[Album Review] Rise by Skillet - Alternative

[Daruya]

Yes, I know it's an older album but is the most recent one released.

 

 

1. Rise (4:20)   - 8/10 

2. Sick of It (3:11)  - 7/10

3. Good to Be Alive (4:59)  - 9/10

4. Not Gonna Die (3:45)   - 10/10

5. Circus for a Psycho (4:31) - 5/10

6. American Noise (4:09) - 9/10

7. Madness in Me (4:17) - 6/10

8. Salvation (3:45) - 10/10

9. Fire and Fury (3:56)  - 10/10

10. My Religion (4:12)  - 10/10

11. Hard to Find (3:48)  - 10/10

12. What I Believe (3:19)  - 10/10

 

Overall rating - 9/10

 

Rise was released by Christian rock band, Skillet, on June 25, 2013.  This was the first album to feature guitarist Seth Morrison.  It features the distinctive vocals of John Cooper and Jen Ledger and is of the Christian metal, hard rock genre.  This album isn't as hard-core as earlier albums but it is overall excellent. 

 

I discovered Skillet via a local radio station (back when they played Skillet, Red, TFK) via Monster and Hero (from their Awake album).  When Rise came out, I rushed to iTunes and bought it. My boys (15 and 17) also like Skillet.  My youngest used to have a crush on Jen Ledger (drums, vocals).

 

This album hits on a lot of recent events and common themes that many can relate to. (Note: I can't vouch for the lyrics for any of the videos not linked directly from skilletband on youtube)

 

Rise – the first song on the album, Rise is a catchy song with a driving tempo.  Touches on events  but even with all the bad stuff that happens, there’s still a message of hope and call to action that comes through the lyrics. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3jQ0tFqG_0

 

Sick of It – having seen the video, this touches on various issues like failure, depression, bullying.  Don’t be defined by it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHzU-9iozmo

 

Good to be Alive – “It’s good to be here with ya, and it’s good to be alive! I was lost and I was gone, I was almost dead inside. You and me against the world, it’s a beautiful night, it’s good to be alive.”  A message of HOPE HOPE HOPE!   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GY2uALNkBIU

 

Not Gonna Die – this song is rather haunting but I love it.  “When everything you love is leaving, you hold to what you believe in.”  “Not gonna die tonight, we’re gonna stand and fight forever.  We’re gonna fight for us together!”  Determination, persistence, never give up!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgmpWkUcpjo

 

Circus for a Psycho – not one of my favorites but then I’m not really sure of the message they’re trying to get across with this one.   It’s got a good beat, though. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utfex53BL0c

 

American Noise – love this one, too! "Times will be bad, times will be good . . . No matter who you are you’ve got a voice why don’t you use it? Sing your own song take all the noise and make it into music!"   BE YOURSELF!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyvMtQaphkI

 

Madness in Me – another one that is lower on my like list.  However, it is a great workout song and I love the scripture reading at the end. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mtnh7z5bEGs

 

Salvation – love, love, love this song.  Another used to be my favorite on this album but this has probably become my favorite. I love Jen’s vocals, I love the lyrics.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSFlB1eyTy0

 

Fire and Fury - Love this song. This was once my favorite and is still neck and neck with Salvation.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRi3Ln6HGqU

 

My Religion – awesome song!  “You got my devotion fanatical though it may be . . . I don’t need to stare at stained glass and a steeple, I don’t need to dress to impress all other people, Don’t need no priest, don't need no pew, You are my religion, my religion is you.  I don’t need no other purpose, you give me a reason.  Ain't their business what I wanna believe in. You are my priest, you are my truth.  You are my religion, my religion is you. “  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eudVoA7VOA8

 

Hard to Find – another song of hope, through all the darkness.  “You give me faith to believe there's a way, To put the past finally behind me, And hope to make it through another night. You give me strength during these dark times when I’m blind. You are my light when faith is hard to find.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jsSz9Wpnv0

 

What I Believe – FAITH.  HOPE.  LOVE. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cJmIF77Vhw

 

Edited January 15, 2015 by Daruya

[BridMorgan]

Nicely done! Are you old enough to remember Stryper? :)

[Daruya]

I may be old enough but I'm not familiar with them (aside from having heard the name).

[BridMorgan]

Just curious. They were the most visual Christian rock band diring the 80s and 90s

[Nikonis]

I've heard of Skillet and probably had a few of their songs back in High School but haven't heard of them in a while... Nice review!

Edited January 27, 2015 by Nikon

[Daruya]

During the 80's and 90's, I was listening to country and some rock. I only discovered Skillet and Red and TFK and Fireflight (and others) a few years ago.

[BridMorgan]

Dar - 2

Brid - 1

Nikon - 1

[F Horn of Valere]

I've never really listened to Skillet before. In the early 2000s I kind of grouped bands like Skillet and Kutless all together-- bands that I enjoyed listening to, but with songs that I didn't know, so I never bought their albums. (I only could afford a little bit, so I usually just bought CDs that were from dc Talk, Michael W. Smith, or anything John Williams.)

 

Listening though, I definitely think I'd have enjoyed getting into Skillet, especially when I listened to Christian music all the time. (I mostly listen to sports talk now on the radio.) I think I might get this CD though around when my Echo arrives, as I plan to listen to my digital music more often around then. 

 

Also... I like "My Religion." Going to seminary... I like the lyrics.

[BridMorgan]

Dar - 2

Brid - 1

Nikon - 1

And late to the party....

Horn - 1 

[F Horn of Valere]

Awwww thanks! 

[seph]

I loved this review. I heard comatose and fell in love with skillet, and are actually now one of my favorite bands. There is some on here I have never even heard of! So thanks daruya!!!!