r/SkilletMusic

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And so, we arrive to day 10, which means it's Unleashed's turn. Released 10 years ago, it's what I believe to be the last truly "good" Skillet album of the modern era, as I said yesterday. So, let's dig into this one and see what's up, alright?

NOTE: I will not be reviewing the remixes from the deluxe, only the original songs.

1. Feel Invincible

When it came out, it was the bomb. I remember liking it very, very much. Nowadays? I think it's generic, simple (it goes through the same four chords throughout the entire song), drums do absolutely nothing different... it's, basically, pure arena slop. But it's effective, at least. Still, I don't like it simply because of what change it represents and the degradation of sound here on after. Good production, though. 6/10

2. Back From the Dead

Now this one I love. Again, the drums do absolutely nothing noteworthy, but the bouncy riff is fun, John's deliveries are great and, yeah, I still think it holds up. The music video was pure hype and I liked it at the time as I do now, plus Ben reappears for it so that's always welcome. The chorus is so, so catchy, and I wish I would've been able to see it live. Plus, some great belts and whistles and some sweet bass lines that unfortunately get buried in the mix. Solo is simple but it works in the context of the song. 8/10

3. Stars

Mandatory Skillet ballad. I... feel weird about this song because I don't hate it, but I don't love it. I definitely don't love the horns, but I can appreciate the originality of having them. Kind of reminds me of Invincible. Still, I prefer the "The Shack" version; this is maybe too poppy, and not in the good way. But at least the lyrics are good. 7/10

4. I Want to Live

If there was a hint of Skillet trying to ride on the coattails of previous hits, this song is a clear contender for number one. While it's got interesting elements (and the drums are actually fun), it just feels like Not Gonna Die 2 but without anything which made it great. The structure is the same, the chorus is generic and it really does sound like a rip-off, and I just... no. It doesn't work for me in the slightest. Even the solo feels like a rip-off. Sigh. 5/10

5. Undefeated

Oh yeah, I still love this song. It's not exactly "simple" but it's a fun, catchy tune. Pure workout fuel. Yeah, I still think it held up quite nicely and I would love to hear it live in person. I came to fight for the love of the game is a great line. Doesn't have a flashy solo but that's okay, sometimes songs don't need one and this is a song that doesn't need it. RAAAH. 9/10

6. Famous

Hey, Big Time Rush, Skillet just stole your flow! Seriously now, this song is another weird one. The production is great, some great line deliveries and it's got insane danceability to it, but it's... not Skillet? It's TOO poppy. There's a little callback to Best Kept Secret that I really appreciate. But, yeah, it's an incredibly weird song. Great to dance to, but I wouldn't say it's a great song. If it'd been released by another band or a pop artist, it would've been a hit for sure. 7/10

7. Lions

A proper b-side but it's certainly a product of its time. Again, it's pop. Too pop. It screams 2016 in all the best and worst ways. Me, personally, I don't like it because, even when Skillet went "pop" in the past, it was still Skillet, you know? It still sounded like them. This song feels like it's trying too hard to be something it maybe shouldn't be, and it's starting to feel like Awake 2: Electric Boogaloo. 5/10

8. Out of Hell

I think John did this on purpose, because he knew we'd complain about the pop elements and decided to throw in this banger to get the bad taste out of our mouths. Yeah, this is a metal song that works beautifully, some insane riffage, pounding drums and double bass that works effectively, strong lyrics and enough weight to make me want to punch a wall. Coupled with a sick guitar solo and you got yourself a certified banger. Plus, Korey's synth work is effective; dated to the time, but effective. 10/10

9. Burn It Down

I still really like this song. It's simple, yeah, but it works. It's got some old school vibes that I appreciate. The production is great (as it tends to be with this album), it flows really nicely and the chorus is catchy. Lyrics may be a little weak but I can forgive it with how fun this song is. Also, Seth Rollins. 8/10

10. Watching for Comets

This song is... this album came out a few days after I'd gotten broken up with and this song, at the time, kinda got me in the feels. Now not so much, but it's still really pretty and emotional, though not without its dated pop elements but, you know what? I can forgive it. It's got emotion and John's soft vocals are something I really vibe with, and Jen's accompanying lines are too effective. 9/10

11. Saviors of the World

First song I learned by ear. I still remember sitting down in the little room I had in my old home and listening to it, figuring out the notes on guitar. It was great. This song is still great, I love every element in it and, most of all, I LOVE the chorus and the way John sings "we are the saviors of the world". Of course, if you boil it down to its basics, it's still regular "won't give up" Skillet but, you know? This one executes that theme really well. Seriously, this song is great. 10/10

12. The Resistance

This song still bangs. I love how it's on half tempo through most of it then switches it on the last chorus. Really creative song. Lead is a bit of a Hero rip-off but I can forgive it. What it does, however, is smack you in the face with that jam at the end that's just impossible not to headbang to. Great song to finish off the album (at least, until they put out the deluxe the next year), Jen does a little rap that I appreciate and, man. It's too good. 10/10

13. Breaking Free

Another great song. It flows beautifully, first Skillet song in Drop A too (that's cool), and it's got not one, not two, but THREE singers. Lacey's lines are amazing and her deliveries elevate the song. Not a song I seek out every day but I won't say no to listening to it. I gotta learn it on guitar. Yeah, this is an unique Skillet tune that I welcome with open arms. 9/10

14. Stay 'Til the Daylight

Another beautiful, honest song that's very clearly a ballad for Korey (by the way, I'm not just talking, John confirmed it was about Korey if I remember correctly). It's really a heartfelt song that, again, you have to be in a mood to listen to it but it's effective. Kinda Coldplay-ish but it's not a bad song at all. Dedicate it to your loved one. 9/10

15. Brave

Unique elements but, once again, it's pop Skillet. Or, rather, Coldplay Skillet. I don't know, man, I'm not too crazy about this one, and it's the first time since 2017 I've listened to it so, you know, I kinda even forgot it existed. Choruses are weak and the flow is a bit lacking but the CCM-like lyrics are pretty. Does nothing for me, though. 5/10

16. You Get Me High

Rocker Skillet, hell yeah. Isn't it kinda sad that this is the ONLY song John, Korey, Seth and Jen wrote together as a band? Because it's really fun, dude, it really is. I feel Korey's influence in the soft parts but you can tell Seth brought in the riffage, the lyrics scream John but they got some cleverness to them that I attribute to Jen. It's a really strong track and it shouldn't be a bonus track; it should've been on the main release. 9/10

17. Set It Off

Had a friend that used to be obsessed with this song. I disagree thoroughly. I think it's mid even if there's some uniqueness in the verses. I really DON'T vibe with the main riff and the na na na's. Kudos for naming the album in "unleash me, let me go". Still, sounds awfully like the time it was released and I don't vibe with it. I appreciate what it tried to do but it doesn't connect with me in the slightest. 4/10

FINAL RANKING:

1. Out of Hell
2. Saviors of the World
3. The Resistance
4. Undefeated
5. Stay 'Til the Daylight
6. Breaking Free
7. Watching for Comets
8. You Get Me High
9. Back From the Dead
10. Burn It Down
11. Famous
12. Stars
13. Feel Invincible
14. Brave
15. Lions
16. I Want to Live
17. Set It Off

Album overall: 7/10

With more skips than listenable songs, the album barely manages that ranking, carried by a good production and some really strong songs that I most always return to. Still the best Skillet has given us in the past ten years in my opinion, very well put together and while I disagree with some choices (like the Coldplay vibes and the pop stuff), I appreciate the risk they took.

Tomorrow, I'll review an album I hate with a passion; one I haven't heard since 2019 because of how repulsed by it I was and one that, much to my dismay, gets overhyped by newer fans while to me it's nothing more than an insult to my intelligence and a desperate attempt to duplicate Unleashed without anything that made Unleashed good. Victorious, to me, is not a victory; quite the opposite. It's, probably, Skillet's greatest failure.

See y'all tomorrow.

Enough about your favorite album, what is the best deluxe version for you, not counting the basic songs, obviously?

For me, it's Unleashed

I’m genuinely curious what everyone’s top 10 songs are. It’s a little difficult, given that there are over 12 albums' worth of songs now, but my list, in no particular order, is:

Forsaken

Lift Me Up

Rebirthing

Kill Me, Heal Me

Feel Invincible 

Earth Invasion

Fingernails

Psycho In My Head

Cycle Down

O Come, O Come Emmanuel 

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Day 9 has arrived and so we find ourselves in the Rise era. Oh, this album... this album was special to me. It was the first album cycle I properly witnessed happen, I was there for most of it (not the live shows but watching the videos and all) and I still remember when the vid for Not Gonna Die dropped. This is a special album for sure...

But not without its flaws.

So let's dive into the good, the bad, the controversial and the ugly aspects of Rise from my point of view, shall we?

1. Rise

Title track. It's Hero, but better and I remember how "Tonight We Rise" was pretty much the fandom's battle cry at the time. It was special, man, truly special. Instrumentally, it's a really fierce song that, while offering nothing "new" so to speak, it gets to the point and it's effective in its production. The lyrics are good; they're not revolutionary, but they're certainly not bad and they speak on real issues that even today are still happening. I love the transition to Sick of It, even if it can be a little... call it, "dark". But it's still the most mature topics Skillet has ever dared to tackle, up to that point and even up to THIS point. 8.5/10

2. Sick of It

Experiencing this song twice live has been nothing short of amazing. The song itself is great, a little bouncy riff, a good chorus - nothing too complex, nothing too out of the ordinary but still somehow more effective than, dare I say, Monster or Hero. Yeah, I prefer this one over those two, and I think it's a far stronger song than them. The lyrics are relatable and, as you already know by now, I love relatable Skillet. 9/10

3. Good to Be Alive

This song is... weird. Weird in every sense of the word, because the whispered "it's good to be alive" is something Skillet hasn't done very much of, the vibes are maybe too positive and the lyrics are rather simplistic, and it works! That's the weird part, it works! It's just a mood-dependant song and for that along, its replayability value decreases significantly. However, the transition to Not Gonna Die is peak, and so that portion alone lifts the ranking by a point. But the song itself depends on you being in a good mood or just overall happy to be able to palate it. 6/10

4. Not Gonna Die

Imitated yet never duplicated. Awake and Alive set up the foundations for this song and Not Gonna Die reaches the culmination of 17 years of hard work and experience into an epic explosion of massive strings, great guitar riffs, an emotive yet flashy guitar solo and probably some of John's best lyrics of all time. Similar songs in Skillet discography that came after try to reach the glory and level this one did, but they always fall flat. Not Gonna Die is perfect. 10/10

5. Circus for a Psycho

Speaking of perfect songs, if Not Gonna Die was a perfect explosion of epicness, this is a perfect banger. It's like they decided "hey, Seth, we're gonna give you these two songs to really, truly shine and they're gonna be back-to-back". My word. Even if it recycles the bridge of Kill Me, Heal Me (instrumentally), it's still so effective; pure hype and speed and a guitar masterclass with a sick solo and the most fun riff Skillet has cooked up since Collide. I also really love the transition into the next song, how the chaos of it all is shut down; it paints the scene really well. Also, cheerleader Jen. If you know, you know. 10/10

6. American Noise

It's a pretty song that gets its relatability stripped away by making it a local song. How is somebody from India, Japan, Brazil or Australia gonna relate to the "American" noise? Still a pretty song and the message is still the same even if you're outside of the United States but, you know, it kind of gets diluted a bit because non-Americans can't quite relate to the experience John drew this song from. 7/10

7. Madness in Me

A small, modernized taste of what came ten years before. Madness is the most Collide Skillet has sounded in this album, and it sort of feels like a tribute but it's also very much its own thing. Certainly inspired by the creative process behind Monster, but it's way more effective. Some sick riffage, sick bass and pounding drums that bring the whole thing together. I love it. In this instance, however, I think the transition into Salvation is what weakens the song a little. 9/10

8. Salvation

First (and so far only) song where Jen is the lead singer, and what a wise choice that was. This is an epic tune akin to the likes of Rebirthing and A&A, but more... how to put it, mysterious? Enthralling? I can't quite find the word to describe the vibe of this song but it's such a beautiful track with some beautiful lyrics that explodes into an amazing chorus; the bridge carries the epic element of this and leads to Seth's best guitar solo on this album (sorry, NGD) and it's just peak Skillet. 10/10

9. Fire and Fury

If Salvation was peak Skillet, this song is the opposite. I hate it. There's something about it that repels me completely, and every time I listen to this album, the first piano notes are my cue to skip it. I don't like anything about it, from the lyrics (I find them too simplistic) to the melodic choices (Jen's woah-oh-oh in the verses annoy me), the harmonization in the choruses does absolutely NOTHING for me and the whole "it burns" portion is just... no. The only hint of brilliance this song has is the portion of the bridge with the strong piano chords but that's about it. And while Should've When You Could've was a cringy mess, at least the instrumental was salvageable. I feel like the instrumental portion of this song was haphazardly put together with loose ideas that couldn't find a home anywhere else and so they got Frankenstein'd into this. Those of you who love this song are gonna hate this review, I understand. I still hate this song. 1/10

10. My Religion

When I first heard this song after the disappointment that was the last one, I remember thinking "hah, this is fun". As I grew older (my first listen of this album was when I was 14 - basically, when it'd just come out), I came to appreciate this song even more for its bluesy nature, it's church vibes and the risks the band took in this one - risks that I feel paid off. The organ is a rare but welcome element, the lyrics flow nicely and it's just a pure church song, the kind you'd sing at Sunday service. It's hilarious. People hate it but I love it, man. I love how risky it is, and I guess that's why so many people hate it, because we're all used to "heavy" Skillet. This is them proving they can do more, not that different from all the funk and ska tunes they used to play in 1996. I love it. 9/10

11. Hard to Find

These final two songs (of the regular edition, at least) really have about them that sense of finality, that sense that you're reaching your destination. Hard to Find is soft and heartfelt; dramatic but not overdone, melancholic and honest. Yes, that's the word: honest. This song is that. Jen's vocals after the choruses where she sings "will you still hold on?" are hauntingly beautiful and give the song a whole new sense of nostalgia to me. This is a great song that I feel is often overlooked. It reminds me a little bit of Hey You (the album, not the song), merely in some chord and vocal choices. 8.5/10

12. What I Believe

And so we come to the end of the normal release of this album and this song is a great ending. It flows amazingly, the strings at the beginning add to the drama of it all and everything is well put together. I love it. I love the guitar as well. Jen's vocals shine on this one as well but not because she's got a massive vocal piece, but because she serves the song amazingly. Feed me more of this, Skillet. 9/10

13. Battle Cry

You know what's funny? Upon re-listen (I have to give you an honest review, no?) I realize just how much like Invincible (the album) this one sounds. Not production-wise, but rather with certain effects, the way the song is built. It reminds me of Invincible, especially the verses. The vocal melody is very modern for the time and it's actually a surprise for me because I remembered this song being "mid". I guess young me didn't know jack. 9/10

14. Everything Goes Black

It kind of reminds me, in vibe, to the Na Na Na demo from 1996. It's not a bad song, but I genuinely think Jen's portion of the song is the weakest portion of it. And also, if it had remained a soft ballad throughout, I wouldn't have been mad in the slightest. I think it would've made it better rather than jumping into heaviness, but the bridge is amazing instrumentally. Still, not a song I'd actively seek out to listen. 7.5/10

15. Freakshow

I'm as obsessed about this song at 27 as I was at 14 going on 15. I'm always able to imagine a performance, picture a music video and, man, it's a great, GREAT song. That intro is amazing. I was gonna say that maybe the verses were a little weak but, no, the verses are great. I'd jam to this song all day, every day. WELCOME TO THE FREAKSHOW! God, it would've been a great song live. 10/10

FINAL RANKING:

1. Circus for a Psycho
2. Freakshow
3. Not Gonna Die
4. Salvation
5. Madness in Me
6. Sick of It
7. What I Believe
8. My Religion
9. Battle Cry
10. Rise
11. Hard to Find
12. Everything Goes Black
13. American Noise
14. Good to Be Alive
15. Fire and Fury

Album overall: 8.5/10

If the base version had removed the stinker that is Fire and Fury and replaced it with either of the bonus tracks, the album would've been an easy 9/10. Production-wise, I love the dubstep elements Korey implemented, the samples, the guitar riffs, everything. Maybe I would've liked some creativity in the drum department, but I don't hate what we got either. Lyrically very strong album, and I hold this whole thing very close to my heart. Skillet truly delivered not only a worthy follow-up to Awake, but, dare I say, a better album than Awake. Ben's absence is felt and there's a distinctive vibe from the Ben-era songs and the Seth-era songs and while I will always miss the guy, Seth is amazing and he brought a flavor to Skillet I didn't know I needed.

Tomorrow we tackle Unleashed; the album that, for me, was the last truly great album of the modern Skillet era. Stay tuned!

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Day 8 is... ah, whatever. It's Awake's turn. Now, let me be perfectly clear, I don't hate this album so much as I hate what this album stands for. Sure, it's a nice introduction for Jen and she certainly blows it out of the water with her vocals (still miss Korey, though) but... well, you'll see.

1. Hero

Nevermind the rip-off of Papercut by Linkin Park, the song is actually decent. The message is not bad, Jen's vocals here are timeless and the instrumentals are strong. In 2010, I loved this song. 16 years later... not so much. I don't know if I'm tired of it as a whole or what, but it currently does very little for me. Still fun as hell to play on guitar or bass whenever I decide to play it. 7/10

2. Monster

This, like many of you, was my introduction to Skillet. Monster is a hit and deservingly so, but once you boil it down to its essentials, it's a hype and aura song with edgy lyrics that were the bomb in 2009 but have aged terribly, especially when you compare them to some of John's stronger lyrics up to that point. It's the band's Enter Sandman, it's the one song they will never, ever stop playing live and it's broken records, reached milestones no other song of theirs reached and still, it's only really effective when you're in your early teens and just finished watching Naruto. Once you reach adulthood, it kind of loses its luster. 6/10

3. Don't Wake Me

It feels like a Comatose reject, like the faraway cousin of Say Goodbye and Yours to Hold, but without anything that makes those two (especially the latter) special. It tries to, it truly does, but it reaches nowhere. I also don't have very fond memories of this song because I dedicated it to somebody and I... yeah. 4/10

4. Awake and Alive

Finally, a good song that hasn't aged horribly. Awake and Alive is actually a really strong song, well composed and with layers upon layers that captivate me to this day. Still the weakest of the three singles, but at least this one has a guitar solo lol. I don't hate it. I enjoy it, even if, charts-wise, it's not Hero or Monster. 8/10

5. One Day Too Late

FINALLY, A BEAUTIFUL SONG. See, THIS is Skillet for me, none of that "won't give up, won't back down". It speaks volumes to me and it's one of the stronger tracks in the album based strictly on the topic it deals with. Today I'm gonna try a little harder - that's ME. I can relate to that. I love relatable Skillet. 9/10

6. It's Not Me, It's You

Perfect break-up song. Unfortunately, it's a break-up song. I rolled with it hard when I was a teen and nowadays I can listen to it no problem because it's truly a good track with some cool riffage and great vocal deliveries, but it's too juvenile. Still one of my favorites off this album and a strong track even after 17 years. 9/10

7. Should've When You Could've

John, you should've kept this in the drafts. It's a song that somebody in his early 20s should be singing, a Paramore-esque tune, not a song a grown 33-year-old man, married and with children, should write. Its corny and cringe lyrics kill any positives that may come from the solid instrumentals and I wish I could forget this one exists but, alas, it exists. 2/10

8. Believe

Strong track, emotional, and the instrumentals work beautifully in contrast to the lyrics. I don't play it often, but it's a strong song that I never skip because of how epic it can be. A simple guitar solo, but sometimes simple is good, and John really sings with his heart. I don't know what inspired this song, but it clearly affects him. Plus, I can relate to it. 10/10

9. Forgiven

The one song that truly makes me wonder "who is this about?" because the lyrics imply infidelity. Towards who? I don't know. It is his own infidelity or is he singing for somebody else? I don't know, but it makes me wonder. Plus, a little callback to Alien Youth, which is appreciated. Still, not a song I listen to often and while it's strong and powerful, it's definitely a skip. 6/10

10. Sometimes

Banger. Relatable banger at that, because I've felt this way as well. Sometimes you don't wanna be better, sometimes you just wanna hurt. It's a dark song that goes well with the likes of Fingernails or Falling Inside the Black, or even Eating Me Away. Some great soloing by Ben, some great riffage, great production and I appreciate Jen's pounding drums. 10/10

11. Never Surrender

I credit this song for making me not kill myself. That's it. I can speak on the musicality and the lyrics, but it would be pointless because I am decidedly biased towards it, and every time I listen to it, it brings me to tears. That's all you got to know. 10/10

12. Lucy

A very mood-dependant song and not a tune I seek out. It's powerful and emotional (once again, is John talking from his own experiences?) but it requires a particular mindset and a particular experience that either I don't have or don't want to relive. It's supposedly an abortion song, but you can relate it to a family member you lost or something. Either way... I don't know. Mood-dependant. 7/10

13. Dead Inside

I wish I could love this song as much as I could love it, but the main riff is such a painful contrast to the rest of the song that it throws me off. The lyrics are strong, the deliveries are awesome, the progression from verse to chorus is great... it's just that stupid main riff that kills any vibes, turning what could've been a fantastic song into an unlistenable mess that leaves you wondering "why?". 5/10

14. Would It Matter

Another song I strongly related to and that is able to bring me to tears. A strong closer to an average album and a very, very powerful song on its own that should've been on the main listing rather than just a bonus track. Even as I think of the lyrics, I feel tears welling up in my eyes. It's a beautiful track that hits every mark perfectly, and I wish Skillet kept this kind of writing for subsequent albums. 10/10

FINAL RANKING:

1. Never Surrender
2. Would It Matter
3. Sometimes
4. Believe
5. One Day Too Late
6. It's Not Me, It's You
7. Awake and Alive
8. Lucy
9. Hero
10. Monster
11. Forgiven
12. Dead Inside
13. Don't Wake Me
14. Should've When You Could've

Album overall: 6.5/10

Bring out the pitchforks, but this album really isn't all that and if it'd been released by an up-and-coming band, it would've flown under the radar. It's not a bad album but take the gems out and it's just a generic teen rock album: it works when you're a teen, but when you grow up it's kind of... not as great as it used to be. Had I done this ranking 10 years ago, it would've been an easy 9/10. Also, final album with Ben, which makes the whole thing a little bitter as he's my main musical influence and I hate to see him go.

Tomorrow, we have Rise. It'll rank up better than this one, mostly because I've got a nostalgia bias for it, but also because it legitimately rocks. Fire and Fury fans will hate me. My Religion haters will hate me. Overall, I think we'll be able to agree, but we'll see tomorrow.

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Dread it, run from it, day 7 arrives all the same and today's turn is Skillet's first major label release: Comatose.

Before we get started, I want to say that I don't think Comatose is a bad album. I think it's the most solid Skillet has ever sounded, production-wise and musically; some of these songs are amazing and there's a reason why more than a couple of them survived on the setlist for 20 years (the lead singles non-withstanding). I just have feelings towards this album cycle that aren't exactly "positive", because this is where all the fan interaction kinda started to die. The forums started to die as well, Skillet was becoming maybe too big and the audience that stood by them for ten years was kind of getting left behind.

But this isn't about Skillet, Inc.; it's about the album and the music and I will give you my honest, unbiased opinion. Trust me, you won't hate me for it lol. Here we go.

1. Rebirthing

This song is amazing and ticks about every box I have. Symphonic elements taken to a whole new level? Check. Cool guitars? Check. John and Korey on vocals? Check. Double bass? In moderation, but check. A sugalicious guitar solo? Check. Everything the band had learned in those past ten years was applied on this song, an epic tune about life and death and rebirth, and it all works wonderfully. Ben's second best guitar solo on this song (you'll see about the first one later on), some of Korey's best vocals and overall an amazing song to kick off the album. 10/10

2. The Last Night

Remember Imperfection? This song tackles similar themes but it's somehow even more real. The real inspiration for this song was one of John's childhood friends, but it's one of those tunes that was created at the right time. This was 2006: the emo movement was in full swing, teen suicide was an inescapable reality; kids were cutting, everybody felt hopeless. This song tackles that, and implores you to not give up because, with God, this'll be the last night you will ever spend alone. It's a powerful song. Production wise it's got some of Korey's best keyboard work, but the "solo" (if one could call it that) is buried and me no likey that. Still, this song is carried to a high note by its complex themes and relatability; emotion at its purest. 9/10

3. Yours to Hold

Weird song in the sense that, John, you're thirty years old, who are you singing about? Man, you're married! But maybe it's about the start of his relationship with Korey, who knows. As far as I know, the man never explicitly said. Still, it's a wonderful track that works great when you're a teen and you have The Unattainable One... no, scratch that, works at any point in your life when you have that kind of person in your life, one that cannot be with you for external reasons and you're just willing to hold on for her. The instrumental is great, and I love the little leads. I love how everything sounds and meshes together. Still, unfortunately, I skip it almost every time I listen to this album, because you have to be in the mood for it. 8/10

4. Better Than Drugs

I remember there was somebody in this sub (or the old one) that said something along the lines of "I don't like this song because it's got 'drugs' in the title". I still chuckle over that. That aside, the song is amazing and the topic it deals with is not about drug addiction (in case you ever remotely thought it was about that); it's about having somebody so good in your life it's like, "why would I do drugs when I have you?". It's a beautiful love song and while, yes, the song IS about God, you can listen to it and think about that special someone in your life without much of an issue. I prefer the live versions (either CCA or what they did after with that fast-paced outro), but the CD version holds plenty of merit. 8.5/10

5. Comatose

Nostalgic like none other and a fantastic song through and through, but I skip it. HEAR ME OUT. PUT AWAY THE PITCHFORKS, PEOPLE! The lyrics and the musicality are both great, the symphonics elevate the song and, yes, I rocked to it when I heard it live both times, but compared to some of the stronger tracks in the album, it feels like more of an afterthought than anything else. Its greatness is overshadowed by the greatness of its peers, and while I do like it, it's not my favorite and I'll only listen to it in specific circumstances. Still, extremely nostalgic. 7/10

6. The Older I Get

This is a sequel to Open Wounds in the way that, while the latter dealt with John's issues with his dad, this one resolves them. If you have that kind of relationship with your parent, or parents, The Older I Get is the song for you. Or just in general, somebody you have issues with and you feel like you should reach out, but at the same time you just don't want to do it if they won't? This is the song for you. What was I waiting for? I should've taken less and given you more is the highlight of this song for me. Hits close to home and, D, if you're reading this, I miss you buddy. 9/10

7. Those Nights

If you heard this song live about 10 years ago, you remember Jen starting with the little drum beat and John would tell the audience to sing the "oh-oooh" portion to kind of build up to it. My memory with this song is that, when Skillet came to my neck of the woods in 2015, we actually didn't let him instruct us what to do because we were already doing it. It caught him by surprise. It was funny. This is also the song I kind of learned musical theory with, as it is entirely in C major and I understood scales thanks to this song. It's a fun tune about friendship and I love it. This one is, most definitely, NOT a skip. 9/10

8. Falling Inside the Black

The only negative thing I have to say about this song is that it was never played live when Ben and Lori were in the band. It's legitimately the second best song in the album for me: the dark vibe, the riffage, the tones of all instruments, the lyrics and Korey's vocals (Can you hear me? lives rent free in my mind) all give the song a solid score on their own, but when the guitar solo kicks in? THIS is Ben's best guitar solo in all of Skillet's discography, I don't care what you say, I don't care 'bout nun "MUH WHISPERS": THIS is it. I got no notes. And the Fight The Fury rework was also great. 10/10

9. Say Goodbye

Mid. Okay, HEAR ME OUT AGAIN. The song is pretty and all and the key change is welcome, but it does absolutely nothing for me unless I'm in a sappy, sad or otherwise heartbroken mood. It's too specific and it doesn't work if you are in a good place in life. What makes up a good song is its replayability, and this one's got no true replayability value for me unless I'm depressed over a girl. I'm 27, so those days are long gone and so the value of this song in my life is gone as well. Sorry. 5/10

10. Whispers in the Dark

And so we've made it to Skillet's most popular song off this album, and the one that survived on the setlist for 20 years and counting. For many, a top 5 Skillet song of all time. Some would even make it their number one. Me? I like it, I think it's special and it's a fun song to play, plus a sick guitar solo, but I wouldn't call it the best in the album. Definitely top 5, though. Everything about the production for this song screams mid-2000s and I love the nostalgia factor and, to this day, it still sounds modern while also sounding dated. Unsure as to why that is, but it is. Funny how that works. I love Whispers, don't get me wrong, but it's not the best in the album even though it's got everything in place to be. 9/10

11. Looking For Angels

I know some people aren't fans of the spoken verses and while I hear you, I think you're a fool. This song... man, this song is special. Underrated to hell, it took them 20 years to finally get to playing it live (looking forward to the re-Comatose tour) but the message is so, so powerful and the accompanying instruments do their job spectacularly. It's a song that tackles themes that were as true in 2006 as they are in 2026 and, dare I say, even more so in this day and age because we've grown so desensitized, so resentful of one another that we forget about this one simple thing: kindness. In a world of virtue-signalling, moral wars over politics, discrimination, oppression and genocide, the question is simple: what would you do to make a difference, to make a change? What would you do to help someone along the way? and I believe this song can make a difference in those with good in their hearts. I believe in the message of this song, and I believe everyone should allow it to challenge them and their views. Empathy is not a sin; is the thing that will heal the world, more than anger and finger-pointing will. 10/10

BONUS: Live Free Or Let Me Die

It's on the deluxe and it was recorded during the Coma sessions (well, a little after the official sessions but still before the album came out), so you can cry about it with John; I'm rankin' it. Because this song is AWESOME. From the production to the instrumentals, the amazing double kick, the raw lyrics... though admittedly, the chorus is probably the weakest part of the song. Not by much, though. Pitch shift it a semitone up, and it's a cousin to Forsaken and Fingernails. Wonderful stuff and I wish it wasn't locked behind a deluxe (or, well, Comatose Comes Alive. Which I've decided I'm not ranking). Don't you know the cost of your betrayal? is forever stuck in my mind, and I love how John basically spits out the lyrics at certain points. 9/10

FINAL RANKING:

1. Looking For Angels
2. Falling Inside the Black
3. Rebirthing
4. Those Nights
5. The Older I Get
6. The Last Night
7. Whispers in the Dark
8. Better Than Drugs
9. Yours to Hold
10. Comatose
11. Say Goodbye

Album overall: 8/10

So that was Comatose. Still the most "genuine" album of their commercial era and I have plenty of nostalgia for it, but it's the last time Korey sang on an album and it's the last album with Lori so, a little bittersweet. You may disagree with this ranking, but it's my truth.

Tomorrow, we have... sigh. That album. I'm awake and alive to the truth that I'll have to review an album that marks the beginning of arena slop Skillet, but I don't want to. However, I'm committed, and I will. I need a hero to save me from this ranking.

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Day 6 is here and... you know what? I'm gonna be straight up. Collide is my favorite album of all time, period. I love it. I've been itching to get to this day so that I can tell you all exactly how much I love it and why, and now it's finally here.

Collide, for me, is undoubtedly Skillet's best era, from the music to the looks to the live shows and everything in between. There's no arguing it. No amount of pyro and LED screens and air cannons will make me feel the way Skillet shows from 2003, 2004 and 2005 make me feel, and I never even experienced them. I think this is the band's quintessential album, I think only fools scoff at it and I genuinely, truly believe Skillet only got worse from here on out. A rise in popularity, sure, but a decrease in quality.

But this is not a rant about the current state of the band. This is about me telling you why this album is their absolute best in my honest, unfiltered opinion, so let's get to it.

1. Forsaken

The first taste of an older, wiser, mature Skillet. Angsty lyrics to match with a powerful instrumental and lines that resonate with people from any walks of life because these are issues we've all, at one point or the other, dealt with; be it with religion or any kind of relationship, most everybody is sure to relate to Why do I have to beg/when all there's left is a memory forsaken? and, paired with the brutal instrumental, crazed drums and John's first scream as the song breaks into the "solo" section, it's really a fantastic track. The crunch guitar tone here is my favorite in any Skillet album. Forsaken, I will never forsake you. 10/10

2. Savior

Skillet's first true hit. The dynamics are beautiful, the acoustic guitar's tone is a heavenly tone I've been chasing since the first time I heard this album (guitar freaks: the acoustic is in D-A-D-G-a-d tuning) and the lyrics, once again, hit like a thousand bricks. This is God telling you you're not alone, that you can depend on Him but, at the same time, this is a song you can send to somebody that feels lonely and abandoned to let them know you can save them. The bridge and the I am the eyes inside staring back at you is my favorite part. Everything works beautifully and this is a weird instance where every version of this song is a perfect 10/10: the CD version, the semi-acoustic radio edit and the live version found in CCA. Savior withstands the test of time and it's a shame it got effectively retired from the live sets. 10/10

3. Open Wounds

I thought about doing the original Ardent release instead of the Lava re-release but I'm sure I would've gotten complaints about it, plus Open Wounds is a great song, so we're doing this. Because it is a great song and probably top 5 realest Skillet songs in their entire discography. This isn't about God; this is about John and his strained relationship with his father, and I can relate too much. The choruses are pure angst: How could you, how could you, how could you hate me?/When all I ever wanted to be was you is a line that cuts deep amongst a sea of lines that are just as painful. The production differs from the rest of the album for obvious reasons, but it doesn't take away from the musicality of it all and Korey's synth work, while in the background, makes the whole thing come together. No notes. 10/10

4. A Little More

You can't really feel the depths of this song until you've been in love, and I've decided this will be my wedding song whenever I do end up getting married, because it's a gorgeous track. The delayed clean guitar and the rhythmic acoustic are a perfect harmony (and, again, Ben's acoustic guitar work in this album is second to none) and the choruses are just so full of passion. The message is simple: love can give you a little more, and it's so effective, because love can take and love can give a little more, that's a fact of life. Love is the most powerful force in the world, and this song reminds you of that. 10/10

5. My Obsession

One of the more fun tracks of the album. Crazy stupid riffage (in the best sense), some amazing vocal deliveries and insane drumming. Mix that with the off-beat verses and the tempo change at the bridge, and you've got yourself a banger. UNFORTUNATELY, the CCA version stands superior because of that delicious Ben solo, which this version doesn't have. If it did, it would've been an easy ten. Unfortunately, gotta knock down a point. 9/10

6. Collide

Let's get this out of the way: Comatose doesn't exist without this song. Awake doesn't exist without this song. All the big orchestral pieces that came after DO NOT EXIST without this song and yet, for how epic some can be, none reach the level of emotion found here. Collide... oh, Collide. From the string intro to the explosion of the main theme, the verses with that delicious clean/crunch guitar, lyrics that hit deep written from a post-9/11 perspective and the singular message of keeping the faith alive despite it all... truly, I say, if you don't have this song as your top 10, you need to reassess things. The only thing keeping it from having a perfect score is the bridge. Had they kept it extended like how they did live, it would've been a no-brainer. It's not a 9 either; it's too perfect a song to insult it with such a low score. 9.5/10

7. Fingernails

Skillet's heaviest to date. Instrumentally, it's meaty and powerful; having the main riff in 3/4 while the rest of the song is in 4/4 was a clever thing to do, the chugs are powerful and I'm insanely in love with the bridge section, the guitar work and the bass. Lori's finest drumming is on this song. Lyrics, though? The lyrics bring the whole thing to a new plateau. The line that stuck with me the most is I'm wasting, wasting every moment/I want to be tasting, tasting every moment with You because of how much I relate to it. Sometimes I feel like a waste. Who doesn't? Who doesn't have a moment in life where they wonder what are they doing with their lives? Who hasn't felt useless? This song makes me feel seen. Even if I'm not feeling like that, this song is great to headbang, to work out, to do anything and everything. Fingernails was Skillet's finest hour and as the guy behind the Skillet Archive (shameless plug), I've made it my life's mission to recover any inkling of it being performed live. I will not stop 'til I get it. Fingernails, you truly are my obsession. 10/10

8. Imperfection

What can I say that hasn't been said in previous paragraphs? What can I say that hasn't been said before by others? Imperfection is Skillet at its finest. The seeds for the Skillet that came after are planted here, on this song, with the topics it touches. John doesn't write from God's perspective and while the song does quote a Bible verse (albeit loosely), it's simply a song to remind us that we are beautiful as we are. That we are perfect in our imperfections, and we are loved just the same. The song for the outcasts. Unfortunately, this is a song that gets insanely outdone live, and the CD version has lost its luster somewhat in my ears. I'm not too fan of the solo either; Ben's senseless shredding is a far cry from what he managed to create live, or what would come after in Comatose. It's still an amazing song, but if there was an official live recording released, it would get instantly replaced by it. 9/10

9. Under My Skin

Is this the song with Ben's best acoustic guitar work? Yes it is. Is the instrumental beautiful? Absolutely. Unfortunately, this is, in my opinion, Collide's weak link. I can listen to it and most times I will, but it's also a bit of a skip. Not a bad song by any stretch of the imagination and I love the guitar work, I love the choruses and I love the solo (finally, Ben, you give us a melodic solo). It shines in my ears for its guitar work but little else. Still, a fantastic song. 8/10

10. Energy

From the get-go, this song slaps you in the face. The riff is powerful. John's screaming is great. And when the verse kicks in, with that clean guitar, it's just delicious. The way John sings power is another word that I use to... just tickles my brain in the best possible way. It's got flow, it's got groove, and if there's anything negative I have to say about it is that I don't like the filtered drums in the first verse and the bridge when it goes back to the main riff. In that regard, I prefer the live version. Still, those are minimal things that I can overlook because the song is simply SO. GOOD. 10/10

11. Cycle Down

And so we come to a close with a song that's neither boring nor outstanding. It sits somewhere between "pretty good" and "great" with some great concepts, some great musical choices and fantastic drumming, but it's not a song I purposefully seek out. I like the clean arrangement for the verses, I'm a big fan of the whammy pedal usage throughout the song and on the solo (amazing solo, bee-tee-dubs), and the little hidden things like the octave section hidden in the choruses that give this song that Linkin Park-ish nu-metal sound. The main riff is fun but simple, effective; the chorus is catchy and the bridge has hints of emotion that are both fitting and jarring, but it works. Not a filler track but still one of the weaker ones. 8.5/10

BONUS: Stand

Same deal as Last Day; not from Collide but recorded during the era and sounds like it, so it qualifies. When you compare it to the original VeggieTales song, it's got nothing to do with it and I appreciate that greatly. The whole song being in triplets gives it a weird but cool flow, the weird guitar after the main riff and before the verses is delicious, it's got probably John's longest scream on record AND the chorus slaps while also smacking you in the face with some gospel. It shines even more because of how absurdly effective it is. 10/10

FINAL RANKING:

1. Fingernails
2. Energy
3. Forsaken
4. Savior
5. A Little More
6. Open Wounds
7. Collide
8. Imperfection
9. My Obsession
10. Cycle Down
11. Under My Skin

Album overall: 10/10

I mean, with four 10/10 songs in a row...

So yeah, that was my ranking for what I wholeheartedly believe to be Skillet's best album. You may disagree with it, but keep in mind that whenever we speculate about Skillet being heavy, we always use this album as the point of comparison. The people want this sound back. I can't sing enough praises for this masterpiece, and I'll never shut up about it.

And with this ranking, we finish the "old Skillet" portion of the whole thing, and not without a bit of a heavy heart as we now venture into "commercial Skillet" and let me say, Comatose is... well. You'll see tomorrow.

Which do you guys like better so far? Scream or Lift Me Up?

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Day 5 is here, and today it's Alien Youth's turn! First studio album to feature not one but TWO official guitarists at the same time, as Kevin left when there was just one song missing, and Ben joined in to record Earth Invasion. Also first studio album with Lori on drums and boy, did she leave her mark.

A landmark album, let's delve into its strengths, its weaknesses and what made it so unique for panheads of the time and why is it still held in such high regard by those who were there.

1. Alien Youth

It's been confirmed that the aliens have landed. This is a great track all around; the 7-string guitar on the main riff gives it that MEAT that was lacking since the self-titled days, and the line "worldwide Jesus domination" actually came from Ken, believe it or not. Big fan of the bass in the verses - a simple but effective line. The song, stripped down to the core three instruments, it's simple to a fault but it's SO EFFECTIVE. Great opener. Great track. All the freaks should go and listen to it because this is our anthem. Solo is kind of a nothing burger, though. 8/10

2. Vapor

Lori kicks off this track with a simple yet effective drum riff and it kicks off high. Again with the 7-string action, which is great, and the song flows amazingly. This is, in my opinion, the most Invincible-sounding song off the album and I mean that as a good thing, as you can hear the transition from there to this. Certified banger; the solo this time around is not a nothing burger, and the chorus is catchy even if the lyrics are a bit... odd. 9/10

3. Earth Invasion

We maintain the 7-string action here as well but this time around, it's Ben. Hi, Ben! You can tell this song was a bit of a last-minute add because it's very... rudimentary, so to speak. It's effective and the chugs in the verse scratch an itch, but it's undeniably a filler song. A fun filler song, however, and the true filler song is yet to come. Still, I love the guitar work and I love how the vocal melody flows. Korey's synth work remains exquisite. 7/10.

4. You Are My Hope

Beautiful ballad that should've never left the setlist (I mean, if Lions, a b-side, can still [dis]grace our ears 10 years after it came out, Hope should've kept on gracing us for even longer). Kevin's guitar work is delightful, and John and Korey's vocals mesh together beautifully. The emotion is real, and, dare I say, this is the best Skillet worship ballad ever. Or, at the very least, top 3. 9.5/10

5. Eating Me Away

Best song on the album. The lyrics are an insight into themes that would be expanded upon in Collide, and this is the first time John has graced us with some introspection. "Save me from my rage and my humanity" are words that have struck a chord deep within my being. The whole song feels like a cry for help, and its dark vibe only enhances this feeling. A delicious solo by Kevin. THIS is Skillet. 10/10

6. Kill Me, Heal Me

Certified banger and no wonder it survived on the setlist well into the Comatose era. Heavy on the bass on the verses but the chorus smacks you in the face hard, even if the lyrics are simplistic. Some great lines reside in this song and I'm a big fan of the crucifixion references. Again, THIS is Skillet. I prefer the Collide tour version of this song because the instruments are more involved but it doesn't matter, this rocks. 9/10

7. The Thirst is Taking Over

Admittedly, the lyrics can be misinterpreted in less than holy ways but the song itself, a six-minute long banger, hits you with this mysterious, dark ambiance that is difficult to get away from. Once you listen to it, you're hooked. I really, truly love the build up to the explosive last chorus and Korey's vocals add to the mystery. Some amazing guitar work by Kevin, and the acoustic guitar was a clever add. It's a long listen, though, and for me, I gotta be in the mood for it. 9/10

8. One Real Thing

It's a pretty song and all, but it just... fails. It's like it tries to be "Hope", but doesn't have anything that made the latter special. I'll listen to it from time to time, but usually, when I'm listening to this album in full, it's a skip. Sorry, but your sibling is better. Still, you tried. Doesn't help it was placed between two bangers. 5/10

9. Stronger

This song is pure hype and aura. Industrial borderlining on nu-metal, the song repeats the same lyrics over and over but the heaviness of the instruments make it more than tolerable. Reminds me of Static-X's "Sweat of the Bud", in the way the lyrics are repetitive but the instrumental is brutal. If you haven't listened to this one... matter of fact, if you don't ENJOY this one, I'll call you a poser. Unskippable banger. 10/10

10. Rippin' Me Off

I mu-ust, be-belieeeve. This song is so fun. It takes what Stronger does and adds more lyrics to it, more flow and it's such a weird little tune but it's so fun. I have a distinct memory of listening to this song while playing Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions and I was doing one of the circus missions as Spider-Man Noir, so this song will forever be labeled as a "circus song" in my mind. So fun. The lyrics are the most aggressive John's ever been at that point, and I appreciate that. Another delicious solo by Kevin as well. 10/10.

11. Will You Be There (Falling Down)

Not many Skillet songs can bring me to tears. I believe only five manage to do that effectively, and this one is one of them. A beautiful track through and through, emotional to bits, and it's usually the bridge what does me in. I dislike anyone who dislikes it. I don't trust anyone who dislikes this. It's peak vulnerable Skillet. 10/10

12. Come My Way

Filler track. While I appreciate how similar it is to Coming Down, it doesn't do anything for me. John has some good vocal deliveries and Korey's vocals are great as always, but it's a skip. The album, for me, ends on Will You Be There. Sorry, John and Korey. This ain't it. 3/10

BONUS: Heaven In My Veins

Cut track but still a fun one. Fits in nicely with the edgy vibe of the heavier songs on the album and the lyrics are great, but while "Thirst" could be taken as a sex song, this one could be taken as an allegory to drug use, so I understand why it was cut. I will say, and this will be an odd thing to say about one of this band's songs, but this one's got the sexiest verses ever. The flow, the vibe - it's amazing. I don't really like the Best Kept Secret rip-off main riff, though. 7/10

FINAL RANKING:

1. Eating Me Away
2. Stronger
3. Will You Be There (Falling Down)
4. Rippin' Me Off
5. You Are My Hope
6. Kill Me, Heal Me
7. The Thirst is Taking Over
8. Vapor
9. Alien Youth
10. Earth Invasion
11. One Real Thing
12. Come My Way

Album overall: 8/10

It's not a bad album by any stretch of the imagination. The production can be weird but it's not unlistenable. The Eating/Kill Me/Thirst trio has got to be the best trio of songs in any Skillet album in my honest opinion, and leaning into the industrial sound was the right call. Hints of things to come. Also, some of Lori's best drum work is in this album - listen to Vapor and tell me it ain't so. Unfortunately, with two skips and a mood-dependant song, it can't be a 10/10.

The next album, however... well, guess you'll have to wait 'til tomorrow and see, right?

there's no way that guy is John, am i right? it reminds me of Brian "Head" Welch type of screaming, very similar to "Love and Death - Let Me Love You" with Lacey Sturm.
what do you think?

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We've reached day 4 and that means Skillet's fourth album (though not a studio album): Ardent Worship, Skillet's first live album and the first featuring the coolest chick drummer, Lori Peters.

A little background: this was NOT recorded at a singular show. According to Ken, all of the songs were recorded live, yes, but with him and Trey, then Kevin and Lori overdubbed their parts (except on the last two songs). I have however been in contact with Allister (temp guitarist between Ken and Kevin) who provided me with a setlist for the original worship tour run and can confirm it's 90% the setlist here EXCEPT they opened with Hey You and Locked.

Which explains why this starts so abruptly.

Before we dig in, too, I'd like to point out I haven't heard the original versions of the covers here except for Shout to the Lord, so I'm basing my opinion entirely on Skillet's rendition and not how it compares to the originals.

So with that out of the way, let's get the ranking started, shall we?

1. Who is Like Our God? (The Traditional Fools cover)

I enjoy the synth work. It's a groovy song and it does sound like the kind of song you'd hear at church during worship... until the whole band kicks in, and it becomes this fun alt-rock song. And can I just say? I love, love, LOVE the bass. The production is stellar, truly. 8/10

2. Your Name is Holy

The best of the original worship songs on this record. It's pure hype and vibes, Korey's backup vocals are BEAUTIFUL, the ambiance of the song during the main theme/chorus/whatever you wanna call it with the synth and the explosive guitars is so, so good. And, again, THE BASS. I love the bass. It's a beautiful marriage with the drums, I can't get enough. 10/10

3. How Deep the Father's Love For Us (Stuart Townend, Kate Simmonds & The Stoneleigh Band cover)

Golly, that's a long name. It's a pretty song, but it doesn't really do much for me. I do like the weird guitar at the start (still can't make out what effects are used) but, if I'm honest, I kind of prefer the later rendition from Creation 2003. I don't know. Maybe it's too soft for my taste? 6/10

4. Jesus, Jesus (Holy and Anointed One) (John Barnett cover)

It's got this vibe... I can't quite explain it, it's like nostalgic but also emotional? Melancholic yet heartfelt? John's vocal performance is strong and Korey's keys along with Kevin's guitar makes up for a beautiful marriage. I wouldn't have minded if the drums never kicked in, honestly, but they don't stick out like a sore thumb so that's good. You can definitely hear the overdub when John says "you're awesome God", though. I appreciate how it builds up to a "heavy" portion (very loose use of the word heavy, by the way. It's just more energetic). 7.5/10

5. We're Thirsty

Another example of a beautiful marriage between keys and guitar. Korey really gets to shine in her instrument on this song, and her vocals are a hauntingly gorgeous addition. It's a melodic rock song not that different from what The Killers would do in their Sawdust album in 2007 (another odd comparison). I like it very much; feels like it was ahead of its time. I would've liked some different lyrics other than "We're Thirsty" over and over but Korey's lines and the instrumentals more than make up for it. 8.5/10

6. Jesus Be Glorified

This entire song is very alt-rock. It reminds me of Avril Lavigne and similar in composition terms. Had it been released by another band and the lyrics were different, trust me, it would've been an early 2000s teen hit. I like it. I like the flow in the verses a whole lot more than I like the choruses but the choruses are still catchy. I'd pay big money for this song to return to the setlists, but Skillet would sooner perform the entire first album front to back. 8/10

7. Sing to the Lord

Now THIS is pure gospel church music. If you don't dance to this, you're kind of dead inside, not gonna lie. That said, I'm not a big fan of the verses, but the song's got some interesting ideas that are executed well but could've been expanded upon maybe a little further. The chorus is the big centerpiece of the song and I like it very much. The interlude is... weird, but I don't hate it, though maybe it does drag on a little. Still, solid song all around. 7/10

8. Angels Fall Down

Oh, the definitive version of the song. Takes everything from the CD version and makes it so, so, so much better. Plus, Korey sings here, and her voice is beautiful. I love it. Maybe my only critique is that the final chorus drags on for too long, but that's something that gets fixed later on during the Collide tour (and subsequently the Coma tour + CCA). Still, beautiful song. 9.5/10 because I'd forgotten about the overextended final chorus.

9. Safe With You

If you had any doubts about overdubbing, listen to the mixing here versus the previous songs. It's night and day and I'm not sure which is which. Regardless, the live version improves VASTLY on the CD version and it gives the song the gravitas and power it deserved to have right from the get-go. John's vocal performance is amazing here as well. No notes, I love it. 10/10

10. Shout to the Lord (Hillsong Worship cover)

No notes. Beautiful. Shout to the Lord is a song that should've never been retired from the set. Korey's backing vocals give me goosebumps. I wholeheartedly love it, and how it builds to that explosive chorus? Glorious. 10/10.

FINAL RANKING:

1. Your Name is Holy
2. Shout to the Lord
3. Safe With You
4. Angels Fall Down
5. We're Thirsty
6. Jesus Be Glorified
7. Who is Like Our God?
8. Jesus, Jesus (Holy and Anointed One)
9. Sing to the Lord
10. How Deep the Father's Love For Us

Album overall: 8/10

My only wish is that this hadn't gotten overdubbed and we'd gotten two versions: one full set with the OG lineup and one with the Invincible lineup. It's evident when the old recording kicks in and when the overdubs are there. Still, great album and at least the overdubs are well mixed.

Tomorrow, the aliens will land. It's already confirmed. Come on, freaks, let's go! 👽

If so, who do you hope/think it would be?

I would LOVE to see Ben Burnley on it :D

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Day 2 is upon us and so is the review for Skillet's sophomore album, Hey You, I Love Your Soul. It's the final studio album with the original lineup, as Ken would leave the band the following year on August 29th, 1999.

For many, Skillet's weakest album. For the older panheads, Skillet's best album (or second best). We begin our foray into the sound that defines the band right here, on these twelve songs. Let's begin, shall we?

1. Hey You, I Love Your Soul

It starts off with what sounds like the THX sound and that's a fun way to start an album. The song is short but sweet, almost as short as Monster 11 years later. Heavy on the synths but still retaining that funkiness of the first album (the verse bass line, for example) while also remaining true to the band's heavy roots, but the true highlight lies in the lyrics. I can't depend on hate to define my love is a true testament of Christianity and a sentiment people seemed to have lost throughout the years. It's a really fun song with a powerful message and great composition all around. Plus, it's the first song where Korey has writing credits, so that's another point of inflection into what we know nowadays. 7/10 - taking a point off because the filtered drums on the verses take some power away, something that's fixed on the live version (which I prefer).

2. Deeper

Or proto-Best Kept Secret. It's a bit of a surf-ish song I really dig, especially the choruses - the chords and rhythm remind me a lot of a beach day for some reason. It flows nicely but it's maybe a little too safe. Skillet's first attempt at a radio hit? It's still a pretty solid song but it's not groundbreaking. Well, maybe for the band at the time it was. And the outro is kind of weak as it just fades out rather than ending on a bang. 6/10.

3. Locked in a Cage

Probably Skillet's first hit. Fun fact, when I interviewed Ken, he told me that secular listeners would approach the band because they thought the song was about... well. Other stuff. For it to become a "hit" with secular audiences, it's gotta be special. And it is. Ken's best guitar solo in my opinion, amazing lyrics, amazing production, excellent flow and I can't get enough of it. I wish they'd bring it back for the live sets. I will say, I'm not a fan of the spoken "I'm locked" on the outro, but that's on me because I got way too used to the live versions, where John basically screams it out. 9/10

4. Your Love (Keeps Me Alive)

The first ballad of the album (but certainly not the last). It's a pretty song, very CCM-y but not bad. Very little if no distorted guitars, but I guess that's the point. The choruses are perfect to dedicate to whoever you might be in love with, and I want to say this is probably the first time where Skillet whipped out a Jesus-centered song where the wording makes it so that you can dedicate it to somebody. More of this later on, on Collide, but we'll get to that in a few days. I'm also a fan of the chords during the pre-chorus, it adds a little melancholy? All in all, beautiful song. It's no Saturn, but it's still beautiful. 8/10.

5. More Faithful

I'll be the first to say, the production is lacking. Reminds me of a telenovela; the old ones, something that would play in a show my grandma would watch. Still, it's got its charm. As for the song itself, John has said that it's a very personal song he wrote after his mother died, and you can hear the emotion. I love, and I mean LOVE the slide bass used, I love the piano arrangement... I don't love the filtered drums, but I guess you gotta make sacrifices every now and then. Another song that should make its way back into the live set, because it truly is a song that needs to be heard by everybody. 9/10.

6. Pour

I love it. Though my actual favorite on the album is yet to come, this is a close second. This is the Skillet of the first album but with more belts and whistles, and I love it. I love the energy; I could run a marathon listening to this song. The whispered choruses are an interesting creative choice. Of course I prefer the live version of this song (as is the case with most if not all Skillet songs) but dang it, I love Pour. AKA, the jar song. Yeah, John talks a lot about a jar. It's a metaphor and I get it but it's a bit... jarring. Heh. I'll see myself out. 9/10.

7. Suspended In You

THIS is the Skillet of the first album and when you look at the credits and see Ken's name attached to this, you realize why. It's stripped down to the core three, no belts or whistles or fancy synths; just guitar, bass, drums and John's pre-Collide voice singing. There's falsetto, which I love, in the choruses and it really makes the song have a sort of nostalgic vibe. It's a feelgood song. Also, my girlfriend loves it, and I hope I'll find a live recording of it soon. 8.5/10

8. Take

It took a while for me to get into this song, but dang, it's great. I love the clean guitar that goes at the start and throughout the verses - it's TOO clean, almost like a slap, and the harmonics elevate what would otherwise be a simple riff. Some great synth work, and I love the little teases to Coming Down scattered throughout the verses. Gives the album a sense of continuity. Guitar solo is a little buried, though. 8/10

9. Coming Down

Definitely not my favorite off the album, but it's still a pretty song. First song where a real-world issue is mentioned ("Racism is coming down...") and I appreciate it. I appreciate John singing in tongues during the crescendo of the song, but I don't really appreciate how it goes on and on without much. A little guitar there, a little drum there, but it's mostly a piano/vocal effort. Usually a skip, but it's not intolerable; I can listen to it when the mood calls for it. But that's just it, it's a mood song. 5/10.

10. Whirlwind

Fun fact: this was the first single and it came out the year prior on a compilation album. Well, maybe not "first single" but it's the first song off this album to see the light of day. Same deal as with More Faithful, it's got that grandma vibe to it but it's almost endearing and recently I got to dissecting it and I really appreciate the musicianship. The choruses are extremely catchy and the key shift between verse/chorus and on the final chorus scratches an itch. Even as I write this, I can't help but sing to myself it's alright, it's alright, jump in the whirlwind, I'm letting go... and I'm really curious as to how it sounded live. 7/10.

11. Dive Over In

Again, Ken's name seems to be attached to the bangers and Dive Over In is a certified banger. Best song off the album, the rawest Skillet has sounded here, the lyrics are hella fun, the instrumentals are GREAT and the sampling is superb. The only letdown, maybe, is the build up to the solo: the first time I listened to this, I was kind of expecting some insane shredding. Probably Ken's weakest solo. As a guitarist, this hurts me but, after attempting to do some shredding of my own over it, I realize his solo fits the song and anything else would feel alien. Still a banger. JUMP OVER ON! 9.5/10

12. Scarecrow

This is going to be a weird comparison to make, especially on this sub, but this song always gave me Cryptic Writings/Risk-era Megadeth vibes. Musically, that is. Songs like Use The Man, Ecstasy, Wanderlust from the aforementioned band strike me as similar in some degrees. It's a catchy song and definitely meant to be a radio hit but there's something amiss and I'm not sure what, because the production is good, the vibes are good, the lyrics are GREAT and, for an album closer, it does a great job. I'm a sucker for the key change at the end, and the words are stuck in my mind now, as they usually are whenever I think of this album. 9/10

BONUS: Last Day of Summer

Okay, it's not officially on the album, it came out on a compilation but it's got the sound of Hey You, the production of Hey You, so I'll assume it was recorded during the Hey You sessions and still give it a review because it's my list and I say so, huh? Hah. Okay. I like this song. I religiously play it on the very last day of summer. It's got that surfey vibe, kind of mysterious but also kinda rad, dude (sorry). It's a great chill song; not too heavy, not too soft, though the little switch into the bridge is a bit jarring with how abrupt it is. Still a banger and I recommend listening to it. 7/10.

FINAL RANKING:

1. Dive Over In
2. Locked in a Cage
3. Pour
4. More Faithful
5. Scarecrow
6. Suspended In You
7. Take
8. Your Love (Keeps Me Alive)
9. Hey You, I Love Your Soul
10. Whirlwind
11. Deeper
12. Coming Down

Album overall: 7.5/10

A lot of the things that made Skillet great began here, on this album. Fool yourself into believing it's not true, but it is. Kind of bittersweet as this is the final album with Ken, but it's also really nice that this is (technically) the first album with Korey. Exciting times ahead. Plus, John started dyeing his hair during this album cycle, and we all know how iconic the blonde look was. But seriously, don't sleep on this album.

I'll see ya tomorrow for INVINCIBLE. Because here, we don't just feel invincible; we are.

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Day 3 brings us to this massively underrated (but also massively weird) album: Invincible. First album without Ken and the last with Trey, who left the band before it released and was not part of the tour at all. The Y2K optimism is strong in this album, and the future was looking pretty bright with a brand new guitarist in Kevin and a whole revamp on the sound and look. This is also Skillet's first album as a quartet rather than a trio. How did this affect the sound? Let's see...

1. Best Kept Secret

It should tell you plenty that this song survived on the setlist until the early Awake era. It's a banger through and through; Korey's synth work still astounds me to this day, 26 years later. While the theme of the song is a little weird (God being the "best kept secret" is a bit of an odd thing to say), I get it. Doesn't take away from the danceability of it all, or the simple but effective riffage. Truly Deeper, from Hey You, on steroids. I love it and if YOU don't love it, maybe it's time we take your panhead rights away. 9/10. Speaking of which...

2. You Take My Rights Away

This song is pure nostalgia. The chorus/main theme of the song is very 2000s in all the right ways. I imagine falling down a neon green vortex while the chorus plays for some reason. Kevin gets to shine in this song with a cool little solo and he left his mark. I love this song, I really do. The lyrics are kind of simplistic in nature, but the composition more than makes up for it. Come on, you can't tell me the build up to the song isn't cool. 9/10.

3. Invincible

16 years before John decided he feels invincible, he claimed to be. Or, at least, he claimed to be invincible through God, which I genuinely feels like it's a better theme than the arena slop that graced our ears a little over a decade and a half later. I prefer this song, not just because I genuinely believe pre-Comatose Skillet was better, but because it's got a great vibe... on the verses, at least. Very mysterious, very dark. Then the chorus comes with a bit of a positive note and kind of takes you off that vibe and not necessarily in a good way. Still, it's catchy enough that I can forgive it. You know you just can't kill a man when he's dead... phew, that's a fun song. 7.5/10.

4. Rest

A little background for this song: Korey wrote it when their gear got stolen during the Europe tour in '99. As it is, the song is very beautiful with a powerful message, but when you take that background into consideration, it kind of elevates it. Hard not to feel Korey's vulnerability through the lyrics in the chorus (and I rest in the shelter of your love...), even if it's John who's singing them. A beautiful ballad, but I don't much like the production decisions and I much prefer the live versions. I'm not a fan of the fade-out either, same as with many of the songs here (seriously, the 80s were 19 years ago by the time of recording, y'all could've done it differently). 7/10.

5. Come On to the Future

One of the more fun songs on the album. If the phrase "Y2K optimism" was a song, it's this one. You can tell it was written in 1999 because it just positively reeks of excitement for the new millennium, and I love for how corny it is. Love how the bass sounds, and I'm a big fan of the guitar solo. Very big fan. It won't be your cup of tea, but it's definitely mine. I don't like the fade-out, though. 8/10.

6. You're Powerful

One of the two songs I genuinely feel like diverts from the whole happy theme of the overall album and gives you a glimpse into an edgier Skillet that's yet to manifest itself, and a banger through and through. It should tell you something that it survived on the live setlists well into the Comatose era, and I feel like even the newest of panheads would sing You're powerful/You're unshakeable if it were ever to make a return to the live shows. Industrial Skillet for the win. Yeah, I love this song, and while high on my ranking, it's not the best in the album in my opinion. 9/10

7. I Trust You

This is a weird song. It's catchy and it's got things to love, but it's... too positive. While previous songs were positive without even trying, this one feels like it tries too hard at being. Like a last-second addition. I dunno, I'm weird about this song. Still, the chorus is catchy, and I can appreciate the musicianship in this. Not my favorite, though. 6.5/10

8. Each Other

For all the "rise up" kind of songs that Skillet put out in the 2010s and 2020s, they've never quite been able to capture the message of this one. This is a song about unity, a nice ballad that basically says we have to trust in each other and stick together. I love the message. It's not a favorite of mine but it's not a skip either. I'm already humming the chorus as I type this. The bridge is my favorite part, to be fully honest with you. 7.5/10

9. The Fire Breathes

And here is the second song that diverts from the overall happy theme of the album into something edgier, and a true glimpse into what Alien Youth would end up being. I absolutely LOVE the riff after the chorus, and the key change hits like a thousand bricks. What You're Powerful fails at, this song excels. 10/10

10. Say It Loud

Nice little song, but forgettable to the point where I once forgot to list it when I was listing this whole album. It's... yeah. It does nothing for me. Not Skillet's fault, but it's just a forgettable song and, sadly, the first song I'll have to give a truly low rating. I wish it did more for me. 4/10.

11. The One

The intro is beautiful. The shimmering light bulb sound and the delayed/reverberated guitar, I wish that theme went on for longer. It's beautiful. The rest of the song? Same issues as the song before, it's got no substance, and it wants to get somewhere but it printed the directions poorly. The "hey-ya" section of the song reminds me of Coming Down. Maybe if it kept the melancholic, mysterious theme of the intro, it'd be a better song. 5/10.

12. You're In My Brain

Way to end an album. Well, not technically the end but, y'know. It's a song that takes the industrialism of Powerful and Fire but in a lesser way, like it tries but it just can't pull off being edgy. Still, it's a great song on its own, catchy, and has this darkness to it that contrasts with the mild positivity that sprinkles throughout. Like being happy for being angry. 7.5/10

13. Angels Fall Down

Now, technically, this and Brain deserves to be in the same category, but they're two different songs (even if one is hidden in the other) so I'm rating them as different. Angels... my thing with Angels is that, every other version, it's an easy 10/10. This version? The production choices, the filtered drums, whatever it is they did on the choruses and the neutering of the explosive last chorus, plus the fade-out, makes it undoubtedly the lesser version. It's still very much a beautiful song and the guitar interlude shines just the same, but in its Invincible version, it falls flat compared to the Ardent Worship and Comatose Comes Alive versions. 6/10.

BONUS: Always The Same

I understand why it was cut, but I would've taken it over Say It Loud. It's fun, it flows nicely and it fits with the likes of Future and Trust, like it was cut from the same cloth. I like whatever's going on in the verses too (I still can't tell if it's a guitar or just a distorted bass), it's bouncy and catchy and the choruses are fun to sing along to. 8/10

FINAL RANKING:

1. The Fire Breathes
2. You're Powerful
3. Best Kept Secret
4. You Take My Rights Away
5. Come On to the Future
6. Invincible
7. You're In My Brain
8. Each Other
9. Rest
10. I Trust You
11. Angels Fall Down
12. The One
13. Say It Loud

Album overall: 6/10

Anyways, that's that. Fun little album. I recommend it at least once. It's Alien Youth's happier sibling, come on. You gotta be in a real happy mood to enjoy this album, I'll be the first to admit. Still holds merit and it's a great look into what the year 2000 was like, the futurism and positivity of the time. Ah, to be a teenager then...

Tomorrow, we'll delve into Ardent Worship. Not technically a studio album, but still a landmark in Skillet's history and it's got enough originals for me to rate it as its own thing. Whether I'll do the same for Comatose Comes Alive or not, I've yet to decide.

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Hello there! It's your friendly neighborhood Skillet archivist coming in here to do something that will hopefully revitalize this sub a little. The title says it all but in case you need more clarification, I'm gonna rate every single Skillet album and their songs, starting with...

Well, their debut, which turns 30 this October.

Released on October 29th, 1996 (older than most people in this sub, myself included), let's start ranking Skillet's firstborn, the aptly named Skillet.

1. I Can

It's a strong opener. Repetitive to a fault, but I really love the combination of things: the heavy main riff that switches into the verse clean riff; the drum beat and accompanying bass, the lyrics (Looking on the sad times, the guilt and all the shame...) and while the song isn't exactly a masterclass in composition... it kind of is. I've also gotten a little too used to the live versions, to the point where I prefer it over the CD version, especially the Collide era versions where John sounds like present day John. Amazing guitar work by Ken, a sweet clean guitar solo... yeah, it's a great song. Not the best, hell, not even the best on this album, but still great. 8/10.

2. Gasoline

It's funky, it's fun, it's got groove for days. Love the bass. Love the dissonance of bass and guitar in the choruses (guitar plays a C9 chord while the bass plays A#) and I'm a real fan of the solo. It's not shreddy but it serves the song, and I believe that's more important than flashy guitar licks. It can, however, be a little repetitive... but it's still so, so good. 8.5/10

3. Saturn

Ken's songwriting differs greatly from John's and this song is proof of that. The basis of the song is simple, it's not flashy or intricate but how the chords move relative to one another make the whole thing come together, but the real highlight of this song are the lyrics. John's lyrics are more straightforward; Ken's are more poetic, and this stands true here. A beautiful reflection of faith, and how our faith in God should be as true as our belief in the rings of Saturn, which, despite our inability to see them with our bare eyes, we know are there. Unfortunately the production brings it down a little, but it's still a beautiful song. 9.5/10

4. My Beautiful Robe

This is, legitimately, my favorite song in this entire album and definitely one of my top 10 Skillet songs of all time. I love everything about it: the energy, the musicality, the lyrics, the chorus, the YEAH YEAH YEAH! - all of it. I love the funkiness of the bass, I love the guitar work on the verses, love the little bass lick in the middle of every chorus, and I immensely love the "GOOOOOD" line in the bridge where the vocal doubles it and one line is ascending while the other is descending, right before the whole song comes together into a frantic explosion as John belts out "MY FILTHY ROBE!". It's, unashamedly, my favorite. I want to hear a full live version of it so bad. 10/10

5. Promise Blender

After listening to the Cornerstone '99 version of this song, the album version feels a little raw, a little unpolished. It's not necessarily a bad thing and I know a lot of people dislike this song because of the discrepancy between verse and chorus (verses being off-beat while the choruses are on beat, plus the major/minor shift) but I love it. It's funky, the verses are pure funk right before you get smack-dabbed in the face with that heavy chorus. And it's catchy, too. You know it is. Extra points for the bass solo, and I wish John would do that more often nowadays. 8/10

6. Paint

Another Ken Gem. Gosh, that riff is ridiculous, and I mean it in the best way. I love the message of the song, and even if the choruses are a little underwhelming, it more than makes up for it with the rest of the song. "HOW CAN I TAKE A BITE?" lives rent free in my head. I, however, am not too much of a fan of the solo, even though it, too, serves the song. 8/10.

7. Safe With You

In the interview I had with Ken, he revealed to me this little Coldplay-like version of the song we have with the straight beat was a label-mandated change. The real version of the song is as it appears on Ardent Worship. It also turns me off a little the fact that it remains consistently on the same four chords. Then again, the real shine of this song are the lyrics. Still, with that powerless beat all around, it makes the crescendo of the final chorus lesser. 5/10.

8. You Thought

Insanely fun song that I desperately wish to hear how it sounded live. I think this one, more than the rest, is the basis of what Skillet would end up becoming. Still, the little lead at the start of the verses remind me of Nirvana's "Come As You Are" and I'm not sure how good of a thing that is, but I really like the clean solo. The intensity is right, I just feel like something's missing. 7/10.

9. Boundaries

The third Ken-made song and the first instance of Drop D usage in Skillet's history. I love the vibes on this one, it's got this summer-y vibe about it that I really dig. I dunno, I relate it a lot to a chill summer day, even if the lyrics have nothing to do with that sentiment. The heavy riff on the bridge is also a sign of things to come, and the key change at the end hits beautifully. 9/10.

10. Splinter

The fourth and final Ken-made song. I'm... weird about this one. It's a good closer, but it's also not. It's got that sense of finality but it's not really a closer, and I can picture it opening more than a few shows on the Happy Skillet tour back in '97. The line "His Kingdom body coming, but we nail Him up and hate each other" stands true after 30 years, and I really like that. I like how it flows even if the whole song isn't more than just G-A and then B-E. Heh. Gabe. But I guess it shines in its simplicity. 7.5/10

FINAL RANKING:

1. My Beautiful Robe
2. Saturn
3. Boundaries
4. Gasoline
5. I Can
6. Paint
7. Promise Blender
8. Splinter
9. You Thought
10. Safe With You

Album overall: 8/10.

I wouldn't have been exactly mad if Shovel, from the demos, had replaced Splinter. Maybe in another universe.

Anyways, that was the first album. A solid debut with a lot of groove and funk and a lot of foreshadowing for the band that Skillet would end up becoming. Lots of seeds are planted here and lots of ideas that would get expanded upon later on. The real defining traits of Skillet's sound, however, is yet to come.

I urge any new fans to listen to this album. I promise you, you won't be disappointed. Or maybe you will, but at least give it its fair chance. See ya tomorrow!