Awake - Skillet

Album Review: "Awake" by Skillet

Release Date: August 25, 2009
Genre: Hard Rock
Duration: 12 Songs, 42 Minutes

1. Album Overview

Awake represents a significant moment in Skillet's career, building on the success of Comatose and solidifying the band as a major force in both Christian and mainstream rock. With powerful anthems like “Hero” and “Monster,” the album delivers a mix of fiery hard rock and introspective ballads. Thematically, Awake explores the tension between brokenness and redemption, capturing a raw honesty that resonates deeply with listeners. Its balance of intensity and vulnerability has made it one of the band’s most successful releases.

Key Themes: Strength, redemption, emotional struggle, spiritual perseverance
Score: 94/100 (Legendary)

2. Technical Mastery

The production of Awake is highly polished, offering a clean yet heavy sound that’s both radio-friendly and hard-hitting. John Cooper’s commanding vocals are complemented by Jen Ledger’s emotive and youthful backing vocals, which shine in tracks like “Awake and Alive” and “Hero.” The instrumentation, while straightforward, is effective in delivering memorable hooks and impactful moments. “Monster” stands out for its aggressive energy, while the ballad “Lucy” showcases the band’s emotional range.

Standout Tracks for Production:

• “Hero” – A soaring opener with dynamic instrumentation and dual vocals.

• “Monster” – Hard-hitting and raw, with a memorable riff and vocal intensity.

Score: 93/100 (Excellent)

3. Artistic Depth

Lyrically, Awake takes a bold step into deeply personal and spiritual territory. Tracks like “One Day Too Late” encourage listeners to live intentionally, while “Never Surrender” is a rallying cry for perseverance through trials. The poignant closer, “Lucy,” deals with themes of loss and forgiveness in a heart-wrenching manner. Though some tracks like “It’s Not Me, It’s You” lean toward more generic rock tropes, the album as a whole balances introspection with accessible themes.

Score: 90/100 (Great)

4. Audience Appeal

Awake has universal appeal, thanks to its polished production and relatable themes. It’s no surprise that the album achieved significant crossover success, reaching fans of both Christian and mainstream rock. Tracks like “Monster” and “Awake and Alive” became staples not only on Christian radio but also in broader rock circles. Its combination of faith-based messaging and energetic, modern rock makes it a standout for diverse audiences.

Score: 96/100 (Legendary)

5. Standout Moments

• “Hero” – An empowering anthem that kicks off the album with intensity.

• “Monster” – A career-defining track with a heavy riff and emotional bite.

• “Awake and Alive” – A symphonic and stirring highlight that embodies the album’s themes.

• “Lucy” – A hauntingly beautiful closer that leaves a lasting emotional impact.

6. Final Verdict

Awake is a masterful album that solidifies Skillet’s reputation as both hard rock icons and spiritual storytellers. With its blend of heavy-hitting anthems, introspective ballads, and universal themes, it stands as one of the band’s crowning achievements. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, Awake delivers a powerful listening experience that lingers long after the music fades.

Overall Score: 94/100 (Legendary)
Qualitative Rating: A dynamic and emotionally charged album that defines Skillet’s legacy.