Tag: Petra

This is the 15th album from Petra which is rather amazing when you think about it. Many popular secular bands didn’t even put out this many albums. The album is more pop oriented than their previous album and as such a broader appeal. Strangely the guitars on the album were played by founder Bob Hartman but as he had quit touring with the band so new guitarist David Lichens played the tour and appeared on the album cover and all promotional pictures. Now my criticism. Who thought this album cover was a good idea? The colour is horrible and the artwork is incredibly dull. Looks like the cover was just mailed in if you know what I mean. A part of me feels like the whole project was mailed in. I’m not really hearing anything that jumps out at me as a great track which is really surprising as the Elefante brothers produced and engineered the album. For those of you who say I don’t know anything about music well here’s your proof that you are correct. An album I found to be bland, not bad, was Nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Rock Gospel Album in 1995 and actually won the Dove Award for Rock Album in 1996. So I admit my taste does not jive with the industry.

Tracklist
1 – Enter In – 5:00
2 – Think Twice – 4:19
3 – Heart Of A Hero – 4:10
4 – More Than A Thousand Words – 4:58
5 – No Doubt – 4:54
6 – Right Place – 3:38
7 – Two Are Better Than One – 3:43
8 – Sincerely Yours – 4:16
9 – Think On These Things – 4:24
10 – For All You’re Worth – 4:14
11 – We Hold Our Hearts Out To You – 4:11

Credits
A&R – Bubba Smith, Lynn Keesecker
Backing Vocals – John Schlitt
Bass – Ronny Cates
Drums – Louie Weaver
Executive Producer – Bob Hartman
Keyboards – Jim Cooper
Lead Guitar – David J. Lichens
Lead Vocals – John Schlitt
Producer – Dino Elefante, John Elefante
Vocals – David J. Lichens, Jim Cooper, Ronny Cates

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc.
Copyright © – Word, Inc.
Manufactured By – Epic Records
Distributed By – Epic Records
Glass Mastered At – DADC – DIDP-087033

While many feel this was Petra’s best album personally I just think it was their more successful album but there are several I prefer. That said this album had the exact right sound for the time it was released and I do admit it is a great album. To say it was successful is an understatement. Here’s a list of it’s awards;

Won Grammy Award for Best Rock Gospel Album in 1991.
Won Dove Award for Long Form Music Video in 1990.
Won Dove Award for Rock Album in 1991.
Won Dove Award for Rock Recorded Song (“Beyond Belief”) in 1991.
Won Dove Award for Recorded Music Packaging in 1991.

That’s pretty darn good. Interestingly they also received a mini movie using several videos of tracks from the album. We have a copy and will likely release it on our videos channel. Anyway the album is probably one of the best produced albums in the CCM genre ever thanks to the Elefante brothers. I doubt you missed this one back in the day but if you did, give it a listen.

Tracklist
1 – Armed And Dangerous – 4:06
2 – I Am On The Rock – 4:34
3 – Creed – 4:35
4 – Beyond Belief – 5:02
5 – Love – 4:11
6 – Underground – 4:29
7 – Seen And Not Heard – 3:54
8 – Last Daze – 5:01
9 – What’s In A Name – 3:32
10 – Prayer – 4:14

Credits
Art Direction – Buddy Jackson, Buddy Jackson
Bass Guitar – Ronny Cates
Design – B. Middleworth
Drums – Louie Weaver
Engineer – Mike Mireau
Engineer [Assistant] – Jeff Simmons
Keyboards – John Lawry
Keyboards [Additional] – John Andrew Schreiner
Lead Guitar, Arranged By – Bob Hartman
Lead Vocals – John Schlitt
Mastered By – Bob Ludwig
Photography – Mark Tucker
Producer, Engineer, Arranged By – Dino Elefante, John Elefante

Companies, etc.
Published By – Petsong Publishing
Published By – Uncle Pitts Publishing
Copyright © – Petsong Publishing
Copyright © – Uncle Pitts Publishing
Mastered At – Masterdisk
Recorded At – Pakaderm Studios
Recorded At – Pakaderm West Studios
Made By – Player Print & Design
Printed By – Player Print & Design
Mixed At – Pakaderm Studios
Mixed At – Pakaderm West Studios

This is the eleventh studio album from Petra who actually called themselves Petra Praise for this release. This was an entirely experimental/new idea for them. The album is mainly traditional worship songs done in a Petra style. Not all of them them are hard rock but of course those are the standouts. The album also has 2 original tracks written by Bob Hartman, “I Love the Lord” and “The King of Glory Shall Come In.” The album also released an accompaniment track for the youth groups. Pretty bold idea for the time. Actually it would be a bold idea today. It appears the idea was popular as Petra released 2 more worship albums over the years and they were even more popular than this one. The album was also released in Spanish and I’m currently on the hunt for that version as I love Spanish music. Personally I think the whole idea was perfect for the time as this was needed to dispel the anti Rock & Roll holdouts in the Church. All that aside my actual favourite tracks are the last 2. They are live versions of “I Will Call Upon the Lord” and “I Exalt Thee” but I’m always a sucker for live tracks.

Tracklist
1 – I Love The Lord – 3:35
2 – King Of Kings – 1:47
3 – Jesus, Jesus, Glorious One – 2:18
4 – The Battle Belongs To The Lord – 3:04
5 – Take Me In – 4:11
6 – Salvation Belongs To Our God – 2:56
7 – The King Of Glory Shall Come In – 3:10
8 – No Weapon Formed Against Us – 1:44
9 – I Will Celebrate / When The Spirit Of The Lord – 4:15
10 – I Will Sing Praise – 2:45
11 – Hallowed Be Thy Name – 4:12
12 – Friends (All In The Family Of God) – 4:20
13 – I Will Call Upon The Lord – 3:48
14 – We Exalt Thee – 3:46

Credits
Arranged By [Vocal Arrangement] – Walt Harrah
Backing Vocals – Kathy Riso, Charlie Hoage, John Elefante, John Lawry, Rick Riso, Sara Tennison, Walt Harrah
Bass Guitar – Ronny Cates
Concept By [Cover Concept] – Loren Balman
Coordinator [Cover] – Terri Short
Design [Cover] – Jackson Design
Drums – Louie Weaver
Guitar – Bob Hartman
Keyboards, Backing Vocals – John Lawry
Lead Vocals – John Schlitt
Mixed By [Duckworth Studio] – Bret Teegarden, Tommy Greer
Photography By – Mark Tucker
Producer [Production Assistant on Guitars and Vocals] – Dino Elefante, John Elefante
Producer, Arranged By – Bob Hartman, John Lawry
Recorded By [Assistant at Pakaderm studios] – Jeff Simmons
Recorded By [Pakaderm studios] – Dino Elefante, John Elefante, Mike Mierau
Recorded By [Recording Arts] – Carl Tatz, Dino Elefante
Recorded By [The Pond] – Gary Hedden, Howard Levy
Saxophone [Sax Solo] – Greg Vail

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc.
Copyright © – Word, Inc.
Manufactured By – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – The Pond
Recorded At – Recording Arts
Recorded At – Pakaderm studios
Mixed At – Pakaderm studios
Mixed At – Duckworth Studio
Mastered At – Future Disc
Produced For – Firstborne Productions, Inc.
Published By – Petsong Publishing
Published By – Word, Inc.
Published By – Maranatha! Music

This is the fourth album for Petra. It marked a pretty substantial shake up in the band. First we had the departure of Rob Frazier then Mark Kelly and John Slick joined the band. This album also marked Greg X. Volz’s taking on full time vocal duties. I assume all these changes were as a result of the poor showing of the previous album “Washes Whiter Than”. Personally I think this was the best lineup the band had. The album was more Rock oriented than their previous work and most pf the 70’s sound is gone. “The Coloring Song” was a huge success reaching #1 and is commonly heard in worship services to this day. That said it is not representative of what is actually a Rock album. I read that the band toured in support of Servant for this album but I distinctly remember them being the main act when I saw them in 1981 but I can’t remember who the opening act was. Point of trivia, the album cover was the first with Petra’s signature flying guitar.

Tracklist
1 – The Coloring Song – 2:52
2 – Chameleon – 5:47
3 – Angel Of Light – 4:21
4 – Killing My Old Man – 3:46
5 – Without Him We Can Do Nothing – 3:26
6 – Never Say Die – 3:42
7 – I Can Be Friends With You – 4:12
8 – For Annie – 4:24
9 – Father Of Lights – 3:02
10 – Praise Ye The Lord – 3:18

Credits
Arranged By [Track Arrangements] – Jonathan David Brown, Petra
Bass, Backing Vocals – Mark Kelly
Drums, Percussion – Keith Edwards
Guitar – Bob Hartman
Illustration – Randy Rogers
Keyboards, Backing Vocals – John Slick
Layout – Mary Ann Smith
Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals – Greg X. Volz
Mastered By – Steve Hall
Percussion – Alex MacDougall
Photography By [Sleeve] – Diane McLaughlin
Producer, Engineer, Mixed By – Jonathan David Brown
Trombone – Joe Miller
Trumpet – Bob Welborn

Companies, etc.
Recorded At – Rivendell Sound Recorders
Overdubbed At – Martinsound, Whitefield Studios
Mixed At – Whitefield Studios
Mastered At – MCA Whitney Recording Studios
Manufactured By – Word Records Limited

The 10th studio album from Petra turned it up to 11 on the Hard Rock scale. Well OK maybe not 11 but then a strong 10 out of 12. Only one personnel change for this album, Ronny Cates replaced Mark Kelly on Bass and this marked a return to some stabilization of band members which was well relieved by fans. This album also closed out their contractually obligations with Star Song but I don’t get the feeling that they just put out an album due to contractual obligations. I really feel they put a lot of effort and time into this album. The mix/engineering is dead on but that’s not surprising from the Elefante brothers. But even for them this album is very well mixed and produced. The lead track “All Fired Up” sets the tone for the album with a sound that almost has a commercial Metal feel. All in all an excellent album.

Tracklist
1 – All Fired Up – 4:30
2 – Hit You Where You Live – 4:20
3 – Mine Field – 4:28
4 – First Love – 4:10
5 – Defector – 4:30
6 – Counsel Of The Holy – 3:37
7 – Somebody’s Gonna Praise His Name – 4:02
8 – Open Book – 4:28
9 – Stand In The Gap – 4:10
10 – Homeless Few – 4:33

Credits
Arranged By – Bob Hartman, Dino Elefante, John Elefante, John Lawry
Art Direction, Design – Dave Rogers
Backing Vocals – Bob Carlisle, John Elefante, John Lawry, John Schlitt, Riki Michelle*
Bass Guitar – Ronny Cates
Drums – Louie Weaver
Keyboards – John Lawry
Lead Guitar – Bob Hartman
Lead Vocals – John Schlitt
Engineer [Asst. Engineers] – Greg Parker, Jeff Simmons, Mannie Parker
Engineer – Dino Elefante, John Elefante, Mike Mierau
Illustration – Ken Westphal
Mastered By – Steve Hall
Keyboards, Programmed By [Programming] – John Andrew Schreiner
Programmed By [Programming] – Tim Heitz
Producer – Dino Elefante, John Elefante
Programmed By [Computer Programming] – John Lawry

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Star Song Records
Copyright (c) – Star Song Records
Record Company – Jubilee Communications, Inc.
Distributed By – Sparrow/Star Song Distribution
Recorded At – Pakaderm Studios
Recorded At – Woodland Studios
Mixed At – Pakaderm Studios
Mastered At – Future Disc
Glass Mastered At – Nimbus, Virginia
Published By – Petsong Publishing
Published By – Uncle Pitts Publishing
Published By – Birdwing Publishing
Published By – Shepherd’s Fold Music

This Means War! is the ninth studio album from Petra. The album was the start of a shift from their better known pop sound to a more guitar driven rock sound though the keyboards did remain and still dominated some tracks. The album was produced by the Elefante brothers and this is the style of music they excelled in producing. It is said that the title track “This Means War!” was a rebuke to those who criticized Christian Rock especially Jimmy Swaggart who had actually singled out Petra on his ridiculous rants against Christian rock. Personally I don’t really hear it but it’s an interesting side note to the album. The album garnered Petra their fourth Grammy Nomination in the Best Performance by a Gospel Duo, Group, Choir or Chorus category but alas they did not win the Grammy for the fourth time. The album released 2 singles. Don’t Let Your Heart Be Hardened made it to #1 and I Am Available made it to #4.

Tracklist
1 – This Means War! – 3:30
2 – He Came, He Saw, He Conquered – 4:10
3 – Get On Your Knees And Fight Like A Man – 4:32
4 – I Am Available – 4:27
5 – Kenaniah – 3:43
6 – You Are My Rock – 4:21
7 – The Water Is Alive – 3:48
8 – Don’t Let Your Heart Be Hardened – 3:41
9 – Dead Reckoning – 3:23
10 – All The King’s Horses – 4:17

Credits
Arranged By [Arrangements By] – Bob Hartman, Dino Elefante, John Elefante
Art Direction, Design – Dave Rogers
Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – John Elefante, John Lawry, John Schlitt, Mark Kelly (8)
Bass Guitar – Mark Kelly
Booking [Concert Bookings] – William Morris Agency
Booking [Ministry Dates] – Ambassador Artist Agency
Drums – Louie Weaver
Drums [Drum Section] – Tom Hrbacek (tracks: 1)
Engineer [Engineered By] – Dino Elefante, John Elefante, Mike Mierau
Illustration – Chris Hopkins
Keyboards – John Lawry
Lead Guitar – Bob Hartman
Lead Vocals – John Schlitt
Management [Management By] – FirstBorne Productions, Inc.
Mastered By – Steve Hall
Producer [Produced By] – Dino Elefante, John Elefante
Programmed By [Additional Programming] – Bob Hartman, John Elefante, Louie Weaver, Tim Heitz
Programmed By [Computer Programming] – John Lawry
Promotion [Newsletter & Band Information] – Petra

Companies, etc.
Copyright (c) – Star Song Records
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Star Song Records
Record Company – Jubilee Communications, Inc.
Distributed By – Sparrow/Star Song Distribution
Pressed By – CTA Co. Ltd. – X-733
Recorded At – Pakaderm Studios
Mixed At – Pakaderm Studios
Mastered At – Future Disc
Published By – Dawn Treader Music
Published By – Gaither Music
Published By – Petsong Publishing
Published By – Uncle Pitts Publishing
Published By – Stop Shakin Publishing

This was the 8th studio album from Petra and the first with lead singer John Schlitt who replaced Greg X. Volz. It was also the first album produced by the Elefante brothers as the bands previous producer Jonathan David Brown left the band with Greg X. Volz. By the time the band had found John Schlitt most of the music had already been recorded so it was a relatively simple process to get the album done. Back to the Street was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Performance by a Gospel Duo, Group, Choir or Chorus but did not win. It was won by Larnelle Harris & Sandi Patti for “I’ve Just Seen Jesus”. Personally Petra should have won this Grammy but even by 1986 the industry had a difficult time recognizing it’s rock element. John Schlitt’s vocals gave this album a more Rock feel but it still sat squarely in the Pop category for me.

Tracklist
1 – Back To The Street – 4:12
2 – You Are I Am – 3:08
3 – Shakin’ The House – 4:28
4 – King’s Ransom – 4:18
5 – Whole World – 4:50
6 – Another Crossroad – 3:50
7 – Run For Cover – 3:15
8 – Fool’s Gold – 4:48
9 – Altar Ego – 4:43
10 – Thankful Heart – 3:17

Credits
Arranged By [Arrangements By] – Bob Hartman, Dino Elefante, John Elefante
Art Direction – Bill Brunt, Dave Rogers, Randy Rogers
Backing Vocals [Background Vocals] – John Elefante, John Lawry, John Schlitt, Mark Kelly
Bass – Mark Kelly
Concept By – Dave Rogers, Randy Rogers
Cover [Cover Design] – Dave Rogers, Randy Rogers
Drums – Louie Weaver
Engineer – Dino Elefante, John Elefante, Mike Mierau
Guitar [Guitars] – Bob Hartman
Illustration – Randy Rogers
Keyboards – John Lawry
Keyboards [Additional Keyboards] – John Elefante
Lead Vocals – John Schlitt
Photography By – Bill Brunt, Ron Keith, Scott Bonner
Producer [Produced By] – Dino Elefante, John Elefante
Programmed By [Fairlight Programming] – John Lawry

Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Star Song
Copyright (c) – Star Song
Recorded At – Pakaderm Studios
Mixed At – Pakaderm Studios

The 6th studio album from Petra “Not Of This World” had a very similar sound to their previous album “More Power To Ya”. Strangely they were actually touring in support of “More Power To Ya” but took a break to record this album. I think that in part accounts for the similar sounds. Even Bob Hartman said that he considered the album a sequel. Strangely producer Jonathan Brown actually initially didn’t use Petra drummer Louie Weaver for the drum tracks instead inviting studio musician Keith Edwards to sit in. In the end Louie Weaver did contribute to the project. I think this must have been due to some scheduling conflict as if I were in Louis’s place I would have been done with the band on the spot. Louis however stayed on with the band until 2003. This album was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Gospel Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group, Choir or Chorus but were beat out by Larnelle Harris & Sandi Patti.

Tracklist
1 – Visions (Doxology) – 2:04
2 – Not Of This World – 4:49
3 – Bema Seat – 3:54
4 – Grave Robber – 4:18
5 – Blinded Eyes – 5:33
6 – Not By Sight – 3:20
7 – Lift Him Up – 3:26
8 – Pied Piper – 4:00
9 – Occupy – 3:28
10 – Godpleaser – 4:35
11 – Visions (Reprise ) (Doxology) – 2:28

Credits
Arranged By [Arr] – John Slick (tracks: 1, 11)
Art Direction – Joan Tankersley, The Cover Story
Bass, Vocals – Mark Kelly
Crew [Road Crew – Concessions Coordinator] – Judy “How ‘Bout A Movie” Slick
Crew [Road Crew – Lighting Director] – Roger “Waja” Boor
Crew [Road Crew – Set-Up Coordination] – Marc “The Woz” Wozniak
Crew [Road Crew – Sound Engineer] – Kim “Cool” Hartman
Drums – Keith Edwards
Drums, Vocals – Louie Weaver
Engineer [Assistant Engineer] – David Rogers, Doug Sarrett
Illustration [Illustrations] – Randy Rogers
Keyboards, Vocals – John Slick
Layout – Lori Cooper
Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Vocals – Bob Hartman
Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Percussion – Greg X Volz
Management [Petrafied Productions Business Manager, Bookkeeping] – Becky “Errands Forever” Volz
Management [Petrafied Productions Mail Orders, Coordinator, Aerobics] – Janna “Fo Mo, Tu Mo” Pastin
Management [Petrafied Productions Tour Direction, Promotions] – Mark “Security Bob” Hollingsworth
Mastered By – Steve Hall
Photography By [Sleeve Photography] – Mark Tucker
Producer [Produced By], Engineer [Engineered By], Recorded By, Mixed By – Jonathan David Brown
Written-By – B Hartman (tracks: 2 to 5, 7, 8, 10), J Slick (tracks: 6, 9)

Companies, etc.
Copyright (c) – Star Song Records
Record Company – Jubilee Communications, Inc.
Recorded At – Rivendell Sound Recorders
Recorded At – Gold Mine Studio
Mixed At – Rivendell Sound Recorders
Mastered At – Future Disc
Glass Mastered At – Nimbus, Virginia
Published By – StraightWay Music
Published By – Dawn Treader Music

Captured In Time and Space is the first live album from Petra and the last album to feature Greg X. Volz. It was recorded during three separate performances of the band in Tennessee and South Carolina during their 1985 tour. It doesn’t really seem to support any album release in particular but covers several albums of work. Strangely the release of this album was different between the cassette copy, the CD copy, and the LP version. Just to add to this rather strange way of releasing an album, the UK vinyl version is even different than the U.S. version. Rather an odd way (and poor) to release an album in my opinion. The copy here is a hybrid of the LP and CD copies.

Tracklist
1 – Beat The System – 5:02
2 – Computer Brains – 5:01
3 – Clean – 3:02
4 – Grave Robber – 5:01
5 – Speak To The Sky – 5:17
6 – Hollow Eyes – 6:06
7 – The Rock Medley – 6:11
8 – The Mellow Medley – 5:04
9 – Jesus Loves You/The Race – 4:04
10 – Bob’s Solo – 2:27
11 – Louie’s Solo – 2:05
12 – God Gave Rock And Roll To You – 1:18
13 – The Praise Medley – 8:22
14 – Godpleaser – 5:27
15 – It Is Finished – 8:48

Credits
Artwork [Cover Illustration] – Melvin L. Prueitt
Bass Guitar, Keyboards [Keyboard Bass] – Mark Kelly
Concept By [Cover Concept Consultant] – Randy Rogers
Design, Art Direction – Dave Rogers
Drums [Acoustic Drums], Electronic Drums – Louie Weaver
Edited By – Bret Hurst, Chuck Sugar, Steve Dady
Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Guitar Synthesizer [Synth-Guitar] – Bob Hartman
Keyboards – John Lawry
Mastered By – Todd Van Etten
Producer, Recorded By – Jonathan David Brown
Vocals – Greg X. Volz

Companies, etc.
Record Company – Jubilee Communications, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Star Song
Recorded At – Knoxville Civic Coliseum
Recorded At – Memorial Auditorium, Greenville, SC
Recorded At – Township Auditorium
Edited At – Rivendell Recorders
Mastered At – Future Disc