Hello Hubpages and fellow Hubbians, you can call me Jared. I'm a college student with a passion for good music. I found out about this site through a friend and think Hubpages is a great opportunity to write some reviews of albums that just came out. I will try and do a few every week. But keep in mind I'm not going to do every single album that is released. If you would like me to do a review on an album that's out, or one that is about to come out in the next few weeks or months feel free to email me MusicReviewss@gmail.com

Let me explain a little bit about Skillet. They are a four piece Rock band categorized under Christian Rock. I found out about them from a random girl on a bus in June. And even though I am a new fan, I must say they are #2 on my list of favorite bands.

"Awake" is their new album released on August 25th 2009. This album is quite different from their last LP "Comatose". New drummer Jen Ledger really steps up and provides a different style of drumming, and sings backup vocals on some tracks which really add a different sound to the album.

Just a little note before I start the review. Even though most of their songs were written from a religious perspective, I believe each song can be viewed in one of two ways. I will try and leave religion out of this review as much as possible since well... this is all about the music.

Here is a track by track review of the album.

Hero (3:07): The opening track of the album really grabs you and doesn't let go. From the guitar riffs to the vocals, "I need a hero to my life, A hero's gonna save me just in time". Jens vocals blend really well with the grungy sound of John Cooper. This song can be viewed as a cry for help to god, and how he is our hero and will save us. But many people have viewed this song about or soldiers overseas. Like I said before there can be more than one meaning to every song and no matter which way you interpret it, the song is still one of my favorites on the album (10/10)

Monster (2:58): This song could be about sin, or just hating the person you have become. The song can sound like a Three Days Grace rip off. This song sounds different than all of Skillets other work but that is not a bad thing. The growl towards the end of the song is amazing, but you will not hear the growl on the radio version which is a disappointment. (9/10)

Don't Wake Me (3:55): The title alone kind of contradicts the theme and title of the Album. This song is about regret which is always a clique pick for slower songs. I love the way this song is delivered by John. His emotion in his voice is what mainly holds this song together. I would have liked to hear Korey on the backup vocals instead of just John. But no one really knows why she is not singing on this album. (8/10)

Awake And Alive (3:29) This song starts off with strings which is always the Skillet way of saying "Get ready for a great track". John and Jen switch off of Lead vocals, during the Verses and chorus. This is one of those songs I find myself listening to over and over again. Korey does a great job on arranging the strings on this song. (10/10)

One Day Too Late (3:55) Another clique theme with lyrics that we have heard over and over again from just about every single artists. I was waiting for something unique to stand out on this track. The chorus just has John singing lead and backup which makes this song just a little more boring, "Make a change make the world a better place, cause' tomorrow could be one day too late".....Come on now (5/10)

It's Not Me It's You: (3:25) The band does a great job on their instruments with this song. The beginning (just like Hero) grabs you and pulls you in. At first it sounds like something that came out off the "Collide" album. But once again the lyrics do not deliver as much as you would expect them. (6/10)

Should've When You Could've (3:31): This song is about a releationship ending. The lyrics kind of confuse me while listening and reading them. "I'm done wondering where you've been
All night long when you're out with your friends...I'm done chasing you all over
May as well be chasing after thunder, Play hard to get if it makes you happy, For a change now you can start chasing me". I still think a lot of people can relate to this song. But we all know John and Korey are still in happy relationship so it is hard to understand where John is coming from on this song. (7/10)

Believe: (3:31) This song is continuing off of the last track, but now at the point where he want's her back and admits his mistakes. This slow song starts building up and wait..Guitar solo!...Wait never mind it was only 7 seconds. Ugh Come on guys! (6/10)

Forgiven (3:39): Classic piano intro, some strings wait..There is the Skillet we all love! This song is clearly about betraying god, or from a literal standpoint cheating on your significant other...and still being forgiven For the sake of Skillet's future lets stick with the first one. I love the lyrics on this track and even though this is the third ballad in a row, this one is the first track so far with the raw emotion this album has been lacking. (10/10)

Sometimes (3:27): Oh man, someone is angry! that is the first thought when the music kicks in. Again going back to the "Collide" style. Lyrically this is a bit lacking. I know John can do better. But musically the rest of the band is really showing how much they have matured and improved in the last 3 years. (7/10)

Never Surrender (3:30): A song written about the bands encounter with a fan suffering from a drug problem. This song is very powerful and will be a fan favorite. (10/10)

Lucy (3:38): This song had me go "holy sh**" the first time I heard it. This song is simply about loss. Now many people have argued and said this was about abortion and honestly I think that they are wrong. The lyrics itself infer that Lucy was alive at one point..so there goes the abortion theory. This song should really be released as their next single. I feel this is the most powerful and moving Skillet song of all time. (10/10)

Overall I would give this album 9.5 stars out of 10. It is clear Skillet has been switching up their style and trying to reach out to a younger audience, nothing wrong with that. Regardless of your religion, I think any rock fan should own this album, as well as their other albums.