As I’ve been on something of a Tears For Fears kick recently, Relient K‘s new cover of “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” hits at just the right time. Plus, the original single reached its #1 chart peak in June 1985, so I’m certain I’m not alone in associating the song’s driving beat with good summer vibes (helped in part by its road-trip video). Lyrically, of course, it’s not exactly the cheeriest of messages, but that’s a trick of some of the best pop music.

Relient K’s re-do of “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” appears on their new Is For Karaoke EP. In addition to Tears For Fears, the band also covers Cyndi Lauper, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, Justin Bieber, They Might Be Giants, Gnarls Barkley, and Weezer on the release.

The Canton, Ohio band keeps things pretty faithful on the Tears For Fears front, quickening the tempo just a hair or two. The big change is a turn toward the wistful at the song’s end, as if to say, “Okay, so I’m ruling the world. Now what?” Nice touch, fellas, as nothing really does last forever. Even good summer vibes.

Purchase Relient K – “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” (Tears For Fears cover) via iTunes