Comatose

Hard rock fans have always embraced Skillet's heavy, aggressive sound, but on this new effort, the band delivers a potent collection of songs that showcase all sides of its personality. "Better Than Drugs" is a pounding sonic attack with a positive message, while "Yours to Hold" is a gorgeous power ballad that displays lead vocalist John Cooper's raspy vocals in a softer light. "The Last Night" features both Cooper and his wife Korey on a tune that tackles the issues of teen suicide and cutting, and "Say Goodbye" has the potential to be embraced by every graduating class next spring as the perfect farewell anthem. Buoyed by the burgeoning active rock hit "Whispers in the Dark," this is a landmark album for Skillet that should exponentially broaden its audience. —Deborah Evans Price