This was an early teaser release from Michael of 4 tracks from his future self titled album. These have completely different mixes/production than the album and I’ll be blunt…… these versions are better. Not just a little better but substantially better. I have no idea why these initial versions were rejected but it has just solidified my opinion that music industry people that make such decisions aren’t any better qualified to make those decisions than you and I. On the opening track “I Think You Hear Me Knockin'” is a single on the EP but on the album it’s just a good filler track. Anyway I’m glad I was encouraged to grab this one out of the stack for a listen. While I love Michael’s solo album I far prefer the tracks as they were produced here. The lesson for record companies that they will not listen to? Leave stuff alone, sometimes the best route of action is to just stop.
Tracklist 1 – I Think You Hear Me Knockin’ – 3:42 2 – All I Wanna Do Is Love You – 4:21 3 – Tomorrow, Tonight – 4:18 4 – Someday – 4:30
While this album was released in 2000 the material was apparently recorded in 1992. Things were a little more complicated for Stryper in 1992 with Michael announcing his departure and the joining/not joining of Dale Thompson. Apparently they did hit the studio in 1992 and recorded these 5 tracks but with all the turmoil they never got released. Somehow Michael got the rights to these songs and self released them in 2000. Anyway let’s not get hung up on the turmoil and give the EP a listen. These are excellent tracks and are pretty well produced. Tony Palacios (Guardian) played lead guitar on the first 2 tracks. I really enjoyed these 5 tracks, they have a great arena rock feel and I’m sure would have sold well in 1992 if they could have been released. Michael rerecorded/remixed “All I Wanna Do” for his self titled album in 1994.
Tracklist 1 – Love You Crazy – 3:55 2 – Give What You’ve Got – 4:53 3 – All I Wanna Do – 3:57 4 – When I’m Lonely – 4:05 5 – I Need You Now – 4:13
Credits Bass – Baba Elephante Drums – Jamie Wollam Guitar – Tony Palacios (tracks: 1,2) Keyboards – Terry Usler Lead Guitar – Michael Sweet Lead Vocals – Michael Sweet Piano – Terry Usler Producer – Michael Sweet Rhythm Guitar – Michael Sweet
This was the first solo album from Michael after leaving Stryper in 1992. He actually had a demo in 1992 and a few tracks from it made it onto this album. I was really surprised when I first listened to this album. I was expecting something much heavier but this is a rock/pop album and a damn good one. I have criticized Stryper in the past as I think they rode the “we’re heavy metal” horse a little too much. But after listening to this album I think I might have been wrong. This album shows some real talent by Michael and quite frankly the songwriting is excellent. The album was produced by Gregg Fulkerson (Blue Tears) and he also wrote 4 of the tracks. He also provided some guitar and keyboard work. All in all this is a really good album and while I shied away from it at first I’m really happy I took the time to listen to it. There’s a few tracks here that are going into my regular rotation.
Tracklist 1 – Together – 4:10 2 – Take Me Home – 4:40 3 – Tomorrow, Tonight – 4:37 4 – All This And Heaven Too – 4:07 5 – Someday – 4:52 6 – J.E.S.U.S. – 4:27 7 – All I Wanna Do (Is Love You) – 4:06 8 – Forever Yours – 4:24 9 – I Think You Hear Me Knockin’ – 3:56 10 – Ain’t No Safe Way – 3:14
Credits Art Direction – Connie Harrington Artwork By [Hair] – Debbie Frayer Artwork By [Make-up] – Kyle Sweet Backing Vocals, Organ [Additional], Keyboards, Programmed By – Doug Beiden Bass Guitar – Michael Spears Co-producer – Doug Beiden Design – The Riordon Design Group Inc. Drums, Percussion – Jamie Wollam Engineer, Mixed By – Doug Beiden Executive-Producer – Troy J. VanLiere Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar, Programmed By – Michael Sweet Management – Rendy Lovelady Artist Management Mastered By – Chris Bellman Photography By – Mark Tucker Producer – Gregg Fulkerson, Michael Sweet Rhythm Guitar, Organ, Keyboards, Backing Vocals, Programmed By [Additional Programming] – Gregg Fulkerson Written-By – Gregg Fulkerson, Michael Sweet
