Search - Petra :: Early Years

Starsong just can't let go

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

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Petra contracted with Starsong Records for several years during the late 70's and on through the 80's. When they joined Word/Epic with "Petra Praise: The Rock Cries Out" in 1989, Starsong began releasing a myriad of best-of collections. Many were creatively titled "Rock Block," "Petraphonics," etc., but it is clear the business goals of Starsong were to capitalize many more times on the status of Petra. "Petra: The Early Years, Volume 1" plays into that collection of "best-of's."It is humorous to note the cover shot of the CD has the Petra line-up that did NOT record many of the songs listed. Most of the songs were done with Greg X. Voltz singing lead vocals, and Rob Frazier sings lead on the only song Greg did not front ("Why Should the Father Bother?" - good song too). Yet, Petra did not hit its pinnacle until after vocalist John Schlitt joined the band, and he is pictured on the front CD jacket. If you want to be really picky, only Bob Hartman (guitars) played with Petra during that time. The other muscians in the photo did not join until later (oh well!). Petra has undergone many line-up changes over the years.Anyway, this is a good collection of Petra songs coming from albums released in 1979 and 1981. The songs are well written and play out very well. You will be impressed with the quality of the recordings too. Buy this "best-of" collection only if you do not already have "Washes Whiter Than" and "Never Say Die." All the songs from "The Early Years" come from these two unique albums."

The best songs

fionana | 12/28/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I will always be convinced that Petra's older music is the best, these songs on this album are certainly wonderful. I particularly like Taste And See, The Coloring Song, More Power To Ya and Yaweh Love."

Good Collection of Early Petra, Misleading photo

Marc Axelrod | Potter, Wi USA | 12/16/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It has been pointed out by others that even though lead singer John Schlitt is pictured on the cover of this disc, he was not yet a member of the band when these songs were recorded. Most people don't know what these guys look like anyway, so I doubt too many will make a fuss.



As for the music, this incarnation of Petra excelled at the late 70's Kansas/Boston style arena rock ("Praise Ye the Lord," "Chameleon:), and the occasional soft number (the creative "Coloring Song").



You will want to be careful, as the market is flooded with budget priced Petra compilations. If you want the really old stuff, this is where to get it, although you may be disappointed that there is nothing here from "More Power to Ya," their best album prior to John Schlitt's joining the band.



But if you want a powerful, remastered collection that spans Petra's 30 year career, your best bet is the two cd set The Ultimate Collection."