Recently, Christian music has been fairly disappointing. Christian record labels have been too preoccupied with teen pop and praise and worship music to turn out many great new bands. Christian radio has become more and more saturated with Christian cliches and "bumper sticker" lyrics. I have been hoping that Skillet's new record, Alien Youth, would help to renew my faith in the Christian music industry.
For the most part the album succeeds; chiefly because Alien Youth proves that all four members of Skillet are truly gifted performers. Drummer Lori Peters creates strong, catchy beats, and 17-year-old Ben Kasica shows great promise as a rock guitarist. John Cooper's assertive lead vocals are as captivating as ever, and his wife, Korey, adds a whole new dimension to the album with her well-placed background vocals, and even sings some lead vocals on the impressively honest "Will You Be There." Although I am normally not a big fan of hard industrial pop, Skillet has won me over with their excellent musicianship.
Lyrically, however, Alien Youth is not quite as impressive, although there are a few inspired moments. "You Are My Hope" and "Thirst is Taking Over" are both gorgeous worship songs, and "Come My Way" takes a creative look at doubt and faith. On the flip side, however, there are a few cheesy, almost laughable lyrics, such as the chorus of "Stronger": "Cause I'm stronger, yeah/ Than the devil, yeah." The message is questionable, and the execution is poor.
I have never been a Skillet fan before, but Alien Youth has proven to be one of my favorite new releases of the year. Skillet fans, A.K.A. Panheads, will love this new album, and Alien Youth should also help the band to acquire many new fans. They're still not as creative as, say, Switchfoot or Luna Halo, but with their new album, Skillet proves why they are one of the most popular Christian bands in the world today.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Rebel Base 2002Reviewed by Josh HurstU2 singer Bono once observed that, "Music is like a sacrament. It's not about airplay or chart position." In other words, we should create music just for the sake of being creative. Music does not need to justify itself- music is music. It's the purest, most excellent form of creativity that we as humans can take part in. Ideally, music is all about creative expression, not propaganda or some…The Rebel Base 2002Reviewed by NathanI have long regarded Skillet as one of the more talented bands around that had not yet produced an album that is truly representative of their potential. Now they have. Alien Youth is a truly stellar release, showing dramatic improvement in every facet of the band's musical performance. It is also, by a substantial margin, the hardest, most musically reaching of Skillet's four releases to date.…ReAL Magazine 2001Reviewed by Jesse N.Usually my favorite music comes from regular people, people who put more effort into their music than their appearance. Skillet's first record was made by regular people, however their fourth studio release, Alien Youth, was made by four individuals who look ready to board their space craft and blast off to the planet Xerf. If you think I'm joking, check out InvincibleWear, where lead singer John…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Trae CadenheadSkillet has experienced a musical evolution like very few bands have undergone. All signs point to the fact that Alien Youth is where this evolution has been heading to and the changes were all worthwhile. Releasing their first album in the fall of 1996, Skillet quickly became a Christian rock favorite with their edgy hard rock sound. The sound was raw and unpolished, yet powerful. Still, it was…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Kerry MaffeoWith the August release of the band's fifth album, Skillet once again returns to its rock roots while still maintaining the more electronically modified elements for which the band has been recognized since Skillet's self-titled debut. Fans of Skillet will find the marriage between the harder elements and the more trendy dance vibe unique, but still true to the overall sound with which the band…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Brian A. SmithSkillet rocks hard with their latest album Alien Youth. Produced by vocalist John Cooper, the quartet has delivered a mix of hardcore rock and industrial sounds that comes closer to a live performance than any of their previous offerings. Alien Youth is the idea that a generation of young Christians has risen up to radically change the world. The title track gives light to this concept: Worldwide…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Olin JenkinsThe best thing Skillet did between Invincible and Alien Youth was to include itself in the Ardent praise and worship series. That project had a great impact on the band and has tightened the band's focus on its message: The Great Commission to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. I'm impressed with Skillet's best recording to date. I've always liked Skillet and saw an excellent concert right…Similar sounding releases
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