Stryper
Can't Stop the Rock: The Stryper Collection 1984-1991
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
Is this greatest hits collection worth buying? This is probably the question on the minds of Christian metal consumers everywhere. Well, the two brand new, previously unreleased tunes are top-notch. They're worth having. The other tunes, compiled from singles or proposed singles from past albums, are obviously some of the band's best. (I would've chosen "Surrender" and "First Love" over "Together As One" and "To Hell With The Devil" any day) "Believe" is a cool melodic song applauding the courage of those soldiers who fought for their countries in wars both recent and distant. This shows these pop metal kings in top form, Michael Sweet's songwriting again showing a keen grasp of the "hook" concept. "Can't Stop The Rock" is an old Roxx Regime tune that was called "Roxx Regime". Lyrically it's an unusually angry song from these predominantly happy lyric writers (save for "To Hell With The Devil"). Musically it matches the lyrics loud 'n' sassy attitude. The chorus hook is kinda simplistic, which would keep this song from appearing on another "hits" collection seven years from now, but it's at least good to hear the guys wailing and rockin' again. Oz's guitar tones are wah-wah-nderfully tasty. It's cool to hear the mature and classy tunes from Against the Law ("Lady", "Two Bodies") in the same context as the band's earlier material. My only real gripe about this collection is: Why not go for broke and utilize all 75 minutes a CD has to offer?