Stryper “The Greatest Gift of All” (w/ Michael Sweet)

What’s up, dudes? They’re a legendary metal band whose songs were played all the time on MTV. Yes, we’re talking Stryper! I’ve got the incredible Michael Sweet with me to talk about their 1984 singles “Reason for the Season” and “Winter Wonderland!” We also dive into their new album The Greatest Gift of All available this year in November.

The boys lay down an eighth note riff in “Reason for the Season,” and modulate for the chorus. The song is full of their dual lead guitar, harmonized in 3rds for texture and interest. After coming to a rocked out climax, it ends with harmonics and acoustic and clean tone electrics. The tight vocal pads give an ethereal feeling contrasting with the previous heavy straightforward rock vibe.

Released in December ‘84, the single had a Stryperized version of the classic “Winter Wonderland” as a B-side. This time the band gave the song a swing eighth-triplet riff. After some introductory dialogue, they launch into it, and segue nicely into a triplet dual lead solo. Uniquely, a turnaround transitions to an Elvis inspired bluesy half time rendition of the chorus.

And now, this year the band has a new Christmas album! Stryper The Greatest Gift of All is full of classics and original tunes. From a lush and calming “Silent Night” to an uptempo “Joy to the World,” it has it all. The album even ends with re-recordings of their two ‘80s singles, updating them sonically and ending with a bang!

Guitar? Check. Soaring vocals? Yep. Full on Stryper vibes? Definitely! So grab your axe, put on your Christmas pajamas, and rock out to this episode on Stryper The Greatest Gift of All!

Stryper
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IG: @Stryper

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