Skillet: Awake Review

Skillet has returned from their success with 2006's heavier and more mainstream effort of "Comatose" and delivers yet again. While I must admit that I am not a huge fan of their older work, I recognize good music when I hear it, and Skillet's two prior albums, "Comatose" and "Collide" embody all of the characteristics of a solid rock album. But I think that it is safe to say that Skillet's latest endeavor, "Awake", is the band's best work to date. This album embodies the themes of desperation for God, hope and peace that Christian rock fans have come to associate the band with. But even if you are not a religious person, Skillet's "Awake" has something for you. Rock fans are sure to be dazzled by great, heavy guitar riffs from lead guitarist Ben Kasica, throaty and well-sung songs by the lead singer John Cooper accompanied by the sweet and melodic voice that the lead singer's wife (Korey Cooper) lends to a few tracks, and solid drumming from Jen Ledger. The album ranges from head-smashing songs to slow and beautiful ballads, so fans of both genres of Skillet's repertoire will be pleased. If you are one of those people that likes to revel in a band's glory days and tends to ignore a band's latest efforts (cough Green Day fans cough), I guarantee that you will be making a mistake if you pass this album up. Skillet fans, your band is back and is ready to tear this nation apart when they go on tour.

1. Hero- When this single was released, Skillet fans rejoiced to hear their beloved band rocking out like this. A great opener for the album that embodies the theme of mixing great rock with the notion of needing a hero (God) to redeem not only the people singing the song, but those listening to it as well. Or, if you are not religious, this is still a great song to rock out to. Korey's added vocals are a nice plus to the song, adding to the drama. 9.5/10
2. Monster- As if Hero wasn't good enough of a single, Skillet then released yet another single that completely conflicted with Hero as far as lyrics are concerned, but managed to retain the same level of rocking out. This dark yet fun track is the highlight of the album if you are looking for a heavy rocker. This is one of those songs that makes you want to go see a band live because you know seeing it performed live will give you goosebumps of delight. A perfectly executed track. 10/10
3. Don't Wake Me- After two helpings of in-your-face with a side of I-can't-breathe-damn-that-was-awesome, Skillet slows things down a slow song that, surprisingly, has no religious ties. This song covers a more worldly topic in that it focuses on a love interest. A sweet song, but not very complicatedly deep lyrically. Skillet has better slow songs than this, but this is still a solid track. 8/10
4. Awake And Alive- It doesn't take a lyrical genius/Kanye West to see why this is the most popular song off of Skillet's new album. This is a great song whether or not you choose to apply a religious meaning to it. Awake and Alive is another heavy rocker that is the best track on the whole album in my opinion. Violins set up a dramatic feel to the whole song as well as Korey's vocal support, and an amazing guitar solo follows what I affectionately call an epic "throwdown" in which anybody alone in their room with their headphones on will forget what they are doing, close their eyes, and start thrashing their head around like an idiot. I guess the term for that would be "crescendo", but throwdown just sounds so much better here. The song also ends on an epic note. Anyone with a "pump up" playlist on their I-Pod should immediately look no further. 10/10
5. One Day Too Late- This is a song with a great message regardless of what faith system you belong to. Obviously it makes more sense for Catholics but anyone can draw meaning from this kind of song. It is a slower song that shows a lot of emotion and a lot of positive sentiments. 8.5/10
6. It's Not Me It's You- This is one of those songs that is good but repetitive, as one who is knowledgeable in the art of song-naming might have guessed from deciphering the title of the song. This is a solid, harder rock song if nothing else, but don't look for too much substance in the lyrics or in variety here. Skillet once again covers a new topic: (assumingly) love gone wrong. A good song if you're not in a very good mood because your boyfriend/girlfriend/wife/husband/spouse/teacher/coach/roommate/mother-in-law is pissing you off. 8/10
7. Should've When You Could've- Maybe I'm a little bit bias with this song because I can totally relate to every sentiment expressed in the song, but this is a great mellow song. It is all about John Cooper telling some girl that she missed out on his lovin'. The lyrics are solid, the ideas are solid, and the method in which they are expressed is solid. 9/10
8. Believe-A slightly shaky start transitions into one hell of a chorus that really displays some of the heart behind the music itself. While the chorus ends on an iffy note from John Cooper, the guitar that immediately follows will draw some attention. The lyrics here are not complex, but they are certainly heartfelt and can certainly be understood by many. Violins and a guitar solo near the end of the song are definite plusses. 8.5/10
9. Forgiven- Starts off with a great albeit short piano intro that leads into the awesome guitar, drums, and violins Skillet fans are accustomed to. The chorus branches off into another direction from the drama of the verses, but the two go nicely together. This is a very good song, and while some may find John's slightly repetitive section of "Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!" to detract from the song, I thought it was very heartfelt and added even more sentiment to the song. 9/10
10. Sometimes- A very dark, brooding song that is not very typical of Skillet. A dark message presented in a dark format may discourage some, but there are still some good concepts here. This song keeps Skillet from being branded as one-dimensional and also expresses some of the doubt, strife, and low points that accompany any person of faith, or just any person in general. Great guitar in the middle. Nowhere near the great things Skillet has done, but variety is not necessarily a bad thing, and this song will be hit or miss for most. 8/10
11. Never Surrender- After a darker note, the band returns to an appealing and hopeful theme. There is definitely some confusion and frustration in the lyrics, but it is overshadowed by the notion of the title of the track itself. Many will be able to relate to this song and find hope in it. Another track that is not necessarily Skillet's best, but it definitely fits in on the album and adds to the overall experience. 8.5/10
12. Lucy- The last song of an album has always been hit or miss with me. I don't know about you, but I need a song that is epic (and yes, slow songs can be epic as well), and hopefully not too long. I can handle an extremely long final song every now and then, but if I want to rack up the play count of a CD on my album, I really don't wanna sit through an 8 minute track, especially if there is any silence put in there. Skillet seems to have read my mind on all of these points. Lucy is one of the top 3 songs on this album, and arguably the best on the album. I prefer Monster and Awake And Alive personally, but this song has a great message about losing people we love and wanting them in our arms again, John's voice will be sure to melt the hearts of many a 16-year-old girl, and the piano in the background adds a perfect touch to the heart-warming/breaking sentiment of the song. A perfect ending to a great CD. 10/10

Overall: 107/120
This is Skillet's best album yet. If you were wondering if this is worth the investment, it most certainly is. Tomorrow, I will be posting reviews for Jet's and Saosin's latest endeavors. Or I guess if you look at a clock, later today. Just not now. I'm a college student who got so carried away with his blogging he forgot he has homework due in 12 hours, 10 of which will be spent sleeping. Thanks for tuning in. Rock on.