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Petra's First

Bruce Gray | Shenandoah Valley, VA, USA | 11/23/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Petra fans raised on the new Petra (after the departure of the original lead singer) will still enjoy listening to this first collection. It's easy to see why so many people became fond of Petra with the tracks on this album. Songs with a rock flavor like "Wake Up" will really get your blood movin', whereas songs with a lighter flavor like "Parting Thought" will remind you of their more laid back numbers. Those who are not familiar with Petra might be better off with one of their more popular albums like "Not Of This World" or "No Doubt". Those who want a quick intro to the group might be better off with "War and Rememberance". But Petra completists will love their debut album."

Petra's First Album!!

Louie Bourland | Garden Grove CA | 10/12/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The year was 1974 when Christian rock pioneers Petra released their self-titled debut album. This was during the height of the 'Jesus Movement' and the album was probably the heaviest to come from that period. The band also generated plenty of controversy at the time because of them being 'Christian' and 'rock' at the same time, much in the same way Stryper would be criticized for being a Christian heavy metal band 10 years later.
So, exactly how great is Petra's first album? It all depends. If your a long-time fan, there's no doubt that you'll love this album. However, if you're new to the band's music and started off with one of their later releases, this album may take a few listens to digest.
At the time, the band did not have a lead singer. The vocal duties were shared by guitarist/founder Bob Hartman and second guitarist Greg Hough. While the vocals are rather weak here, the band does more than its share of making up for it musically. Both Hartman and Hough trade off and harmonize with some stelth dual guitar leads. The rhythm section of bassist John DeGroff and drummer Bill Glover also flex some strong musical muscles.
Musically, Petra's first album is along the same lines as many of the popular mainstream acts of the era. "Walkin' In The Light" and "Get Back To The Bible" are both straight forward rockers in the style of early Kiss. "I'm Not Ashamed" has a definite Allman Brothers style to it. "Gonna Fly Away", "Storm Comin'" and "Wake Up" have elements of the Tom Johnston-era Doobie Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd and REO Speedwagon. The folkish-ballads "Mountains and Valleys" and "Parting Thought" are in the typical Jesus Rock style with acoustic guitars and gentle melodies. A real standout on this album is the humorous bluegrass novelty song "Lucas McGraw" complete with banjos, mandolins and high-pitched vocal harmonies. The lyrics tell the story of a hillbilly who has found Jesus. People who know Lucas start to notice his radical change and begin wondering if perhaps God really does exsist. The other standout is the excellent "Backslidin' Blues" which is probably the very first Christian blues song ever. Both Hartman and Hough display some great guitar work here while its lyrics deal with struggling to stay afloat spiritually.
While Petra's first album didn't get a whole lot of attention back in 1974, it has since become a Christian Rock classic. If it weren't for this album and what Petra continued to do in the coming years, there's no doubt in my mind that Contemporary Christian Music as we all know it today would be quite different. This is where it all started for Petra and this is where CCM began to take shape. A pioneering album, definitely."

Great Muscians, Interesting Album

Brent A. Mikel | Maysville, GA | 11/26/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Many people who are Petra fans will judge this first effort of theirs as quite odd. However, when you look at the release date and think of when this was recorded, could this not be a true breakthrough album?The stars on this album are the muscians because the vocals are not too strong. I am reminded of The Allmans (Allman Brothers, etc.) on some of the guitar work, even though you could probably list a number of early 70's bands that sound a lot like this first Petra effort. "Lucas McGraw" is terrific - that's all I'm gonna say so listen to it! The remainder of the album does not really stand out as the majority of the songs are similar in style and delivery. However, you have to appreciate the effort that went into creating a Christian rock-n-roll album during a time when rock-n-roll itself was still a rebellious adolescent.Nobody could have judged Petra as being one of the most loved rock-n-roll bands of all-time by listening to this first album. As is the case with most bands, they mature with each project. However, if you are like me, you will be impressed by the array of instruments played proficiently on this early work."