This power ballad anthem beautifully blends heavy metal with heartfelt devotion, creating an iconic moment in Christian rock history.
The Song
"Honestly" is a power ballad released by the Christian metal band Stryper in 1987. Featured on their third studio album, To Hell with the Devil, the song quickly became one of their most recognizable tracks. Written by frontman Michael Sweet, "Honestly" showcases the band's softer side, with its melodic guitar solos, powerful vocals, and earnest lyrics about love and commitment. It stands out in their catalog for its departure from their usual hard rock sound, demonstrating a versatility that helped them reach a broader audience.
The Artist
Stryper formed in Orange County, California, in 1983, pioneering the subgenre of Christian metal. Comprising Michael Sweet (lead vocals, guitar), Oz Fox (guitar), **Tim Gaines (bass), and Robert Sweet (drums), the band quickly gained notoriety for their distinctive yellow and black stage attire, elaborate stage shows, and overtly Christian lyrics. They became the first openly Christian heavy metal band to achieve mainstream success, challenging perceptions within both the secular rock scene and conservative Christian communities.
Chart Performance
"Honestly" was a significant commercial success for Stryper, becoming their highest-charting single. The song peaked at No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1987, a remarkable achievement for a band in the heavy metal genre, particularly one with an overt Christian message. Its strong performance on the mainstream charts helped propel To Hell with the Devil to platinum status, solidifying Stryper's crossover appeal.
Cultural Impact
The video for "Honestly" played a crucial role in expanding Stryper's reach beyond their established Christian metal fanbase. Its polished production and classic power ballad aesthetic made it a staple on MTV, exposing the band to millions of viewers who might not have otherwise encountered their music. The song itself became an enduring anthem, often cited as one of the quintessential power ballads of the 1980s, bridging the gap between hard rock listeners and those who appreciated melodic, heartfelt songs. For many, "Honestly" remains their entry point into Stryper's discography and a testament to the band's ability to craft universally appealing music within their unique niche.
Fun Facts
- Despite Stryper's reputation for heavy metal, "Honestly" features a stripped-down, acoustic-driven intro before building into a full power ballad, highlighting Michael Sweet's vocal prowess.
- The music video for "Honestly" is relatively simple, focusing primarily on the band performing on stage, interspersed with intimate shots of Michael Sweet delivering the emotional lyrics.
- The album To Hell with the Devil, which features "Honestly," was Stryper's most commercially successful album, selling over 1 million copies and earning platinum certification.
- Michael Sweet has often stated that "Honestly" is one of his favorite songs to perform live due to its enduring popularity and emotional connection with the audience.