Freedom is the twelveth studio album by Christian singer - songwriter Michael W. Smith , released on November 21, 2000 by Reunion Records. It is Smith's first all-instrumental album. During Smith's early career in the 1980s, he would include an instrumental track or two on each of his albums. Now Smith showcases this album of 11 new instrumental compositions and an instrumental cover of "Thy Word" which he co-wrote with Amy Grant for her 1984 album Straight Ahead . With Smith on the piano (and occasional keyboards), Freedom has an orchestral feel sound with some pop/contemporary touches. Smith and Byran Lenox produced the album. Freedom peaked at number 2 on the Top Christian Albums and number 70 on the Billboard 200 Albums charts. In 2002, Smith won a Dove Award for Instrumental Album of the Year for Freedom at the 33rd GMA Dove Awards. The album was certified Gold in 2006. Track listing All songs were written and composed by Michael W. Smith, except where noted. 1. Freedom -3:37 2. The Offering -1:26 3. Carol Anne -3:33 4. The Giving -3:18 5. Hibernia -4:47 6. Letter to Sarah -1:45 7. Freedom Battle -4:33 8. Cry of the Heart -2:23 9. Prayer for Taylor -3:01 10. The Call -5:02 11. Thy Word (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant) -3:30 12. Free Man -3:56 RIAA certifications Gold certified in 2006. Accolades Dove Award -Instrumental Album of the Year ( Freedom ) Previous release: This Is Your Time (1999) Next release: Worship (2001)

This Is Your Time is the eleventh studio album by Christian singer-songwriter Michael W. Smith , released on November 23, 1999 by Reunion Records. This Is Your Time is a continuation of Smith's 1998 album Live the Life featuring the 11 remaining songs that were recorded during those sessions in 1997. The title song and the instrumental reprise were the only songs that were recorded in 1999 and added to the album. The title track was inspired by the initial news report that Columbine High School (Columbine, Colorado) shooting victim Cassie Bernall was killed for answering "yes" to the question "Do you believe in God?" by the shooter. Smith co-wrote the song with musician Wes King , having enlisted his help knowing that he wanted to write about Columbine but did not want to exploit a tragedy. The music video features a short video clip of Bernall talking about her religious beliefs and how she wanted to spread the word of God at the beginning. Smith co-produced the album with Bryan Lenox. Walmart stores that were selling the album contained an exclusive track "From Here On." This Is Your Time topped the Billboard Top Christian Albums and peaked at number 21 on the Billboard 200 Albums charts. The album was Gold certified in 2000. That same year, Smith won three Dove Awards for Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year and Short Form Music Video of the Year both for "This Is Your Time." A year later, the album won Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year. Smith was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album in 2001. Track listing 1. Rince Dé (instrumental) (Michael W. Smith) -1:30 2. Hey You, It's Me (Michael W. Smith, Nik Kershaw) -4:03 3. Worth it All (Michael W. Smith, Deborah D. Smith, Tim Putnam) -4:03 4. I Will Be Your Friend (Michael W. Smith, Cindy Morgan) -3:19 5. This Is Your Time (Michael W. Smith, Wes King) -4:29 6. I Will Carry You (Michael W. Smith, Eric Laughlin) -5:04 7. She Walks with Me (Michael W. Smith, Beth Nielsen Chapman) -3:42 8. Reach Out to Me (Michael W. Smith, Dan Haseltine) -3:59 9. I Still Have the Dream (Michael W. Smith, Raymond Boyd, Kevin Jonas) -4:18 10. I'm Gone (Michael W. Smith, Ginny Owens) -4:31 11. Anna (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:16 12. Everybody Free (Michael W. Smith, Chris Rice) -4:43 13. This Is Your Time (instrumental reprise) (Michael W. Smith) -2:25 RIAA certifications Gold certified in 2000. Accolades Dove Award -2000 Songwriter of the Year 2000 Song of the Year ("This Is Your Time" with Wes King) 2000 Short Form Music Video of the Year ("This Is Your Time") 2001 Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year ( This Is Your Time ) Radio singles 1999 -2000 "This Is Your Time" -#6 Christian CHR, -# 1 Christian AC for 4 weeks, #25 Billboard  AC 2000 "I Still Have the Dream" -#7 Christian CHR 2000 "I Will Be Your Friend" -#2 Christian AC 2000 -2001 "Worth it All" -#7 Christian CHR, -#4 Christian AC Previous release: Christmastime (1998) Next release: Freedom (2000) (instrumental album) Watch the music video of "This Is Your Time" here:

Live the Life is the ninth studio album by Christian singer - songwriter Michael W. Smith , released on April 28, 1998 by Reunion Records. The follow up to 1995's I'll Lead You Home , the album was originally to be released in the fall of 1997 but was delayed twice because Smith was not satisfied with the track list. There were 26 songs written and completed for the album with 12 songs hand picked and a couple of the songs ending up as B-sides to commercially released singles. The lead single, the title song, was released in the fall of 1997 as an enhanced CD maxi-single featuring a music video to the song along with the non-album track "Greater Than We Understand." The second single "Love Me Good" was commercially released in the spring of 1998, before the album was released, and contains another non-album track "Evening Show." A music video was made for "Love Me Good." The remaining 12 songs appeared in some form on Smith's 1999 album This Is Your Time . In 1999, Smith won three Dove Awards for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for Live the Life , Artist of the Year and Producer of the Year at the 30th GMA Dove Awards. Live the Life was certified Gold the same year. Smith was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album. The album would give Smith his fifth number one on the Top Christian Albums chart and peaked at number 23 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart. Smith produced the album along with Mark Heimermann and prolific British producer Stephen Lipson (Paul McCartney, Annie Lennox, Rod Stewart) produced and co-wrote the track "Let Me Show You the Way." The track "In My Arms Again" was written for the 1997 Best Picture winner Titanic in mind. The instrumental "Song for Rich" is a tribute to late Christian singer - songwriter Rich Mullins who died in a car crash in September 1997. The Japanese version of Live the Life features additional tracks that are not in the original release including acoustic mixes of the title song and "Love Me Good," "Do You Dream of Me?" (from The First Decade 1983-1993 ) and a new bonus track "Once Again." Track listing 1. Missing Person (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -6:01 2. Love Me Good (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:41 3. Live the Life (Michael W. Smith, Brent Bourgeois) -4:36 4. Never Been Unloved (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:39 5. I Believe in You Now (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:44 6. Don't Give Up (Michael W. Smith, Brent Bourgeois) -4:20 7. Let Me Show You the Way (Michael W. Smith, Nik Kershaw, Stephen Lipson) -4:12 8. I Know Your Name (Michael W. Smith, Beverly Darnall) -4:00 9. Matter of Time (Michael W. Smith, Brent Bourgeois) -3:42 10. In My Arms Again (Michael W. Smith, Cindy Morgan, Joanna Carlson) -6:11 11. Song for Rich (instrumental) (Michael W. Smith) -1:53 12. Hello, Goodbye (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -5:22 13. Live the Life (reprise) (hidden bonus track) -2:30 Production credits Michael W. Smith -producer (tracks 1–6, 8-12) Mark Heimermann -producer (tracks 1–5, 8, 9, 11 and 12) Stephen Lipson -producer (track 7) RIAA certifications Gold certified in 1999. Accolades Dove Award -Artist of the Year Producer of the Year Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year ( Live the Life ) Radio singles 1997 "Live the Life" -#3 Christian CHR, -#1 Christian AC 1998 "Love Me Good" -#61 Billboard Hot 100, -#5 Christian CHR, -#5 Christian AC 1998 "Never Been Unloved" -#9 Christian CHR, -#1 Christian AC 1998 "Missing Person" -#2 Christian CHR, -#1 Christian AC for 4 weeks 1999 "Let Me Show You the Way" -#16 Christian CHR, -#1 Christian AC Previous release: I'll Lead You Home (1995) Next release: Christmastime (1999) Watch the "Live the Life" enhanced CD single video featuring behind-the- scenes making of the Live the Live album, interviews and the "Live the Life" music video. Watch the music video of "Love Me Good" here:

I'll Lead You Home is the eighth studio album by Christian singer - songwriter Michael W. Smith , released on August 22, 1995 by Reunion Records. It is Smith's first album in three years and it was produced by Patrick Leonard, whose producing credits include Madonna, Bon Jovi, Jewel and Elton John, among others. Smith served as co-executive producer with Michael Blanton. Smith won his second Grammy Award (his first since 1984's Michael W. Smith 2 ) for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album at the 38th Grammy Awards and was nominated for five Dove Awards and won Songwriter of the Year at the 27th GMA Dove Awards. I'll Lead You Home topped the Billboard Top Christian Albums and climbed to number 16 on the Billboard 200 Albums charts. The album was Gold certified in 1995 and Platinum certified in 2004. Track listing All songs written by Michael W. Smith and Wayne Kirkpatrick, except where noted. 1. Cry for Love (Michael W. Smith, Brent Bourgeois) -5:10 2. Breakdown -5:27 3. As It Is in Heaven (traditional; arranged by Michael W. Smith) -5:09 4. Straight to the Heart (Michael W. Smith, Brent Bourgeois) -2:48 5. Someday (guest vocals by Susan Ashton) -3:52 6. I'll Be Around (Michael W. Smith, Bob Farrell) -4:44 7. I'll Lead You Home -5:23 Trilogy: 8. The Other Side of Me -4:23 9. Breathe in Me -3:55 10. Angels Unaware -4:56 11. Calling Heaven -4:54 12. A Little Stronger Everyday -4:43 13. Crown Him with Many Crowns (guest vocals by Anointed) (traditional; arranged by Michael W. Smith) -4:34 14. I'm Waiting for You (Michael W. Smith, David Mullen, Sam Mullins) -3:16 RIAA certifications Gold certified in 1995. Platinum certified in 2004. Accolades Grammy Award -Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album ( I'll Lead You Home ) Dove Award -Songwriter of the Year Radio singles 1995 "Cry for Love" -#1 Christian CHR for 2 weeks, -#1 Christian AC for 2 weeks 1995 "Breakdown" -#4 Christian CHR 1995 -1996 "Straight to the Heart" -#25 Christian CHR, -#3 Christian AC 1996 "I'll Lead You Home" -#2 Christian CHR, -#2 Christian AC 1996 "I'll Be Around" -#3 Christian CHR, -#1 Christian AC 1996 "A Little Stronger Everyday" -#5 Christian CHR, -#2 Christian AC 1996 -1997 "Someday" -#3 Christian CHR, -#5 Christian AC Previous release: The Wonder Years (2-CD box set) (1993) Next release: Live the Life (1998) Watch the music video of "Cry for Love" here:

The Wonder Years is a two-CD package compilation album by Christian singer - songwriter Michael W. Smith . It was released just weeks after his first single-disc compilation album The First Decade (1983-1993) by Reunion Records. The elaborate slipcase packaging contains a 10.5 by 6 inches (27 cm × 15 cm) spiral-bound book that contains facing pairs of pages highlighting each of his prior eight albums. Each spread featured photographs and an accompanying background story on this period in his career. Inside the back cover are two trays which contain the two picture CDs. The album contains 32 songs, 17 songs more than The First Decade . The set won a Dove Award for Recorded Music Packaging of the Year at the 25th GMA Dove Awards in 1994 awarded to its designers. This album has since gone out of print in favor of the more modest (and more focused) First Decade . The Wonder Years peaked at number 30 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart. A YouTube playlist of The Wonder Years is posted below this article. Track listing Disc 1 (from Michael W. Smith Project ) produced by Michael W. Smith (tracks 2-4) 1. Friends (Michael W. Smith, Deborah D. Smith) (from Change Your World ) -4:40 2. You Need a Savior (Michael W. Smith, Deborah D. Smith) -3:35 3. Could He Be the Messiah (Michael W. Smith, Deborah D. Smith) -4:29 4. Great is The Lord (Michael W. Smith, Deborah D. Smith) -2:52 (from Michael W. Smith 2 ) produced by Michael W. Smith 5. A Way (Michael W. Smith, Gary Chapman, Tim March) -3:49 6. Hosanna (Michael W. Smith, Deborah D. Smith) -2:29 7. I Am Sure (Michael W. Smith, Mike Hudson) -4:41 (from The Big Picture ) produced by Michael W. Smith and John Potoker 8. Pursuit of the Dream (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -5:11 9. Lamu (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -5:55 10. Rocketown (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:32 11. Old Enough to Know (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:47 12. Goin' Thru the Motions (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:55 (from The Live Set ) produced by Michael W. Smith (track 13) 13. I Know (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:29 14. Emily (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) (from Go West Young Man ) -4:17 (from i 2 (EYE) ) produced by Michael W. Smith and Wayne Kirkpatrick 15. Secret Ambition (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -6:26 16. Pray for Me (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -3:53 17. I Miss the Way (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:34 Disc 2 18. I Hear Leesha (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -5:26 19. The Throne (Michael W. Smith, Gary Moore) -6:49 (from Christmas ) produced by Michael W. Smith and Ron Huff 20. All is Well (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:08 21. Gloria (Traditional; arranged by Michael W. Smith) -5:03 (from Go West Young Man ) produced by Michael W. Smith and Bryan Lenox (Disc 1: track 13, Disc 2: track 22 -26) 22. Go West Young Man (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -3:54 23. Love Crusade (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:23 24. Place in This World (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -3:58 25. Seed to Sow (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -6:14 26. For You (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Will Owsley) -4:10 (from Change Your World ) produced by Michael W. Smith and Mark Heimermann (Disc 1: track 1, Disc 2: tracks 27 -32) 27. Picture Perfect (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -3:58 28. I Will Be Here for You (Michael W. Smith, Diane Warren) -4:35 29. Somewhere, Somehow (duet with Amy Grant) (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, David Foster, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:17 30. Give It Away (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -5:08 31. Love One Another (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:55 32. Cross of Gold (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:36 Previous release: The First Decade (1983-1993) (1993) (compilation album) Next release: I'll Lead You Home (1995) Listen to the playlist for The Wonder Years here:

The First Decade (1983-1993) is a compilation album by Christian singer -songwriter Michael W. Smith , released on October 12, 1993 by Reunion Records. This collection features songs from his first ten years of recording, from his six studio albums, not counting his Christmas or live albums. It also contains two brand new songs: the lead single "Kentucky Rose" and "Do You Dream of Me?" The latter song is co-written with Amy Grant , who also provides backing vocals. A more extensive 2-CD collection called The Wonder Years would be released the same year as The First Decade . The album topped the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart and was Gold certified in 1995. Track listing 1. Do You Dream of Me? (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Beverly Darnall) (new recording) -4:19 2. Kentucky Rose (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) (new recording) -5:27 3. Picture Perfect (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) (from Change Your World ) -3:55 4. I Will Be Here for You (Michael W. Smith, Diane Warren) (from Change Your World ) -4:35 5. Give it Away (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Wayne Kirkpatrick) (from Change Your World ) -5:07 6. Place in This World (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Wayne Kirkpatrick) (from Go West Young Man ) -3:59 7. Go West Young Man (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) (from Go West Young Man ) -3:55 8. Pray for Me (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) (from i 2 (EYE) ) -3:54 9. Secret Ambition (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Wayne Kirkpatrick) (from i 2 (EYE) ) -6:27 10. Emily (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) (from Go West Young Man ) -4:19 11. Old Enough to Know (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) (from The Big Picture ) -4:48 12. Rocketown (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) (from The Big Picture ) -4:35 13. I Am Sure (Michael W. Smith, Mike Hudson) (from Michael W. Smith 2 ) -4:44 14. Friends (Michael W. Smith, Deborah D. Smith) (from Change Your World ) -4:41 15. Great is The Lord (Michael W. Smith, Deborah D. Smith) (from Michael W. Smith Project ) -2:54 Production credits Michael W. Smith -producer (tracks 3-15), co-producer (track 2) Mark Heimermann -producer (tracks 2-5) Bryan Lenox -co-producer (tracks 6, 7 and 10) Wayne Kirkpatrick -producer (tracks 8 and 9) John Potoker -producer (tracks 11 and 12) Mark Hammond -producer (track 1) RIAA certifications Gold certified in 1995. Radio singles 1993 "Kentucky Rose" -#25 Christian CHR, -# 12 Christian AC Previous release: Change Your World (1992) Next release: The Wonder Years (2-CD box set) (1993)

Change Your World is the seventh studio album by Christian singer - songwriter Michael W. Smith , released on August 21, 1992 by Reunion Records for the Christian market and Geffen Records for the mainstream market. Continuing the mainstream success of Smith's 1990 album Go West Young Man , Smith collaborates with prolific pop songwriter Diane Warren on the first single and music video "I Will Be Here for You," climbing to the Top 10 on the Christian charts and topping the Billboard AC chart for two weeks. The song was also Smith's final Top 30 single climbing to number 27 on the Hot 100 chart. Popular CCM recording artist and frequent collaborator Amy Grant co-wrote and performed a duet with Smith on the track "Somewhere, Somehow." Also appearing is Toby McKeehan (TobyMac) of DC Talk adding "vocal flavor" to the intro and co-writing the song "I Wanna Tell the World." A new recording of "Friends" (from Smith's 1983 debut Michael W. Smith Project ) closes the album. Smith co-produced the album with Mark Heimermann with Trace Scarborough and Scott McLeod with additional production on the song "Out of This World." The title of the album comes from the track "Love One Another." Smith was nominated for 5 Dove Awards including Artist of the Year, Pop/ Contemporary Album of the Year and Song of the Year for "I Will Be Here for You." Change Your World topped the Top Christian Albums and peaked at number 86 on the Billboard 200 Albums charts. The album was Gold certified in 1992 and Platinum certified in 1997. In 2001, Change Your World was named as one of CCM Magazine 's 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music listed at number 45. Smith also released a live concert video in 1993, Change Your World Live , performing songs from this album, Go West Young Man and "Secret Ambition" from i 2 (EYE) . It was recorded at the Patriot Center at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Track listing 1. Picture Perfect (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:00 2. Love One Another (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:55 3. I Will Be Here for You (Michael W. Smith, Diane Warren) -4:35 4. Colorblind (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Dan Huff) -5:17 5. Somewhere, Somehow (duet with Amy Grant) (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, David Foster, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:17 6. Cross of Gold (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:36 7. Out of This World (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Beverly Darnall, Deborah D. Smith) -4:25 8. Somebody Love Me (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -4:00 9. Give It Away (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -5:08 10. I Wanna Tell the World (Michael W. Smith, Toby McKeehan, Mark Heimermann) -4:29 11. Friends (new recording) (Michael W. Smith, Deborah D. Smith) -4:40 RIAA certifications Gold certified in 1992. Platinum certified in 1997. Radio singles 1 992 "I Will Be Here for You" -#27 Billboard Hot 100, -#1 Billboard AC, -#1 Christian CHR for 3 weeks, -#2 Christian AC 1993 "Somebody Love Me" -#71 Billboard Hot 100, -#10 Billboard AC, -#4 Christian CHR, -#12 Christian AC 1993 "Give It Away" -#1 Christian CHR for 2 weeks, -#1 Christian AC 1993 "Picture Perfect" -#1 Christian CHR for 2 weeks, -#25 Christian AC 1994 -1995 "Cross of Gold" -#24 Christian CHR Previous release: Go West Young Man (1990) Next release: The First Decade (1983-1993) (1993) Watch the music video of "I Will Be Here for You" here: Watch the music video of "Somebody Love Me" here: Watch the full-length concert video Change Your World Live here:

i 2 (EYE) is the fourth studio album by Christian singer - songwriter Michael W. Smith , released on August 15, 1988 by Reunion Records. i 2 (EYE)  was a step-back from the big production of Smith's previous album The Big Picture , with more radio-friendly songs. The album's highlight is "Secret Ambition," in which Smith sings about Christ's last days on Earth before His crucifixion. CCM Magazine ranked the song at number 46 in their 2006 book The 100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music , due to its popularity as an album and concert favorite. It's still a concert favorite to this day when Smith performs it. Eight singles were released between 1988 and 1990 to promote the album and subsequent tour. Prior to that, Smith toured with Amy Grant on her Lead Me On Tour in 1988 and 1989. i 2 (EYE)  gave Smith his first number one album on the Billboard  Top Christian Albums chart in 1989 and was Gold certified in 1991. Smith once again teamed up with studio musician Wayne Kirkpatrick for songwriting and, for the first time, producing. The album was nominated for a Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance, Male. Music videos were made for "Secret Ambition" and "I Miss the Way," with the latter winning a Dove Award for Short Form Music Video of the Year at the 21st GMA Dove Awards. NOTE: Stryper 's Michael Sweet and Oz Fox provided backing vocals on the track "All You're Missin' is a Heartache." Track listing All songs written by Michael W. Smith and Wayne Kirkpatrick, except where noted. 1. Hand of Providence -4:33 2. Secret Ambition (Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Wayne Kirkpatrick) -6:26 3. On the Other Side -3:40 4. All You're Missin' is a Heartache -5:39 5. I Miss the Way -4:35 6. Live and Learn -6:17 7. I Hear Leesha -5:26 8. Help You Find Your Way (Michael W. Smith, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Chris Rodriguez) -5:28 9. Ashton (instrumental) (Michael W. Smith) -3:17 10. The Throne (Michael W. Smith, Gary Moore) -6:49 11. Pray for Me -3:52 RIAA certifications Gold certified in 1991. Accolades Dove Award -Short Form Music Video of the Year ("I Miss the Way") Radio singles 1988 "Pray for Me" -#2 Christian CHR, -#1 Christian AC for 2 weeks 1988 "Help You Find Your Way" -#13 Christian CHR 1988 "Hand of Providence" -#4 Christian CHR, -#2 Christian AC 1989 "Live and Learn" -#7 Christian CHR, -#7 Christian AC 1989 "I Miss the Way" -#4 Christian AC 1989 "The Throne" -#1 Christian CHR for 4 weeks, -#1 Christian AC for 6 weeks 1989 "On the Other Side" -#3 Christian CHR, -#2 Christian AC 1990 "I Hear Leesha" -#5 Christian CHR, -#7 Christian AC Previous release: The Live Set (1987) Next release: Christmas (1989) Watch the music video of "Secret Ambition" here: Watch the music video of "I Miss the Way" here:

Against the Law is the fourth studio album by the Christian hard rock band Stryper , released on August 21, 1990 by Enigma Records and Hollywood Records. The album was produced by Tom Werman. Against the Law marked a change in musical and visual direction of the band. Gone were the yellow and black spandex outfits, the bold evangelical lyrics and the original 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 sold poorly compared to the band's previous gold and platinum releases. Most Christian bookstores refused to sell the album, due to the album's subject matter. Three singles and music videos were released: "Two Time Woman," "Lady" and a cover of Earth, Wind & Fire's number one hit "Shining Star" (1975 -#1 Billboard Hot 100, -#1 Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs), but received minimal airplay. This was also bassist Tim Gaines' first album appearance since 1985's Soldiers Under Command that he was involved in making a Stryper album. Well-known musician and television personality Randy Jackson played bass guitar on "Shining Star" with Gaines playing bass and backing vocals on the rest of the album. Against the Law peaked at number 25 on the Top Christian Albums and number 39 on the Billboard 200 Albums charts. Track listing All songs written by Michael Sweet, except where noted. 1. Against the Law -3:50 2. Two Tim Woman -3:41 3. Rock the People -3:35 4. Two Bodies (One Mind One Soul) -5:18 5. Not That Kind of Guy -4:00 6. Shining Star (Maurice White, Philip Bailey, Larry Dunn) -4:23 7. Ordinary Man -3:52 8. Lady -4:54 9. Caught in the Middle -3:49 10. All for One -4:32 11. Rock the Hell Out of You -3:36 Personnel Stryper: Michael Sweet -lead and backing vocals, guitars Robert Sweet -drums Oz Fox -backing vocals, lead guitars Tim Gaines -backing vocals on all tracks, bass guitar on tracks 1 -5, 7 -11 (Randy Jackson -bass guitar on track 6) Previous release: In God We Trust  (1988) Next release: Can't Stop the Rock  (1991) (compilation album) Watch the music video of "Two Time Woman" here: Watch the music video of "Lady" here: Watch the music video of "Shining Star" here:

In God We Trust is the fourth release and third full-length studio album by the Christian hard rock band Stryper , released on June 28, 1988 by Enigma Records with distribution by Capitol Records. The band produced the album with Michael Lloyd. Released nearly two years after the successful 1986 album To Hell with the Devil , Stryper returned with In God We Trust with more melodic pop metal and ballads. The lead single "Always There for You" went to number one on the Christian Rock chart and peaking at number 4 on the Christian CHR chart, a first for a hard rock song, plus on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, it peaked at number 71. Stryper's lead singer and songwriter Michael Sweet recorded his version of this song for his second solo album, Real , in 1995 and took it to number one on the Christian CHR chart. Both this song and the power ballad "I Believe in You" were MTV hits. Like To Hell with the Devil , bassist Tim Gaines was not involved in the making of this album. Gaines was only involved with touring and music video appearances. In God We Trust peaked at number 32 on the Billboard 200 Albums and number 5 on the Top Christian Albums charts. The album was certified Gold three months after its release for sales of half a million copies. In 1989, Stryper were the first recipients of two Dove Awards in the inaugural categories of Hard Rock Album of the Year and Hard Rock Recorded Song of the Year for the title song. In God We Trust was reissued in 1991 by Hollywood Records. Track listing All songs written by Michael Sweet, except where noted. 1. In God We Trust (Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet) -3:57 2. Always There for You -4:11 3. Keep the Fire Burning -3:34 4. I Believe in You -3:18 5. The Writings On the Wall -4:17 6. It's Up 2 U -3:50 7. The World Of You and I -3:45 8. Come to the Everlife (Oz Fox) -4:08 9. Lonely -4:09 10. The Reign (Oz Fox) -2:50 Personnel Stryper: Michael Sweet -lead and backing vocals, guitars Robert Sweet -drums Oz Fox -backing vocals, lead guitars Tim Gaines who plays bass guitar only appeared on tour and on their  music videos for the album additional musicians: John Van Tongeren -keyboards Brad Cobb -bass guitar Billy Meyers -keyboards Stephen Croes -Synclavier programming RIAA certifications Gold certified in 1988. Accolades Dove Award -Hard Rock Album of the Year ( In God We Trust ) Hard Rock Recorded Song of the Year ("In God We Trust") Radio singles 1988 "Always There for You" -#4 Christian CHR, -#71 Billboard Hot 100 1988 "I Believe in You" -#6 Christian CHR, -#88 Billboard Hot 100 Previous release: To Hell with the Devil  (1986) Next release: Against the Law  (1990) Watch the music video of "Always There for You" here: Watch the music video of "I Believe in You" here: Watch the live concert video Burning Flame Live in Japan 1989 here:

Soldiers Under Command is the second release and first full-length studio album by the Christian hard rock band Stryper , released on August 23, 1985 by Enigma Records. The album is produced by Michael Wagener. It was the first Christian metal album to be Gold certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales of half a million copies. A music video was made for the title song of the album. It was originally issued on white vinyl. Both the title song and the ballad "Together As One" were sent to Christian Rock and CHR radio, respectively. The inspiration verse for Soldiers Under Command is 2 Timothy 2:3, 4: " Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer" (New International Version). The album peaked at number 5 on the Top Christian Albums and number 84 on the Billboard 200 Albums charts. In 1986, Stryper released a concert video on VHS titled Live in Japan , where they are popular in that country. Stryper performed songs from this album and their debut EP The Yellow and Black Attack! The concert video was certified Platinum. That same year, the band performed live at the 17th GMA Dove Awards, making them the first Christian metal act, despite the conservatism of the ceremony where the performers and presenters are predominantly Southern Gospel. Soldiers Under Command was reissued in 1991 by Hollywood Records. Track listing All songs written by Michael Sweet, except where noted. 1. Soldiers Under Command (Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet) -5:04 2. Makes Me Wanna Sing -2:53 3. Together Forever -4:04 4. First Love -5:48 5. The Rock That Makes Me Roll -4:59 6. Reach Out (Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet) -5:23 7. (Waiting For) A Love That's Real -4:36 8. Together As One -5:05 9. Surrender -4:30 10. Battle Hymn of the Republic (Glory, Glory Hallelujah) (Julia Ward Howe; arranged by Michael Sweet) -2:38 Personnel Stryper: Michael Sweet -lead and backing vocals, lead and rhythm guitars, lead guitar solo on tracks 4 -7 Robert Sweet -drums Oz Fox -backing vocals, lead and rhythm guitars, lead guitar solo on tracks 2 -6 and 9 Tim Gaines -backing vocals on all tracks, bass guitar and keyboards on all tracks, except track 8 (bass guitar and keyboards were handled by John Van Tongeren on track 8) RIAA certifications Gold certified in 1988. Radio singles 1985 -1986 "Together As One" -#3 Christian CHR, -#34 Christian AC Previous release: The Yellow and Black Attack  (EP) (1984) Next release: To Hell with the Devil  (1986) Watch the music video of "Soldiers Under Command" here: Watch the live concert video Live in Japan here:

The Yellow and Black Attack! is the debut extended play (EP) by the Christian hard rock band Stryper . It was released on July 21, 1984 by Enigma Records. The band produced the EP with Ron Goudie. The EP originally contained six songs with 20,000 copies pressed as their record label, Enigma, was unsure of the potential market for Christian metal, aside from Christian rock acts like Petra , White Heart , DeGarmo & Key and many others. CCM Magazine was slightly critical, citing production quality and the short length of the release, but commented that "Stryper has the promise of a major success story." According to Michael Sweet's autobiography, the album was re-recorded and released as an official album, after their first manager, Daryn Hinton, loaned them $100,000 to re-produce the record. The album initially sold 150,000 units in the first three weeks. After Stryper achieved major success with their second release and first full-length album, Soldiers Under Command , The Yellow and Black Attack! EP was reissued. Re-released on August 10, 1986 with an updated album cover and two additional songs, "Reason for the Season" (which was originally released on a 1985 Christmas-themed 12" single with "Winter Wonderland") and a new, mellowed-down version of "My Love I'll Always Show," which dates from their Roxx Regime days. The version recorded for The Yellow and Black Attack! featured less obvious Christian lyrics than the one to feature on The Roxx Regime Demos . The Japanese re-release of the EP also contained "Winter Wonderland" as a bonus track. A music video was made for the track "You Know What To Do." The Yellow and Black Attack!  began its climb up the albums charts in Billboard magazine in the fall of 1984 and eventually landed in the Top 10 at number 10 by the summer of 1985 on the Top Christian Albums and peaked at number 103 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart in 1986. The EP even sold well on the Japanese Albums chart in Japan, climbing to number 61. The Yellow and Black Attack! EP was reissued again in 1991 by Hollywood Records. Track listing All songs written by Michael Sweet, except where noted. 1. Loud 'n' Clear -3:30 2. From Wrong to Right (Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet, Oz Fox) -3:50 3. My Love I'll Always Show -3:35 4. You Know What to Do (Stryper) -4:46 5. Co'mon Rock -3:44 6. You Won't Be Lonely -3:42 7. Loving You -4:13 8. Reason for the Season (Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet) -6:31 Personnel Stryper: Michael Sweet -lead vocals, guitars Robert Sweet -drums Oz Fox -lead guitars, backing vocals Tim Gaines -bass guitar, backing vocals, keyboards Next release: Soldiers Under Command  (1985) Watch the music video of "You Know What To Do" here: