Stryper "Against the Law (USA, Enigma Records, 7 73527-2)"

Against the Law is the fifth release, and fifth studio album, from the Christian metal band Stryper, released on August 21, 1990. Three singles/video were released for this album including "Shining Star", "Two Time Woman" and "Lady" but received minimal airplay.

This album marked a radical change in the musical and visual direction of the band. Gone were the yellow and black spandex outfits, the bold evangelical lyrics and the familiar yellow-and-black band logo with Isaiah 53:5. In their place were leather outfits, and lyrics more focused on rock n' roll and relationships, although arguably from a Christian worldview. The album was praised by many critics as the band's strongest work to date, but a large percentage of Stryper's Christian fanbase felt betrayed by this unannounced creative metamorphosis, and many of them accused Stryper of selling out their image and message for greater mainstream acceptance. As a result, Against the Law sold poorly compared to the band's previous gold and platinum releases.

Track listing

All songs by Michael Sweet except where noted.

1. "Against the Law" – 3:49
2. "Two Time Woman" – 3:40
3. "Rock the People" – 3:34
4. "Two Bodies (One Mind, One Soul)" – 5:17
5. "Not That Kind of Guy" – 3:59
6. "Shining Star" (Philip Bailey, Larry Dunn, Maurice White) – 4:22
7. "Ordinary Man" – 3:51
8. "Lady" – 4:53
9. "Caught in the Middle" – 3:48
10. "All for One" – 4:31
11. "Rock the Hell Out of You" – 3:35

"Shining Star" is a heavy metal cover of the classic Earth, Wind & Fire song.

Disc manufactured in the USA, mastered by NIMBUS.

Sleeve is printed in Canada.

Official music videos:

- Two Time Woman

- Lady

- Shining Star

Recording information:

Recorded at The Music Grinder and Devonshire Studios.

Mixed at The Record Plant.