Retro Rock Reviews: Episode 10 – A Deep Dive into Stryper’s ‘Against the Law’ (1990)
As we navigate through the iconic 90s era, this week we spotlight a major player in the Glam Metal and Hair Band scene – Stryper and their transformative album, ‘Against the Law.’ Released on August 21, 1990, this record marked a significant departure for the band, as they shifted away from their traditional Christian image. Gone were the signature Yellow and Black colors and the overtly spiritual lyrics, replaced instead by a more secular approach.
While this shift could easily be misconstrued as a descent into darkness, Stryper maintained a positive vibe in their songwriting. The band didn’t veer into satanic themes; instead, they managed to capture uplifting messages even as their sound evolved. Despite featuring three singles, ‘Against the Law’ didn’t achieve the commercial success many expected, a disappointment for fans and critics alike. Interestingly, Michael Sweet, the band’s frontman, has labeled this album as the least impressive in their discography. But does that hold up?
Join me as we dissect this album track by track and determine its true place in their catalog. The review is live as of October 10, 2024, at noon, so be sure to check it out. Your support means everything, so remember to hit “Like” and subscribe to stay updated on all things rock.
Stay tuned for more retrospectives as we keep the rock spirit alive and explore the music that shaped a generation.