Search - Stryper :: 7: The Best of Stryper

The Definitive Stryper Collection.

Louie Bourland | Garden Grove CA | 08/01/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Seven-The Best of Stryper" is the most comprehensive overview of the band's career to date. Unlike the previous compilation, 1991's "Can't Stop The Rock", every song on "Seven" was hand-picked by the members of Stryper themselves. Because of this, "Seven" includes classics that best define Stryper's music and ministry. Most of the band's best known songs are featured here including "Calling On You", "Free", "Always There For You", "Reach Out", "Soldiers Under Command", "From Wrong To Right", "To Hell With the Devil" and their beloved ballad "Honestly". Songs from their lesser-known period are included as well such as their cover of Earth, Wind and Fire's "Shining Star", "Lady" and their 1991 anthem "Believe".
The greatest news about this CD is that it includes two brand new songs recorded by the original Stryper line-up, it's first new material in 12 years! Both "Something" and "For You" display a mature sound and clearly show that even after not playing together for 12 years, the band still can heat it up. I would gladly hand over the bucks for a full-length album of new Stryper material if it's as good as these two new tracks.
"Seven" is beyond a doubt the very best from Stryper, a pioneering Christian Metal band whose influence and impact continues to be felt 20 years later. There is not a single bad song on this compilation. It clearly defines what Stryper was, is and will always be about, "Rocking for the One who is the Rock" (from "The Way" by Stryper)."

A Truly Blessed Best Of!!

Ken Pierce | Brooklyn,, NY USA | 07/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Originally posted on www.TheMetalCircus.comA few months ago I had the chance to see Stryper at one of their Reunion shows when they came to New York. Since I was already a fan, I expected to enjoy myself. Given the fact that this was among the first shows the band had done in 12 years I expected the show to be full of the songs that made them popular. You see, around the time of the Reunion plans, a CD came out entitled "Stryper: 7 - The Best Of". I was very impressed by this release. Now that I have a copy, I can spend a little time on it on behalf of the Metal Circus.I should clear up immediately that there are more than seven tunes on the CD. One would think there was only seven based on the title. However, this release has a full 18 which is impressive to say the least. I often find myself annoyed with greatest hits issues that have a few choice numbers and a mess of new songs. Stryper themselves have picked the selections and only added two unreleased songs. For that matter the unreleased tracks were played live on the Reunion tour that is to best of my knowledge still going on. For this release the tracks were all remastered so there is a bigger more powerful sound to some of the heavier tracks. "Soldiers Under Command" is definitely one you wanna crank a little louder on the stereo (I always loved the drumming on that one in particular). "Free", "Honestly" and "Calling On You" also sound crisper due to the remastering. Like I said at the beginning, I was impressed. Since it is a greatest hits compilation there is little more I can say about it. I will add that the interior booklet is nice. Standout colors on the cover and back, interior depicts all the Stryper albums and provides the lyrics to their songs. I love when lyrics are included. Also there is a personal message from the band on the booklet back.

Here is the complete track listing listing:
1.Something (unreleased)
2.For You (unreleased)
3.Shining Star4.Lady
5.All For One
6.In God We Trust
7.Always There For You
8.To Hell With The Devil
9.Calling On You
10.Free
11.Honestly
12.The Way
13.Soldiers Under Command
14.Makes Me Wanna Sing
15.Reach Out
16.From Wrong To Right
17.Loving You
18.BelieveThis reviewer recommends the "Seven" CD for anyone who wants a good (and all album encompassing) scope of the Stryper sound and their career. Should anyone wish to venture further, allow me to make two personal recommendations: "Soldiers Under Command" and "To Hell With The Devil" are my favorites in the Stryper catalog.You can find out more about Stryper and their goings on by visiting their website at www.stryper.com . You can also purchase the music I mentioned above at the site.there."

A great intro to Stryper!

Richard Shuman | Weymouth MA (South of Boston) | 04/05/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First, I'll let you know what I agree with in previous reviews: The new songs, "Something" and "For You" do have a more modern, Creed-ish feel to them. Michael originally wrote them for himself, then when this project was introduced, the guys didn't have time to write stuff together. All the guys have matured musically, and the songs stand by themselves as good examples of what Stryper would be about these days. But that's now, this was then.... ;)Unlike "Can't Stop the Rock," in which Hollywood Records chose the songs, "7" is Stryper's Greatest Hits as chosen by Stryper themselves. All the hits are here; "Always There for You," Calling on You" and "Honestly," plus plenty for the Stryper faithful; "Free," "The Way" and "Soldiers Under Command." I was always a fan of the harder stuff, so I miss "The Reign," "More than a Man" and "Not that Kind of Guy," but I'll get over it. I own the discs. "Believe" should be getting unbelievable radio play right now. It's unfortunate that the radio stations are ignoring it.The big news here is the remasters. The songs from THWTD were state of the art in recording and mastering in 1986, but even they've been improved. There's more bottom end thump, and the drums in particular have more "air" around them. The vocals are terrific. I was particularly taken with the improvements in the songs from Soldiers Under Command. This title track, "Makes Me Wanna Sing" and "Reach Out" are mixed like the best of them. As far as the mix, the weakest tracks, not surprisingly, are the ones from The Yellow and Black Attack, but I remember them from my (white) vinyl as being really thin recordings. They do have body now.This is the type of collection that could hook some new fans. Well deserved, too. I hope that Mike, Bobby, Oz and Tim sell some records."