Skillet Awake Review

Released August 25, 2009

Along with the lead singer’s unique coarse voice, Skillet’s music has been significantly popular because of their distinctive sound and deep lyrics.

            Skillet, a Christian rock band from Memphis, Tennessee, has been around for almost 13 years and not until 2006 when releasing their album Comatose, did they receive recognition. After touring with numerous bands, including Breaking Benjamin, Skillets popularity is rapidly increasing across the country. This was illustrated with a Grammy nomination for Comatose. This bands main target is a teenager audience. They therefore aim their lyrics to address the many experiences teens encounter.   Their noteworthy and signature rock style, including John Coopers singing talent and Jen Ledger’s amazing drumming skills, is an important aspect for their band, allowing them to excel in the music industry. 

            Their new album Awake, released on August 25, has certainly stolen the spotlight away from their previous album. This album includes tracks with an electronic twist along with several acoustic songs. Originality is certainly a trait heard within this album. While listening to Awake, it’s clear how much time, creativity and passion went into making it.

            Awake includes two edgier rock songs, “Hero” and “Monster”, keeping true to the style they had throughout the last album Comatose. These songs help invigorate the life of the CD by being the first two tracks.  The rest of the tracks are much more soothing, setting apart a different tone that was not seen as much in the previous album.

            Another difference seen in Awake is the use of lyrics focusing more on Christian faith. The compelling lyrics are truly uplifting, providing encouragement and enriching the soul. “Forgiven” is a moving song, recognizing faith and forgiveness after a grueling battle of anguish. The introduction into the song includes a single piano followed by guitars and drums chiming in. The lyrics include, “now I’m in a secret place, alone in your embrace. Where all my wrongs have been erased because You have forgiven.”

            “Awake and Alive” is one of the tracks that make this album shine. With the catchy chorus and the unique intro of string instruments, this song can make anyone listening crank up the volume and belt out the lyrics. 

            The last song, “Lucy”, is probably the most passionate song out of the entire album. With a melodic, slow ballad style, the song is about losing a loved one. Yes, the song is talking about losing someone, however deeper than the surface it also is talking about a fresh start. The bridge of this song includes the lyrics, “here we are for a brand new start, living the life that we could’ve had.”

            There is no bad track, every song is exceptional and adds to the magnitude and overall substance of this great album. Awake is something great to listen to when one needs words of encouragement. Many times, lyrics by certain artists do not stand out or are lost and forgotten. However, with this album the lyrics will be memorized, loved and not disregarded by listeners. Along with the inspirational messages provided by the lyrics and unique style of rock music, Skillet’s Awake will be a memorable album in the music industry.