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Track Listings
| 1. Hero |
| 2. Monster |
| 3. Don't Wake Me |
| 4. Awake And Alive |
| 5. One Day Too Late |
| 6. It's Not Me It's You |
| 7. Should've When You Could've |
| 8. Believe |
| 9. Forgiven |
| 10. Sometimes |
| 11. Never Surrender |
| 12. Lucy |
| 13. Dead Inside |
| 14. Would It Matter |
| 15. Monster |
Editorial Reviews
Limited deluxe edition contains two bonus tracks ('Dead Inside' and 'Would It Matter') as well as Fanbase enhancement and fan club insert. 2009 release, Skillet's eighth studio album, Awake, recorded with Grammy-nominated producer Howard Benson. The foursome's overwhelmingly satisfied with the entire sonic and thematic palette throughout Awake, which is loaded with plenty of anthems in the making destined to be smash singles and concert sing-a-longs. Skillet's massive fan base (who affectionately refer to themselves as "Panheads") are sure to agree, though they'll likely be even more impressed with the lyrical outpouring, which remains a top priority for the players. The album contains 12 tracks, including 'Monster' which were added to their live set during their Comatose Tour, and the single 'Hero'.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
41 of 47 people found the following review helpful
By C. W. Fitch
Format:Audio CD
Skillet's first studio offering since 2006's "Comatose" comes firing out of the box with both barrels, with more of the crunchy, head pumping arena-rock sound and power ballad goodness fans have come to love over the last several years from the Memphis crew.
There are several similarities between this album and "Comatose"; most obvious is the sound. Stylistically "Awake" seems to be a continuation of "Comatose"; more than likely it's what the guys were looking for, and they got it right once again. From the first few songs, it's evident that John Cooper and co. are going by the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy. The only real differences are the near-absence of the prevalent violins from most of the "Comatose" playlist (apparently to make room for more guitars) and the trading of female vocal duties from John's wife Korey to drummer Jen Ledger. The themes surrounding the songs will take you back to 2006 as well, as once again the crew wail splendidly about forgiveness (obviously found in "Forgiven"), overcoming adversity ("Never Surrender"), renewal of faith, and living each moment as if there were no tomorrow ("One Day Too Late", which could pass for the next chapter of "The Older I Get"). Skillet also spend a couple of tender moments discussing relationships; "Don't Wake Me" waxes poetic about a guy trying to hold on to the relationship he apparently messed up, while "Lucy" pays a somber visit to the grave of a lost-too-soon love. The tongue-in-cheek "Should've When You Could've" breaks up the mood a little, though, with a dismissing anthem to cheating ex-girls everywhere.
While it seems the central theme of this album is renewal, as on "Comatose" there are a couple of dark moments within as well. "Sometimes" delves into the ugly side of the Christian walk, demonstrating the potential numbing power sin can have, while "Would It Matter" focuses on someone at the figurative end of their rope, wondering whether leaving this world would make more of an impact than wandering through it.
Skillet overall tell some great stories and offer some pretty good examples of many roads of faith while chugging right along with the same addicting formula that made "Comatose" such a success. The "power ballads" of which John Cooper is so fond (as he's told many a crowd during shows) on "Awake" leave as much of a mark as the arena-pounding anthems, and much as they did on their previous album, will have fans singing right along with the choruses after a few runs through the disc.
Bottom line: if you liked "Comatose", you'll find more of the same to like in "Awake". Skillet's sound of 2006 has in no way gone stale, and crowds will enjoy raising their hands and shouting along just as much when the show hits the road again. (By the way, to those who criticize Skillet for going "mainstream" or "radio-friendly"...sometimes Christian bands will pull that once in a while to get people to listen and find out what they're truly about. Call it either a sell-out move or a stroke of genius, but it happens more now than ever.)
There are several similarities between this album and "Comatose"; most obvious is the sound. Stylistically "Awake" seems to be a continuation of "Comatose"; more than likely it's what the guys were looking for, and they got it right once again. From the first few songs, it's evident that John Cooper and co. are going by the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy. The only real differences are the near-absence of the prevalent violins from most of the "Comatose" playlist (apparently to make room for more guitars) and the trading of female vocal duties from John's wife Korey to drummer Jen Ledger. The themes surrounding the songs will take you back to 2006 as well, as once again the crew wail splendidly about forgiveness (obviously found in "Forgiven"), overcoming adversity ("Never Surrender"), renewal of faith, and living each moment as if there were no tomorrow ("One Day Too Late", which could pass for the next chapter of "The Older I Get"). Skillet also spend a couple of tender moments discussing relationships; "Don't Wake Me" waxes poetic about a guy trying to hold on to the relationship he apparently messed up, while "Lucy" pays a somber visit to the grave of a lost-too-soon love. The tongue-in-cheek "Should've When You Could've" breaks up the mood a little, though, with a dismissing anthem to cheating ex-girls everywhere.
While it seems the central theme of this album is renewal, as on "Comatose" there are a couple of dark moments within as well. "Sometimes" delves into the ugly side of the Christian walk, demonstrating the potential numbing power sin can have, while "Would It Matter" focuses on someone at the figurative end of their rope, wondering whether leaving this world would make more of an impact than wandering through it.
Skillet overall tell some great stories and offer some pretty good examples of many roads of faith while chugging right along with the same addicting formula that made "Comatose" such a success. The "power ballads" of which John Cooper is so fond (as he's told many a crowd during shows) on "Awake" leave as much of a mark as the arena-pounding anthems, and much as they did on their previous album, will have fans singing right along with the choruses after a few runs through the disc.
Bottom line: if you liked "Comatose", you'll find more of the same to like in "Awake". Skillet's sound of 2006 has in no way gone stale, and crowds will enjoy raising their hands and shouting along just as much when the show hits the road again. (By the way, to those who criticize Skillet for going "mainstream" or "radio-friendly"...sometimes Christian bands will pull that once in a while to get people to listen and find out what they're truly about. Call it either a sell-out move or a stroke of genius, but it happens more now than ever.)
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By Eric D
Format:Audio CD
I have to admit that when I first heard the hit single "Monster," I didn't like it. I thought it sounded like the rest of the lame radio-rock crop (mainly Three Days Grace). Over time though, it grew on me, as did this band. I first heard them in '04 or so, when "Savior" was all over the radio. I got the album (Collide) from a friend and played it here and there for a few years, never getting that into it. However, this past fall, I rediscovered this band and decided to check out their current works. Enter Awake, their latest collection of tunes. Sure, they aren't that groundbreaking, but in this over-saturated music market, who really is? The fact is that the songs are pleasing to the ear and that's all that matters.
The album begins with "Hero," a rockin' song with a killer chorus. Interesting to note, however, is that the verses are the strongest point of the song, with well-written vocal melodies backed up by an insanely cool guitar riff. This is also where we are introduced to new drummer/backing vocalist Jen Ledger, who shines in both departments, meshing well with the band's sound and contrasting perfectly with lead singer John Cooper's grittier vocal style. The song's bridge is nothing short of a masterpiece, as is doesn't completely fly the listener away from the rest of the song, but doesn't leave you on the ground, bored of the same riff you've heard for two and a half minutes like most bands. After this is "Monster," a pounding rock song that also helps show off Cooper's rough yet strangely warming vocal tone.
"One Day Too Late," although not very musically exciting, is a lyrical masterpiece, with Cooper proclaiming his decision to work harder to change the world in a positive way TODAY, because tomorrow may be "one day too late." Other stand-out tracks include "Never Surrender," "Forgiven," "Don't Wake Me," and "Lucy," which is by far the most emotional track on the album. Starting out as a piano ballad, the song takes an energetic turn with the entire band crashing in as Cooper delves deeper into a sad story of love and loss. Sure, writing a song about a deceased loved one has been done before, but if you listen to this song and don't feel anything at all, god help you, for you have no heart.
The best song on the album has to be "Awake & Alive," which is neither ballad nor rocker. Though the cello and violin are reminiscent of many songs from their older works (mainly 2003's Collide), the track is a breath of fresh air, featuring a decent amount of vocal trading between Jen and John, as well as a ripping guitar solo by lead guitarist Ben Kasica. The best part though is the chorus, which is pure rock and roll genius.
Yes, there is a decent amount of auto-tune (after all, they're on a major label that probably insisted upon it). But it's the same story here as with the A Day To Remember album - look past it and listen to the songwriting. And yes, some of the ballads sound a little forced (namely "Should've When You Could've") but most of the songs are as aggressive as they are catchy. The bottom line is that if you're not a baby and can get past the fact that they are a Christian band (which happens to be one thing I love about Skillet) Awake might be something worth checking out. I almost didn't and am really happy that I did.
The album begins with "Hero," a rockin' song with a killer chorus. Interesting to note, however, is that the verses are the strongest point of the song, with well-written vocal melodies backed up by an insanely cool guitar riff. This is also where we are introduced to new drummer/backing vocalist Jen Ledger, who shines in both departments, meshing well with the band's sound and contrasting perfectly with lead singer John Cooper's grittier vocal style. The song's bridge is nothing short of a masterpiece, as is doesn't completely fly the listener away from the rest of the song, but doesn't leave you on the ground, bored of the same riff you've heard for two and a half minutes like most bands. After this is "Monster," a pounding rock song that also helps show off Cooper's rough yet strangely warming vocal tone.
"One Day Too Late," although not very musically exciting, is a lyrical masterpiece, with Cooper proclaiming his decision to work harder to change the world in a positive way TODAY, because tomorrow may be "one day too late." Other stand-out tracks include "Never Surrender," "Forgiven," "Don't Wake Me," and "Lucy," which is by far the most emotional track on the album. Starting out as a piano ballad, the song takes an energetic turn with the entire band crashing in as Cooper delves deeper into a sad story of love and loss. Sure, writing a song about a deceased loved one has been done before, but if you listen to this song and don't feel anything at all, god help you, for you have no heart.
The best song on the album has to be "Awake & Alive," which is neither ballad nor rocker. Though the cello and violin are reminiscent of many songs from their older works (mainly 2003's Collide), the track is a breath of fresh air, featuring a decent amount of vocal trading between Jen and John, as well as a ripping guitar solo by lead guitarist Ben Kasica. The best part though is the chorus, which is pure rock and roll genius.
Yes, there is a decent amount of auto-tune (after all, they're on a major label that probably insisted upon it). But it's the same story here as with the A Day To Remember album - look past it and listen to the songwriting. And yes, some of the ballads sound a little forced (namely "Should've When You Could've") but most of the songs are as aggressive as they are catchy. The bottom line is that if you're not a baby and can get past the fact that they are a Christian band (which happens to be one thing I love about Skillet) Awake might be something worth checking out. I almost didn't and am really happy that I did.
20 of 27 people found the following review helpful
By HuskerDog
Format:Audio CD
Skillet is a fairly new discovery for me, and I've found their music to be right down my alley. I've been acquiring some of their past efforts, and was excited for this new album. I've heard it several times now, and unfortunately this one hasn't kept that same excitement going. It's not a bad album at all, but I was hoping for something a little better than this.
My main problem with it is that it doesn't offer anything new...recycled melodies (not just of their own past material, but also of other mainstream rock bands) dominate this record, and the lack of originality makes me feel like there's no reason to add this to my collection.
One of my favorite producers, Howard Benson, was directing the show, so I'm very pleased with the sound. But the songs don't stack up to the production quality (my only beef with the production is that the female vocal parts sound like they've been processed using auto-tune software...in other words, they sound a little too polished and perfect).
The opener, "Hero", has a decent amount of power and punch to it, and for me it's the only very good harder song on the album. I didn't care at all for the rocker, "Monster". I haven't counted how many times the word "monster" is sung, but it's a lot...and it gets old fast. Most of the rest of the record consists of mid-tempo, adult-contemporary-type tunes, and while some, especially "Don't Wake Me", do a pretty good job of sending a chill down my spine, the majority don't have any distinguishing characteristics to make them stand out. "Should've When You Could've" is about as cliche as mainstream rock gets, "Believe" has a chorus we've heard a hundred times before, and as the album continues you begin to wonder if the CD skipped and you're hearing the same songs over again. Many of the choruses are virtually identical to each other.
At least "Lucy", a piano/string-based ballad, had an immediate impact on me and strikes me as a song I'll want to hear over and over again. As far as the lyrics, other than "Lucy", I'm not taking in any messages of note. Nothing against Nickelback or Daughtry, but it almost sounds like Skillet tried to make an album with songs that sound like many from those bands' latest offerings. So, while "Awake" is far from being an awful album, Skillet's capable of much better.
My main problem with it is that it doesn't offer anything new...recycled melodies (not just of their own past material, but also of other mainstream rock bands) dominate this record, and the lack of originality makes me feel like there's no reason to add this to my collection.
One of my favorite producers, Howard Benson, was directing the show, so I'm very pleased with the sound. But the songs don't stack up to the production quality (my only beef with the production is that the female vocal parts sound like they've been processed using auto-tune software...in other words, they sound a little too polished and perfect).
The opener, "Hero", has a decent amount of power and punch to it, and for me it's the only very good harder song on the album. I didn't care at all for the rocker, "Monster". I haven't counted how many times the word "monster" is sung, but it's a lot...and it gets old fast. Most of the rest of the record consists of mid-tempo, adult-contemporary-type tunes, and while some, especially "Don't Wake Me", do a pretty good job of sending a chill down my spine, the majority don't have any distinguishing characteristics to make them stand out. "Should've When You Could've" is about as cliche as mainstream rock gets, "Believe" has a chorus we've heard a hundred times before, and as the album continues you begin to wonder if the CD skipped and you're hearing the same songs over again. Many of the choruses are virtually identical to each other.
At least "Lucy", a piano/string-based ballad, had an immediate impact on me and strikes me as a song I'll want to hear over and over again. As far as the lyrics, other than "Lucy", I'm not taking in any messages of note. Nothing against Nickelback or Daughtry, but it almost sounds like Skillet tried to make an album with songs that sound like many from those bands' latest offerings. So, while "Awake" is far from being an awful album, Skillet's capable of much better.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Buy it
This is one of the best heavy metal/rock christian band s ever. The music is thought provoking and has an awesome sound. I love it!
Published 9 days ago by Heather
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love it!
Skillet NEVER fails to impress me with their music. I absolutely love them and all the music they create. This album is just another one to add to the collection. Read more
Published 16 days ago by abbylyn
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Cd by a Great Band!
Awesome Rock from good friends!
Since I know them, I knew what in your face Music I was getting!
Jen is a Sweet Heart!
Since I know them, I knew what in your face Music I was getting!
Jen is a Sweet Heart!
Published 20 days ago by Robert Slonecker
5.0 out of 5 stars
:)
I have no complaints at all. I enjoy the music, or I would not have bought the CD. Everything showed up in one piece and in good working condition.
Published 24 days ago by Chelsea Cleveland
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rocking album
Skillet brings some hard rock to the religious front. You will find yourself not able to sit still while listening to this album. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Steven Griffis
4.0 out of 5 stars
good
i like skillet so this cd was awesome. would i buy it if i didnt have it? yes. i would
Published 1 month ago by Pilot Boy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Blessed
I am blessed to be able to listen to Skillet. I have seen them in concert a th 2012 winner jam.
Published 1 month ago by Tj
3.0 out of 5 stars
I feel like a Monster
Living in NE Ohio and loving hockey, I'm a Lake Erie Monsters fan. Skillet's song "Feel LIke a Monster" is used by the Lake Erie Monsters as a theme song which made me want... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Glenn S. Hartong
4.0 out of 5 stars
Heroes and Monsters: The Skillet Story
I choose this rating because I never listen to the other Skillet songs until I listened to this CD, I always listen to "Hero" and "Monster" as my favorite songs in... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Mike Thompson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome!!
Highly recommended! Great album by a great band. Skillet is fast paced and upbeat but without the swear words and questionable material found in most rock songs.
Published 2 months ago by Jacob D. Sharp
