Petra

Item: Wake Up Call
Author: Roger Appelinski

Wake Up Call

(1993)

Reviewed by Roger Appelinski

Discogs Apple Music TIDAL

Label DaySpring RecordsThe LighthouseNovember 1993

ccm hard rock melodic rock

With their latest, Petra made a major production switch to team up with Brown Bannister. The results are noticeable in a smoother, less harsh sound, with some nice background vocals.

The bass is more gracefully blended with the drums to provide the rhythm layer, playing off very heavy keyboard sounds and effects throughout much of the project. Another obvious change is that except for the first song, John Schlitt actually sings on the project, saving the screamed vocals that were so over-used on Unseen Power for punctuation and emphasis here. The tunes aren't much less urgent and aggressive than Unseen Power, they just rely on the rhythm and chanted background vocals, rather than the lead vocals, to convey the urgency.

Perhaps what shines most on the album, however, is another great set of lyrics, primarily from Bob Hartman. Topics range from the urgent "Midnight Oil" (being ready for Christ's return) to "Strong Convictions" (remaining true to our faith) to the excellent ballad "He's Been In My Shoes," (the wonder and mystery of Christ's human existence) to the rocker "Underneath the Blood" (the forgiveness we receive through Christ). Ronny Cates composed much of the music, working with Hartman on several tracks. John Lawry contributed "Praying Man," which packs a great hook discussing the importance of prayer. John Schlitt chips in an excellent ballad "Just Reach Out," promising that, if we do, "He'll reach in. Take your broken heart and make it whole again." Continuing in grand tradition, Petra has created ten songs focusing on Christ and about remaining faithful to Him in our lives.

Wake Up Call seems to be a little smoother than Unseen Power, both musically and vocally without losing much of the standard Petra aggressiveness and urgency. It should delight most hard rock fans.