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7 Weeks: Live in America, 2003 Review

When I was a teenager, Stryper had just started to make their name in music. They were misunderstood and feared by most church folks I knew, but their music was incredible. At the time, they were one of the few Christian bands who had successfully "crossed over". Now they are back for their 20 years anniversary with a live CD from their reunion tour last year, and you'd never know they left.

The music kicks, and is as sharp now as it was then. The only thing that betrays their age is Michael Sweet's voice. He doesn't hit every high note he used to, but he can take most of them on with no problem. Favorites like "Soldiers Under Command", "Sing Along Song", and even the quirky "Winter Wonderland" are here (though "Reason for the Season" would have been a better Christmas song--and an original of theirs). I don't really know why they'd go with "Caught in the Middle" and "More Than a Man" rather than the two new rockers they did on their last "Best Of" cd though (those two songs would have cooked, where the others sort of drag things down just a little). The only major deviation from the album versions comes with "Honestly". This one make take a couple of times to appreciate, but it's good. Give it a chance. They close out the CD with an awesome prayer for the audience, and you really get a feel for what a night at the concert would be like.

It was good to see the band steer clear of their "Against the Law" cd for the most part, though "Shining Star" would have been a better choice for the concert than "Caught in the Middle". Unfortunately, their most radio-friendly cd "In God We Trust" doesn't get a single song in here.

All in all, the boys proved they can recreate the sound from their albums live and just as strong. I can't wait to see the DVD when it comes out! Highly recommended.

Review by: Brian Reaves, Amazon.com