Stryper
God Damn Evil
2018 Frontiers Music
Produced By: Michael Sweet
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Track Listings
Take it to the Cross (4:53)
Sorry (3:53)
Lost (3:44)
God Damn Evil (4:05)
You Don't Even Know Me (4:10)
The Valley (4:13)
Sea of Thieves (3:40)
Beautiful (4:03)
Can't Live Without Your Love (4:43)
Own Up (3:43)
The Devil Doesn't Live Here (3:23)
Musicians
Lead Vocals / Guitars: Michael Sweet
Lead Guitars / Vocals: Oz Fox
Drums: Robert Sweet
Bass Guitar / Vocals: Perry Richardson
One week ago as of this post, Stryper released their 18th full length album, God Damn Evil. Hard to believe the band is still going after all these years, but after listening to their latest for a week now I have to say that this is some of the best music they've released...ever.
For starters let's address the pink elephant in the room. The album title has stirred up a lot of controversy in some groups. There are those that are offended and won't even give the album a listen, turning their backs on the band saying they have abandoned their Christian beliefs. Then there are others that aren't offended, but don't like the album title and will probably skip over the self-titled track. Finally there are others that see this for what it is, a simple prayer to damn the evil in this world. Yes, the title is "shocking" but let's not kid ourselves...it was meant to be. They are artists after all and that's what artists do. They catch your attention and Stryper certain has done that with just the album title alone.
Back to the music, God Damn Evil has got to be the best if not one of the best albums by the band. As much as I love To Hell With the Devil, their latest has shot to the top of my favorite albums in general. What I like about this album is you get a little bit of everything. What I mean by that is they weren't afraid to try new things. Take the opening track for example, Take it to the Cross. It has a heavy bass line, supplied by the newest member, ex-Firehouse Perry Richardson, along with a death growl on the fast paced, crunchy chorus. This was the first track released to social media and it didn't seem to get the warm reception that the band may have hoped for. I for one did't care for it at first, but with each subsequent listen I have come to really enjoy the nearly 5 minutes of entertainment it provides.
Songs like Lost and Sorry feature that classic Stryper sound. From Michael's signature vocals to the harmonizing guitars of Michael and Oz. The chorus has that big sound and vocal harmony you've come to expect from the band...even with a new member. One of the best chorus on the album to sing along with in my opinion actually comes in the song, God Damn Evil. It's been stuck in my head these last few days!
It's rare that I find an album that I truly enjoy every song, but this is one of those. Stryper is one of those bands that just seems to get better with age. For long time fans, it may not replace Soldiers Under Command or any of their earlier albums, but this is by far their best since they returned from hiatus with 2005's Reborn. If you are hard core fan then you've probably already picked up the album, but if you are a casual fan or just haven't gotten around to buying their latest, head on over to Amazon.com where you can currently get both the CD and a .MP3 album for just $12.
First and foremost I hope the album does great for Stryper and that other fans love it. I'm one of those passing on the album due to the title. I'm a lifelong fan but just won't have something with that title on my shelf. They knew putting those words together in the title that are offensive to many people would be controversial but to what end? It has only stirred debate and disdain among their fans. Those who aren't fans don't care nor does it sway them in any way. I don't understand why you would risk alienating any portion of your fan base. I won't listen or purchase this album nor see them on the upcoming tour. I understand mine is a personal choice and again hope others enjoy the album and wish Stryper well. Maybe I'll be back for the next album. Good post. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI understand the album title may be "shocking", but did you boycott their "To Hell With the Devil" album as well? The lyrics are still uplifting Jesus' name so why give the album a pass and therefor forgo your support of the band?
DeleteThese are just questions I ask all people who have had a similar stance. Of course you and everyone else are entitled to your opinion and I honor your/their decision.
I a long time fan was a little shocked at the album title and I still have a little hard time getting use to it and the song. BUT! I remember when To Hell With The Devil came out and I was 21. OMG you should have heard the up roar of the older folks about that title and I attended a church meeting where the were talking about how this kind of music is of the Devil. But when I would share the words to the songs to people they were baffled because they all were songs that lifted the name of Jesus and clearly a christian format. Guess What? So are the songs on God Damn Evil. They haven't strayed one bit from their christian faith.
ReplyDeleteThis has quickly become one of my favorite albums...period!
DeleteI understand what they were trying to do with the album title. That being said, their reasoning isn't intellectually honest. Evil is simply the absence of God. The reason our world is so evil is because God has all but been eliminated in most areas of society. God doesn't have to damn evil. We simply just need to turn back to Him. Then the ship will right itself. All that to say, I love the album. It boggles the mind at the level of musicianship and the quality of production/songwriting these guys continue to release. I am not ready to place this album as my favorite but it certainly is in the conversation.
ReplyDeleteI completely understand where you are coming from. If nothing else I think the title was more for "shock value" if anything else. After all, they are artists and artists have to keep reinventing themselves to stay relevant. That said, I still think it's a great album and I can't wait for the next one.
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