Awake (Deluxe): Skillet
 Limited deluxe edition contains two bonus tracks ('Dead Inside' and 'Would It Matter') as well as Fanbase enhancement and fan club insert. 2009 release, Skillet's eighth studio album, Awake, recorded with Grammy-nominated producer Howard Benson. The foursome's overwhelmingly satisfied with the entire sonic and thematic palette throughout Awake, which is loaded with plenty of anthems in the making destined to be smash singles and concert sing-a-longs. Skillet's massive fan base (who affectionately refer to themselves as "Panheads") are sure to agree, though they'll likely be even more impressed with the lyrical outpouring, which remains a top priority for the players. The album contains 12 tracks, including 'Monster' which were added to their live set during their Comatose Tour, and the single 'Hero'. There are several similarities between this album and "Comatose"; most obvious is the sound. Stylistically "Awake" seems to be a continuation of "Comatose"; more than likely it's what the guys were looking for, and they got it right once again.
From the first few songs, it's evident that John Cooper and co. are going by the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy. The only real differences are the near-absence of the prevalent violins from most of the "Comatose" playlist (apparently to make room for more guitars) and the trading of female vocal duties from John's wife Korey to drummer Jen Ledger. The themes surrounding the songs will take you back to 2006 as well, as once again the crew wail splendidly about forgiveness (obviously found in "Forgiven"), overcoming adversity ("Never Surrender"), renewal of faith, and living each moment as if there were no tomorrow ("One Day Too Late", which could pass for the next chapter of "The Older I Get"). Skillet also spend a couple of tender moments discussing relationships; "Don't Wake Me" waxes poetic about a guy trying to hold on to the relationship he apparently messed up, while "Lucy" pays a somber visit to the grave of a lost-too-soon love. The tongue-in-cheek "Should've When You Could've" breaks up the mood a little, though, with a dismissing anthem to cheating ex-girls everywhere.
Song List | 1. | Hero | 3:06 | | 2. | Monster | 2:58 | | 3. | Don't Wake Me | 3:55 | | 4. | Awake And Alive | 3:29 | | 5. | One Day Too Late | 3:40 | | 6. | It's Not Me It's You | 3:24 | | 7. | Should've When You Could've | 3:31 | | 8. | Believe | 3:50 | | 9. | Forgiven | 3:38 | | 10. | Sometimes | 3:26 | | 11. | Never Surrender | 3:30 | | 12. | Lucy | 3:38 | | 13. | Dead Inside (Bonus Track) | 2:56 | | 14. | Would It Matter (Bonus Track) | 4:12 | | 15. | Monster (Alternate Radio Version) | 2:57 |
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