Artist Review

What can I say? It all starts with this band. All of the christian bands today have a big thank you to send to Petra. They were not just the first mainstream christian rock band, but just the first christian rock band period! These guys began making records when my dad was my age! Not only does every christian band have them to thank for paving the way, but also some would definitely say that Petra influenced them in one way or another. There are a couple of clear reasons that legitamizes Petra as the godfathers of the christian rock scene.

First off, like I said, they started it all. Can anyone else name a christian band who has played for four decades? It's hard enough to name a handful who have played for one, much less 33 like Petra. I mean really think about that, 23 albums, that's over 225 recorded songs! That means if you play every song they've ever recorded, it would take over 16 hours! And you wouldn't hear one repeat, all from the same band. How about that for a catolog of music?

With the longevity of the band (33 years) you've gotta be thinking, the same four guys have been together for the whole time? There couldn't be a more converse statement for Petra. Truth be told, this band has had almost as many members as Baskin & Robbin's flavors! Which it is quite an achievement to think that through all the changes the band has made, not only have they just kept going, but they've also still been successful in not losing their fan base. With all of the changes in members of the band, they were able to change quite easily with the times. Through the years Petra has done an excellent job of going out of their way to change styles of music. From the Doobie Brothers 70's, New Age synthesizer early 80's, to the heavy arena rock sound of the late 80's, to alternative in the mid 90's, and contemporary, to even worship music. You name it, these guys have probably done it, stylistically speaking.

It is one thing to change your style with the times, but as many times as Petra did it, they never changed their content and main message of their music. The songwriting ability of band founder Bob Hartman is extraordinary. He wrote practically all of them; can you imagine, writing over 225 songs? And it's just not on the lyrics side either, it's the songs as a whole, it is truly brilliant songwriting at its finest. One of the great legacies of Petra is that in every CD sleeve, under each song title & lyrics, is the scripture on which the song is based upon. It is a really awesome concept that allows you to see the inspiration from God for the song. And it is there where you will find the true desire of Petra, for you to know Christ, by reading His word. That is one thing Petra has made very clear over the years, that they are not just a band, but a ministry, with the goal of reaching people for Christ. Now add that fact to all the music and you can now really see, these guys really had it going on!

That's right, you heard me correct, it's not a typo, had. Sadly enough after 33 amazing years of music & ministry, the current members of Petra decided mutually to have this great ride come to an end. On November 22nd 2005, Petra released there final album amply titled 'Petra Farewell', which is a Live recording of some of their great hits and personal favorites. The album includes a special treat for fans, guest appearances by former lead singer Greg X. Volz and former keyboard player John Lawry.

The legacy of Petra will live on, in the heart's of many fans for sure. But there is a whole new generation, who has never hear of the band called the 'rock'........Petra.

For they brought us the rock In more ways than one.