Lighting Up the Sky cover

Lighting Up the Sky

Godsmack · 2023

49 min · 11 tracks · hard rock

A powerful blend of hard rock anthems and introspective ballads, showcasing Godsmack's signature intensity and emotional depth.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    You and I Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Soul on Fire — This track exemplifies the album's blend of heavy instrumentation and poignant lyrics, delivering a message of empowerment that stands out in Godsmack's discography.
  • →
    Red White & Blue — With its patriotic fervor and driving rhythm, this song captures the essence of American pride while showcasing the band's musical evolution.
  • →
    Let’s Go — A high-energy anthem that captures the band's signature sound, this track encourages listeners to embrace life and seize the moment.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic anthems with reflective ballads, showcasing solid songwriting but not breaking new ground.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album maintains a high energy with tracks that feature driving guitar riffs and anthemic choruses, while the second half introduces more introspective ballads.
  • Several tracks utilize call-and-response vocal patterns, creating a dynamic interaction between the lead vocals and backing harmonies.
  • The final track features a gradual build-up that culminates in a powerful climax, contrasting with the more subdued nature of earlier songs.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo progression
  • introspective lyrics for reflection
  • resilient anthems for motivation
  • uplifting themes of unity

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer fast-paced songs
  • seek quiet background music

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and relevance in Godsmack's sound at this stage in their career.
Career context
Released on February 24, 2023, 'Lighting Up the Sky' is Godsmack's eighth studio album, following their 2018 release 'When Legends Rise'. At this point in their career, the band sought to reconnect with their roots while also exploring new sonic territories, marking a significant moment in their evolution as artists.
Stylistic neighbors
Disturbed· Seether· Breaking Benjamin

Tracklist

  • 1 You and I Start here 5:16
  • 2 Red White & Blue 4:04
  • 3 Surrender 3:40
  • 4 What About Me 3:55
  • 5 Truth 4:33
  • 6 Hell’s Not Dead 4:50
  • 7 Soul on Fire 4:04
  • 8 Let’s Go 5:40
  • 9 Best of Times 3:35
  • 10 Growing Old 5:01
  • 11 Lighting Up the Sky 4:45

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata