Some time 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.
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.
This 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 from the Stryper catalog.
Track Listing
1. Something (unreleased)
2. For You (unreleased)
3. Shining Star
4. 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. Believe
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