There's something special about two artists you respect collaborating on a song. It's like a crossover between two of your favorite TV shows, or a musical equivalent to the appeal of the various shared cinematic universes. While many artists release collaborations on a regular basis, for powerhouse rockband Skillet, this still remains a comparatively rare treat. For this list, we're compiling our favorite collaborations Skillet frontman John Cooper has done.
Ledger - "Warrior"
Perhaps this one is easy. Ledger is Skillet's drummer and frequent backup vocalist. When she released a solo project, it was a no-brainer that Cooper would join her on at least one song. And so he does on the rocking "Warrior." The song is one of her project's more aggressive rock numbers, and Cooper's presence adds a definite Skillet-vibe to the track to make it a standout on her debut EP.
We As Human - "Zombie"
We As Human was a band Skillet took under their wing and helped get signed. While some unfortunate circumstances led to the band's premature disbandment, their self-titled debut album still stands as a standout rock album. One of its hits was "Zombie," an aggressive rock number that Cooper is a heavy participant in. The song looks at the decaying affects of drug addiction. With Skillet known for a song about a "monster" inside, "Zombie" feels a thematic sibling and is a great song to check out if you're a fan of Skillet's other hits.
Tobymac - "Tonight"
The title track from Toby's 2010 album, this song is a rousing good time. It's a victory anthem of which Skillet is more than familiar. Cooper's vocals blend surprisingly well with Toby's, and add a nice rock touch to the pop/rock hit. Try not to sing along to this one!
Skillet - "Finish Line" (feat. Adam Gontier)
Skillet decided to include a reworked version of this song from Victorious for the Deluxe edition of the following album, Dominion. While the song's musicality gets slightly reimagined, the biggest change is including Three Days Grace/Saint Asonia vocalist Adam Gontier. Three Days Grace was huge in mainstream rock around the time that Skillet was also getting big in the mainstream. Gontier is a legend in that genre and having him lend vocals to a Skillet song was a huge feat. The end result is a fun reimagining of one of Skillet's more singable rockers from Victorious.
Saint Asonia - "Wolf"
The lone inclusion from a non-Christian band here. John Cooper returned the favor and appeared on a reworked version of Adam Gontier's 2nd band's hit single, "Wolf." Back in the day, people remarked on the similarities between Three Days Grace's "Animal I Have Become" and Skillet's "Monster." This song plays as a bit of a sequel to both of those songs, and it feels like a real teamup of rock heroes. The song's heavy themes of internal struggle and darkness are familiar territory for Skillet fans, so it should make this song a fair inclusion in your John Cooper playlists.
Skillet - "Breaking Free" (feat. Lacey Sturm)
This one was recorded for Unleashed but held back until that album's Deluxe rerelease, Unleashed Beyond. I can't help but feel that may have been a mistake. The song's dark and aggressive vibes would have made it a fine choice for a single. Cooper gets to scream more than most other Skillet songs, as does guest vocalist Lacey. Known for her time leading Flyleaf and her later solo stuff, Lacey has built up quite a fanbase of her own in similar crowds to those Skillet has thrived in. This collab between the two seemed like a dream come true for many fans, and the gritty results don't disappoint.
Tauren Wells - "T.I.A.B (Take It All Back)"
This is the most recent collab Cooper has been a part of. Tauren Wells might not be the first one that comes to mind when you think of artists that Skillet should collaborate with, but darn if this works. Tauren's initial version of the song was itself a catchy number. This reworking adds Cooper's vocals and a good degree of Skillet's rock edge. This turned a great song into a legendary song. Cooper even gets to belt out a scream or two during the bridge. This is a case study of a collab done right. More than just dubbing in new vocals on a verse, this version adds just the right amount of reinvention to make the song better while still keeping true to its original character.
J.J. Francesco is a longtime contributor to the NRT Staff. He's published the novel 'Because of Austin' and regularly seeks new ways to engage faith, life, and community. His new novel, 'When Miracles Can Dream,' is out NOW!
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