Words: Ryan Getz

I feel so conflicted about the new Skillet song. I’ve pretty much given up hope at them ever returning to the sound of their Collide record. To me, this sounds like cookie cutter arena rock made to get spins and adrenaline going. And to be honest – it is stuck in my head now.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmk_cTMqF58[/youtube]

The melody and structure are infectious and huge. But the lyrics suck. If the band wrote 50 plus songs for their new record Unleashed and these words are the best they came up with, that’s sad. More than likely someone on their label told them to release this tune because it would be marketable. Talking to folks on the interwebs has me thinking that many agree. Some examples (and counter examples):

“Forced rhymes, arbitrary word choice, no real melody.
You make me feel invincible
Earthquake, powerful 
Just like a tidal wave
You make me brave
You’re my titanium
Non-sensical.
Not as interesting as their previous tracks. They peaked at Comatose and the decline began on the Awake album.” – Jacey Jasnoch, hip hop/pop artist

“I really miss Collide era Skillet….” – Mike Houck, vocalist of Bear Your Cross

“All their new stuff sounds too similar.” – Cynthia F.

“Well, one thing that Skillet has been good at is changing with the times. I think this song reflects that. Not all bands can do that as well as Skillet has.
I like it. I look forward to listening to the album in full.” – Vince C.

“I liked it. Normally I don’t pass judgements on an album until I hear a couple more songs. I do miss the symphonic sound though. But I guess they’re doing away with it since their violinist left. I guess I’ll have to wait until the album comes out to see if they really did. I usually have a pretty open mind to music anyways. This is just my opinion.” – Katelyn T.

“I think that if we look back over the WHOLE Skillet experience, this song doesn’t feel out of place at all.
Pop, industrial, and dance influences are nothing new to them.” – Jerry F.

“I have mixed feelings. I’m glad they kicked the synths up some. I missed that sound they had with the Alien Youth and Invincible albums. On the other hand it sounds like it came off the latest Family Force Five album, which is not surprising since it’s the same producer.” – Chuck F.

“I don’t care if a band changes their sound, as long as they do it well. Objectively, on its own, this song is mediocre at best and if it is any indication of the complete album then we’re in for a disappointment.” – Christopher M.