Stryper - Soldiers Under Command

Released in 1985

Soldiers Under Command was Stryper's second album, and the first to become a bona fide commercial success, scoring the Christian band a gold album. In fact the band reached deeply into the secular world with their sophomore work, becoming a steady favorite on radios and the ever-popular MTV. Not bad for a band that skeptics claimed would be a momentary fad after the release of their first album.

Stryper deserved credit for their positive outlook and dedication to their God and craft, for although they finally became a success they certainly had their share of derision from all sides. Some borderline fanatical Christians insisted that despite the fact their lyrics clearly glorified God and his Son, they were still influenced by Satan. Meanwhile some secular metal fans screamed equally ignorant proclamations that there was no place for Christianity in the metal world. And others just loved to poke fun at them for their gaudy yellow and black signature style. Okay… so that last complaint actually was valid, but hey – it was the 80's and bands could get away with having a bit of flashy fun back then.

Luckily most hair metal fans were able to judge the band on the merits of their music since it was clear that Stryper could really rock out.

Some of the album highlights are:

• Makes Me Wanna Sing – An upbeat metal song with strong guitar riffing and hooks that truly do make you want to sing.
• Reach Out – A great mid-tempo rocker that showcases one of Stryper's strengths: the layered choruses where the entire band sings along.
• Surrender – This is the song regarded by many fans as being the album's best due to its infectious and driving guitar work and rhythm.

Although I did not highlight any of their ballads above, Soldiers Under Command did contain two piano-driven ballads with the band's signature syrupy sound. The ballads might even be a little too sugary for some listeners, but they are beautiful works that should appeal to those who enjoy ballads.

Soldiers Under Command was a huge step up over Stryper's debut album in terms of production values and quality. While this second album doesn't quite achieve the same level of glossy production values and melody as their subsequent album To Hell With the Devil would, it does possess a harder edge to it, making it a fantastic compromise between the rawer sound of The Yellow & Black Attack and the eventual pop-metal vibe the band would later adopt.

Rating: 8 stars

Track List Soldiers Under Command Makes Me Wanna Sing Together Forever First Love Rock That Makes Me Roll Reach Out (Waiting for) A Love That's Real Together as One Surrender Battle Hymn of the Republic

Additional Resources:

• The Yellow & Black Attack Review
• To Hell With the Devil Review
• In God We Trust Review

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