STRYPER – Reborn (2005 EMI)
A few gigs led to a greatest hits CD and two new songs. That led to a tour and a live album. That in turn finally gave way to a new studio album by Stryper. The aptly titled Reborn was unlike any prior Stryper album: Detuned and heavier than hell, Reborn shocked pretty much everybody that heard it! Drum loops, chugging riffs…this was Stryper? There was also a new bassist on board — Tracy Ferrie, from Michael Sweet’s solo band.
“Open Your Eyes” begins abruptly, as if to further surprise the listener with the new Stryper sound. It bears no resemblance to old Stryper whatsoever. It is stripped down, heavy, droney, with emphasis on the riff, and no screams! Stryper appeared to go very “2000’s” with their new sound, but unlike Metallica, they hung onto the guitar solos! Then “Reborn” is stuttery and chunky. It takes some getting used to, because melody takes a back seat to heavy here. It’s good — but there are few hooks. Overall, the CD reminds me of mid-90’s Dio. I must say that drummer Robert Sweet seems particularly in his element on this heavy stuff, but his snare drum sound is a bit stuffy.
Some understated and cool guitar harmonies help out “When Did I See You Cry” on the chorus. It’s also the first song to present those uplifting Stryper harmonies. “Make You Mine” is a slow rocker with a melodic vocal and a highlight. It’s remarkable how Michael Sweet’s voice has grown to have so much character while retaining its power. “Live Again” steals the riff from “Shout at the Devil” and shakes it up a bit. “Shout” was stolen from “Foxy Lady” anyway, so who cares? The song sounds nothing like “Shout” otherwise, but it’s back to that heavy detuned Stryper sound.
“If I Die” is a slow, heavy burner with a great chorus. That’s followed by “Wait For You” which is a simple pop rock song but recorded heavy, complete with “na na na” backing vocals. “Rain” is a bit of a ballad, and Sweet really reaches for it on the chorus. Solid song albeit a tad generic. “10,000 Years” is stuttery and rhythmic but doesn’t have a lot of hooks. Album closer “I.G.W.T.” is a much heavier, much better remake of the title track from 1988’s In God We Trust. This version kills the original in every single way possible. Michael even nails that final scream.
The best song on the album, by a fair shake, is the mighty “Passion”. Not only does it possess a chorus that will shake the foundations, but it’s also the most blatantly in your face about their faith. “Jesus Christ, I wanna serve you, I want what you want for me. Sacred voice, I don’t deserve you, through your Passion I am free.” That chorus will not be for everybody obviously, but damn it sure is catchy when Sweet lets it all out! Give it a listen and see what I mean. You don’t have to sing along if you don’t want to.
When originally released, the CD came packaged in a semi-transparent yellow cellophane wrap. I found it as such when it first came out at a nearby Christian book & CD store. They wanted $24.99 for it, and I couldn’t justify paying that much for yellow shrink wrap, when I could wait for a used copy to come in at the Record Store at which I worked. I ended up with the used copy, but boy I sure did like the way it looked with the yellow cellophane. The image on the cover of the band ripping the yellow ooze from their bodies is meant to represent how Stryper felt “reborn” individually and collectively. Of course the yellow and black are a return to Stryper’s original trademark colour scheme which they dropped on Against the Law.
Since Reborn, Stryper have zeroed in on the “perfect” sound, sort of a cross between this and old Stryper with loads of melody and power. Their albums continue to impress. Reborn was a necessary first step back, and it takes some getting used to. It doesn’t have the longevity of their classic work, but it definitely ain’t shabby.
3.25/5 stars
I hope you enjoyed Stryper week here at mikeladano.com! Tomorrow we return to our regularly scheduled instalment of Getting More Tale.
mikeladano.com 
That sounds much better. Can I assume you were wearing yellow and black spandex when you were writing this?
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes in order to capture the moon. Now that I’m going to try work on another series, I need to get some bandanas and tie them around a mic stand….
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s your Lita Ford series I’m really waiting for!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m four albums into my next series. Not everybody’s favourite band, but it’s a band I have never tackled the early years of. There are 13 discs to cover and I’ve now tackled the first 4 this weekend. Onto #5. (I hope I don’t get sick of this band)
LikeLike
Yay for Stryper week! Well done. Did I miss something though? None of these were special rare editions with bonus tracks? That’s got to be a first at LeBrain?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good catch Scott — I actually don’t own anything rare of Stryper. I know they have some B-sides in the early days but I don’t have ’em. The original In God We Trust cassette tape came with a complete discography, which was a cool touch. I remember they had one song called “Fishin'” that was ONLY available on VHS!
LikeLike
Only on VHS?! Weird… What were they fishin’ for? Bibles?
LikeLike
Hehehe…perhaps? You know their gimmick was throwing bibles in the audience right?
They’re not the only band who have done this! Winger’s “Silent Night”? VHS only, baby!
LikeLike
I knew that about the Bible throwing! Very subtle heh heh
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well yeah, they didn’t want to hit you over the head with their message. Maybe IN the head though!
LikeLike
For Sure well done Mikey! Not a easy job flipping a week for Christian Rock that’s for,sure! But since I never bothered with them after To Hell With The Devil it was good to see you delve into there other works. Man they should have used that yellow cellophane in the 80s what a real cool idea that would,have been on the vinyl albums……
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks buddy! I did another review last night on another possible series…we’ll see how the weekend goes, if I want to continue listening to that band all weekend, we’ll see. Wish me luck!
I love the “yellow cello”. You know I would have found a way to preserve it.
LikeLike
I was actually expecting a higher score given the review. A very good 3.25, it seems …
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, you know the hardest thing to do is a series of reviews — the challenge of remaining internally consistent in rating is hard! I end up having to split hairs and do weird things like 2.625/5…haha.
It’s a good 3.25 but needed some better songs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can imagine. I try to stay clear of rating anything, cause it would drive me mad!
LikeLike
Really good album, but it sounds nothing like Stryper at all. There’s a reason for that. This album was originally meant to come out as Michael Sweet’s solo album, but as the band had reformed he figured, why not release it as a Stryper record and let people know we’re back for real? Said and done, band went into studio and out came a new Stryper album.
But they were about to release better records than this. Much better.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That figures Jon, I’m not surprised about the original. Good to know! I’ll have to get Sweet’s book.
LikeLike
Yes you should. Very interesting read. But wait until he releases the new version. There are stuff added in that one. The book is called Honestly, btw.
LikeLike