Michael Sweet Solo Release

Michael Sweet, co-founder and frontman of pop-metal band Stryper, is full of surprises on the worship-oriented project,“Him,” his first solo effort in five years.

He found his inspiration by thumbing through a church hymnal; that is the first surprise. The second is the relatively mellow offering that is "Him." Very un-Stryper, but apparently very Michael Sweet. It's a project that will expand his listener base easily.

"Him" offers ten classic standards from the public domain, most of them re-written musically and melodically. Actually, very melodically for the most part. A few retain their familiar melody, others are completely transformed. "At Calvary" opens to a full rock spin, solid with Sweet's warm vocals. Standout track "Every Hour" is thick with dreamy strings, giving a kind of rock opera feel. Another standout is "Still," more sweet vocals, this time riding on a bed of quiet organ chords, very nice. Closing this interesting project is a passionate rendering of "O Holy Night," replete with some very solid choir work. Michael Sweet claims to want only to "encourage people and draw them closer to God." This album should help listeners do just that. Look for it to hit the street August 1, 2006.