Customer Reviews

Collide

5 star:		(98)
4 star:		(22)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Skillet's cd Collide is so massive, so edgy, so kinetic, that some may think I am gloating over it. Well, I am.

In the history of my life I have owned hundreds of cd's, and listened to hundreds of thousands of songs (no exaggeration) and after it all, I place Collide in the top 10. It is a grinding effort in the category of Rock, and is riddled with powerhouse vocals and Strong riffs. Over all, what sets it apart is its up-lifting uniqueness. I own every Skillet album ever made, and slowly over the years, it seemed they were lost in a tech-no'd oblivian. That may appeal to some, but Skillets debut album, though far from perfect, was pure rock. Then with each passing album, their sound changed until they sank into Alien Youth. Many incredible tracks came from these discs, such as "Kill me Heal me" "Locked in a cage" and "Scarecrow." But, as a whole, the albums seemed short of potential.

Now, rising from the ashes, comes Collide: Enhanced edition. Loosing half the band and taking on a female guitarist and drummer (his wife is one) seemed to some a tragedy, but in the end it was an awesome move. Their sound has evolved into a shattering, pounding, beautiful, motivational epic. It drenches the senses and gives clear messages on spirituality, abuse, pain, need, and most importantly, how to heal.

I could honestly be one of those hotheads that write a six mile long review, especially about something I am so passionate about, but I have said my peace. For fans of inspirational, grinding rock, buy Collide: enhanced edition. Skillet has been re-born. {- S.A.O.S.-}

Ok Skillet has gone through such a drastic change from their annoying at times industrial rock musings on "Alien Youth" to their genius aggressive riffs on "Collide". John Cooper actually screams on this album and his screaming voice is one of the best in the business. Ben Kasica's riffs with Lauri's thunderous drumming and John's superb bass playing make this album a work of art. From the opening riffs of "Forsaken" you can tell that this album is going to be incredible. After "Forsaken" you have the breathtaking song "Savior" that is so powerful and spiritual at the same time. One of my favorites though on the cd is "Imperfection" for when John sings on the chorus you can just hear the passion that he has for those who are hurting from insecurity. I believe that this album is one of the best that I have heard in a long time. This album could surpass almost any mainstream album and I hope that Skillet gets some mainstream coverage. All in all this is an incredible cd that is directed towards the mainstream audience and I believe that God will bless it. This is a must have. May God bless Skillet's endeavors.

This album is the Christian answer to Linkin Park (who I also like btw)! Skillet has really reached a new level with this great album. There are several songs in this CD that could stand with the best of them out there. They put out that wonderful "alternative" sound that so many of us enjoy, with its drama and edginess; a bit of that "soul in torment grappling with life" sound that Linkin Park, and Limp Bizkit are so great at. But Skillet has the added dimension of a Christian optimism. Where the others are fatalistic and without light, Skillet's Christianity comes across in a blaze of light, cutting through the darker issues of life. They don't hide from the darker issues, they blast them out of the water!

I am a hard rock lover and my thirst for head banging metal has finally been quenched. Aaaaaaah!
This CD is one of the best. Lyrically and musically.
FORSAKEN: great sound. Love the guitars. But I hate to say that I can't understand its meaning. 4/5
SAVIOUR: Terrific song. I love the screams and lyrics. (I am the eyes inside of you, stare back at you.) 5/5
COLLIDE: Awesome! Such a deep meaning! I can really relate to this song. Just a hair of unneeded screaming. But what the hey, screaming's cool. 5/5
A LITTLE MORE: A nice break from the hardcore. But this isn't one of those dull ballads. This is actually one of my top favorites!
OBSESSION: Don't get me started talking about this one. This is just one extroadinary song that talks about our obsession with Christ. Message is similar to JESUS FREAK. 10/5 (Yes, it goes over the top.)
MY FINGERNAILS: Cool song. Without Jesus we can't do anything.4/5
IMPERFECTION: This song gives me a strange case of the chills. Good chills, mind you. 5/5
UNDER MY SKIN: I don't really care for this song. Its my least favorite song on the CD. 3/5
ENERGY: This is my number one favorite. 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,/5
CYCLE DOWN: Really good! Catchy! 5/5


My point: Get the Cd. If your a rock craver, you will not be let down. I guantaree it!

It is true that God/Jesus isn't referenced directly in the lyrics. Often God is simply referred to as "You" or otherwise the lyrics are spoken from the viewpoint of God. I admit listening through this album initially left me wondering where the Christian value was in this CD but with subsequent listenings it became more apparent. Also, it is true that the subjects dealt with in the songs are sometimes dark but that does not make them any less relevant in the lives of Christians. For example, at Lifest, Cooper explained that "Open Wounds" was his first "suicide song" as he called it. In short, this song puts the listener into the shoes of someone who has been betrayed by their friends/role-models. Of course this isn't the traditional Christian way of teaching the golden rule but I think it still acheives the results on a very personal level.

"Forsaken" has been referred to by some reviewers as "angry" but I believe anyone who has experienced tragedy can identify with the lyrics. Personally, I respect Skillet for showing a side of Christian life that isn't always pretty. We've all felt this way at one time or another.

"Savior" is one of those songs that could easily be considered mainstream due to it's indirect references but I think many people like myself see how beautiful this track is directly after "Forsaken." "Savior" is clearly God's reply to the upset narrator of "Forsaken." Here God explains that the only thing that lasts in this world is His love. Suffering is inevitable in a broken world but God is the rock of ages. This song is the reason why "Forsaken" fits on the album.

"A Little More" is obviously a song about spreading the love of Jesus in a world that right now is driven by fear and hate. It's simply a beautiful ballad.

"My Obsession" is really the first praise song on this album. If you're finding yourself addicted to bad habits or hung up on material things this song serves as a good reminder that we should be more obsessed with God and his Word.

"Collide" is just an awesome song. Like "A Little More" it hints at fears and uncertainties in today's world of terrorism. Unlike "A Little More" the keywords aren't "love" they are "faith" and "perseverence." It's a great song about holding onto your beliefs in the face of adversity.

"Fingernails" is best explained by Romans 7:7-21. It refers to the struggle with ones sinful nature and realizing that we can never reach perfection on our own accord. The second half of the song deals with not letting that guilt and anxiety separate us from God's grace.

"Imperfection" is a lot like "Fingernails" in that it goes over feelings of inadequacy when realizing our sinfulness. However, "Imperfection" provides more of a clear cut solution to these feelings by presenting prayer and repentance in its lyrics.

"Under My Skin" is the second song of praise on the album. It has some rather gritty lyrics when conveying the need to have God part of us but it's still very effective.

"Energy" is the third song praising God and His almighty power comparing Him to a hurricane.

To me, "Cycle Down" is a dialogue between "God" and a Christian all in one song. Here again the Christian is expressing remorse over sins. Yet, God responds each refrain with an encouraging "I am on a higher ground." and the Christian testifies saying "You are my cure from the cycle down." In other words the repentant acknowledges his/her sins, Jesus assures the Christian that He is perfect, and finally the Christian acknowledges that he/she has been clothed in Jesus' righteousness. This song can be looked at as a prayer of repentance.

Of course, I don't expect everyone to interpret these lyrics the same that I do. I'm simply offering my view of the album to those who may be unable to find any Christian significance in the rather cryptic lyrics. As far as the cover art is concerned I simply figured they were going for an artsy look. The snake wrapped around the angel mannequin is peculiar but it can be regarded in several different ways. The most obvious explanation is that the cover illustrates the prevalent theme throughout the album that sin and redemption are incompatible but never far apart. The second possibility is that the serpent wrapped around the metal mannequin frame reminds me of Numbers 21 in which God sent venemous snakes among the people but commanded Moses to put a bronze snake on a pole so that those who looked at it did not die. In other words, the cover art may be an artsy way of illustrating this symbol of redemption.

In short, this album does rock hard, it doesn't have any direct label for God, and the lyrics aren't two-dimensional. I don't feel this is a bad thing but simply means that children most likely won't get much out of this album.

The reason I didn't give the album 5 stars is because the melody sometimes sounds too derivative of other bands such as Three Doors Down and Disturbed in certain parts. Also, it seems as if Cooper is trying too hard to sound hardcore in some of the songs. Either that or he simply doesn't have the type of voice needed to match a hard rock sound. I'm sure others would disagree with me on this though. In conclusion, I highly highly recommend Collide to mature Christians or even those curious about Christian music.

An album like this comes every few years. The album that you can't stop listening to even years down the road. Albums like this to me in the past have all been secular like Rage Against the Machine - Renegades, Foo Fighters - There is Nothing Left to Lose, American Hi-Fi - Selftitled, and Blink 182 - Enema of the State. I had never listened to Christian music even though I am a Christian I just thought you couldn't find any good Christian music. P.O.D. had previously been the only band I had enjoyed that was Christian. I found christian rock being way to soft for me and shouldnt even be considered rock. But I heard Skillet and went to there concert and I was blown away. I haven't stopped listening to them since. I like this tons better then there old stuff. I don't give out many 5 start reviews because I am a pretty tough critic but I simply loved this. They opened my door to other Christian Rock such as Thousand Foot Krutch, Kids in the Way, Pillar, and Demon Hunter.

Skillet's Collide CD is unbelievably good, from the opening track to the closing one. On the new version of this cd Skillet has added an extra track 'Open Wounds'. This new song is just what you would expect from Skillet, it's heavy and gets you jumpin. Also there is behind the scenes footage, and a different booklet. This is the Best Skillet cd yet. If you liked Alien Youth you'll love this cd, though it is heavier (which is great!). I used to get upset and pop in Korn or Mudvayne, now when I'm angry I pop in this cd, and rock out to the same heavy music, but I don't stay angry. Collide is heavy, soft, and beaufiul. And if you get a chance to see them on tour, know this cd because they play alot of it, and the mosh pit gets goin! Skillet's move to be more mainstream is great and they keep the message there, which is hard to do and Skillet has succeeded. Throw up your rawkfist and rock out to Collide!!

Bo

Skillet's "Collide" is one of the best albums I have ever bought. Their music is satisfying to everyone, and still has a Christian meaning. Their lyrics and melodies mix perfectly together, and the instrumentals are great! I would really request this band to anyone want good, hard rock! Thanks!

Skillet truly shines with their blessed talent to show their skin-deep thirsting love for Christ. Most people think that they are not a Christian band due to their Album Cover and some songs; but you have to pay attention to the lyrics to understand the message they're trying to bring. The Album Cover, as I understand from my point of view is showing that you are free (angel wings) even though the enemy is pressing hard upon you (snake) Jesus will deliver you.

My Obsession is a hard- deep love for Jesus (You're my only/infatuation/don't leave me straded/in my obsession/my purpose/my possession/live and die in/my obsession.

Imperfection is talking about Christian believers who think that they are not good enough for the love of Jesus. The song is saying it's simply because we as humans are all Imperfection hence, "Imperfection". The song is also about God's love for us no matter what.

Savior is a hard-rock song simply stating that Jesus is telling us that we NEED him, even when everything crashes and breaks.

A Little More explains that even if the world crashes upon us, God's love can take a little more than that simply. God's love is stronger than any attack from the enemy.

In closing, I'd like to say that while the hard-rock may be a turn-off for some Christian-music listeners, rock-fans will love this disc.

Probably many Christians will whine that Skillet "sold-out" and went mainstream, and watered down their message as a result. What they don't realize is that the album was put out on a Christian label first, before it was picked up by the secular Lava. Nothing on the album was changed except that a new track was added. Anyone who has ever seen Skillet live and heard their message would know that their not about the money. They wouldn't have stuck in the Christian underground so long if that was the case. I applaud Skillet for stepping out into the world and reaching out to lives other than just Christians. To me it would have been dissapointing if they would have stayed under the safety and comfort zone of just playing to Christians all the time. Switchfoot has recently done the same thing successfully without compromising their message.

The music is spiritual, just because they don't sing the name Jesus on every song doesn't mean the song isn't Christian or spiritual. The lyrics are by no means fluff or watered down, they deal with the struggles we all deal with in life, dark as they may be. Very mature songwriting with depth.

My only complaint is that this album doesn't have as much keyboards, loops, and synth like their previous albums. I just hope on the next album they'll bring back a little more, its part of what made Skillet so addicting and unique. "Collide" is up there with Skillet's best albums, the high bar of standard they attain to hasn't been lowered.

If you want straight up hard rock, get Collide as this is Skillet's hardest album. If you want a little more variety, more melodic hard rock with keyboards, check out "Invincible" which in my opinion is still their best album. Long live Skillet!