Good but not what I was hoping for...
Posted August 17, 2010
By Desperationrocks,
It had been 3 years since Comatose since Skillet had put out some new music and Skillet fans were just dying for more with the success that Comatose was. I was looking forward to this album being a pretty big fan of Skillet and was eager for something new. I always liked how Skillet diversified their sound album to album and always made the wait between albums worthwhile with something new.
I must say I was a little disappointed that the sound didn't change too much from Comatose with Awake. But I don't blame Skillet since why not stay with a formula that was popular with the last album and getting their foot well inside mainstream circles.
The album starts off with the well known single "Hero" which has a great message about needing our Hero Jesus in life, this is a good song and is great with the switching vocals between John and Jen.
Next comes a heavier song with "Monster", I don't think anyone has not heard this song, its played all over rock radio and christian radio. Which unfortunately has made these first two songs less enjoyable for me, since they are being way overplayed on radio.
Next is the first of many ballads "Don't Wake Me", I actually really enjoyed this song and John's vocals to this song, pretty strong ballad.
"Awake and Alive" starts next with the strings and the heavy guitars coming in, this is a great anthem and a rather enjoyable song, great message of being bold, living for our faith.
"One Day Too Late" slows things down again, this song I found didn't differ enough in my opinion from other softer songs from Skillet, but has a decent message about taking the time to live out each day to the fullest.
"It's Not Me It's You" opens with a distorted riff, I don't know what it is with this song but it just gets stuck in your head and is rather catchy and fun to rock to.
"Should've When You Could've" I think shouldn't have been on the album, it's ok but it just seems to cheesy to everything else on the album.
"Believe" opens with just acoustic guitar playing and is a nice power ballad. John's powerful vocals fit with this song perfectly and was power ballad that was executed very well and sported some great lyrics.
"Forgiven" I thought was just another decent song, the most open Christian lyrics I think they had on the album. But offers a strong message of the forgiveness offered to us from Christ. It opens with a cook keys intro and then jumps into a mid-tempo rocker.
"Sometimes" one of the best rock songs on the album and possibly the best song on the album has a darker tone to it. But I like how Skillet is just honest about how things can be in life and how everything isn't perfect. Has a cool short little guitar solo that sets this song apart from others on the album.
"Never Surrender" not bad but nothing great either. Typical mid-tempo rock song, but good message about encouraging too never surrender to the things that get us down and to find that strength in Christ.
"Lucy" This is another very powerful power ballad and offers some of the best vocals from John. They are just so honest and heartfelt and is just a touching song. One of the best on the album.
So overall the album is good for what it is and is an enjoyable release by Skillet. Just not one of their best. Too many of the songs blended together on this album and Skillet just didn't rock out as much as they use too on this one. It has a lot more of a radio-rcok feel to it. But it is a well done rock album and worth picking up, since their are several highlights through the album. View All Music And Book Reviews By Desperationrocks | View Desperationrocks's Profile
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