End - EP (CD) [Charon Collective]

SINGLES

Ayo Shamir, LLC Flame, G.E.S, TUVÍ, tonyxtrotter Drill in Eden - Single [Syntax]

Chasing Victory Renegade - Single (independent)

Drenae He Missed Again - Single [Syntax]

goodwill. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Single [Syntax]

outr.cty antidote ft. 350 & JusRzd - Single [Syntax]

Pulpit Vomit King of Nails - Single [Rottweiler/Broken Curfew]

Yung Drew, EJ Swavv, Wayne Klassik Shots Fired - Single [Syntax]

Next Friday, December 26, 2025
SINGLES
**No known releases**

Wednesday, December 31, 2025
ALBUMS

Meeting of the Mimes Odyssey (independent)

Thursday, January 1, 2026
ALBUMS

Relentless Pursuit The Aftermath - EP (independent)

Friday, January 2, 2026
SINGLES

Ian Austin, Heather Suzanne Run Free - Single [Ocean House]

For all release dates, click here!