Yes, this is the album that came out in Y2K. Yes, this is the one that won a Grammy for "Best Rock Gospel Album." Yes, this is the one that the industry (and the band's label) pretty much ignored. I kept hearing about this album, but never saw a copy until this summer. My calls for a review copy went ignored. But the band's manager hooked me up at the Sonshine Festival.
My first discovery was that "this isn't an acoustic album of Petra hits..." It's a re-invented look at several of their classics. Granted, the acoustic guitars and a string section are featured on about all these tunes, but a full band accompanies these re-works. While the overall feel is more modern and a much more consistent listen than a chronological compilation would be, you have to get past the familiarity of these songs to enjoy them in their new surroundings. In this light, these stripped-down rockers sound pretty good. Taking a Grammy over Southtown or Speakeasy? I dunno. Fans of Creed, Shaded Red, or 3rd Day will want to give this a listen.
Other coverage for this album
ReAL Magazine 2000Reviewed by Kevin D. HendricksI dabbled in mainstream music in elementary school, enjoying the playground favorites of Bon Jovi and the Beastie Boys. I still have the vinyls at home. As I entered middle school I stopped listening to music altogether. I didn't start again for a few years, and when I did I turned to Christian music and Petra at the suggestion of a camp counselor. My re-introduction to music began with Petra,…Similar sounding releases
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