40th Anniversary

During Christian rock’s early days, Petra set the standard with tunes that combined soaring vocals and driving instrumental work with God-centered lyrics. This well-selected collection gathers the best of the band’s work over four decades, making the case for its consistently strong musicianship and unfailing dedication to the Word. Guitarist John Hartman’s scripturally rooted songwriting is the constant, keeping Petra grounded through various lineup shifts and stylistic variations. Initial hits like “Why Should the Father Bother” and “The Coloring Song” retain their folk-tinged appeal thanks to the clean-edged vocals of Greg X. Volz. The band gained a grittier edge when former Head East singer John Schlitt joined as frontman in 1986. “This Means War,” “He Came, He Saw, He Conquered,” and similar ‘80s-era singles benefit from muscular lead guitar and shimmering, techno-influenced keyboards. Petra didn’t neglect its ballad side either, releasing emotive praise tunes like “Thankful Heart” and “Creed.” The snarling “Jekyll & Hyde” from 2003 shows the band’s prowess in the 21st century.