Petra

Track Listings

1. Wake Up

2. Get Back to the Bible

3. Gonna Fly Away

4. Storm Comin'

5. Parting Thought

6. Walkin' in the Light

7. Mountains and Valleys

8. Lucas McGraw

9. Backslidin' Blues

10. I'm Not Ashamed

Petra, Music, Petra, CCM, Christian Rock, Gospel/Christian Music, Pop, Religious / Contemp. Christian

Beyond Belief
Average customer rating:

This is great stuff...

All time favorite!

A Personal Favorite

One of their best

Oddly enough, this wasn't my favourite of theirs

Beyond Belief
Petra
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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Unseen Power

This Means War

On Fire!

No Doubt

More Power to Ya

ASIN: B00000282A
Release Date: 1991-08-06

Tracks:

Armed And Dangerous
I Am On The Rock
Creed
Beyond Belief
Love
Underground
Seen And Not Heard
Last Daze
What's In A Name
Prayer

Amazon.com

The hard-rockin' Petra has been banging on guitars and drums for the Lord for more than 25 years. This 1990 release proved to be one of the band's most successful efforts and helped Petra win four Dove awards, including Group of the Year. Beyond Belief abounds with power chords, catchy hooks, and the kind of user-friendly rock that has made Petra a household name in the contemporary Christian music marketplace. When not shaking the walls, Petra slows it down for the title track and the wistful "Love," both handled ably by singer John Schlitt. Producers John and Dino Elefante (remember Kansas anyone?) let the boys go for the most part in rave-ups like "Armed and Dangerous" and "Underground," but listen closely to the Kansaslike keyboards on both tracks. --Michael Lyttle

Customer Reviews:

This is great stuff..........2007-04-22

I am a big fan of Petra, but I would admit that they have had a rather erratic history in terms of album releases. Without question, Beyond Belief is one of the absolute high points during the years of Petra when John Schlitt was singing lead vocals. And many would argue, with considerable justification, that this is the greatest album of Petra's storied career and, one of the best albums in the history of Christian music. I would agree.

The title track remains my favorite song on this particular album, and one of my favorite five Petra songs of all-time. It's got a great beat, a great melody, and a great message.

There are several other solid hard-driving songs, including "Armed and Dangerous," "I am On the Rock," and "Seen and Not Heard."

But Petra's strength is their ability to cover the full gamut of musical expression, and my other favorites on this album are several of the ballads. "Love" has some great haunting vocals. And "Creed" is another of Petra's best songs, with very powerful lyrics.

Of course, there are some elements of this album that now sound rather dated, especially the overuse of synthesizer sounds which was the rage in the 80's and early 90's. And the picture of the band on the inside liner is nothing short of hysterical. That's some priceless hair!!

Quite simply, this is a great album from a great band. If you're new to Petra and want to experience the breadth of their music, from driving rock music to beautiful ballads, this is a perfect album to try. And if you consider yourself a fan, you must have this album. This one gets my highest recommendation.

All time favorite!.......2007-02-28

This cd is one of my all-time favorites. Try to find the movie if you can--a bit predictable, but still really good.

A Personal Favorite.......2006-09-12

"Beyond Belief" is the first and only Petra album that I've purchased in which I sat down and listened to the entire album and loved it immediately. With other Petra albums, it always takes me a few weeks, months, and, in the case of "No Doubt," years before I really come to love them for what they are.

This particular album is one of the best arena rock records around, secular or Christian. Songs like "Armed and Dangerous" and "Underground" beg to be heard in a large football stadium where the fans can sing along with lead vocalist, the underrated John Schlitt. Also, "Love" is an amazing ballad that ranks right up there with Journey's "Faithfully" (although the Love Petra is talking about is completely different than that which Journey speaks of).

"Seen And Not Heard" sounds very, very similar to Kiss' "Heaven's On Fire" as far as the chorus goes, but it's also one of my personal favorites from this album. Perhaps it's because this particular song gives Christians a kick in the pants to quit talking the talk and start walking the walk. "I Am On The Rock" and "Last Daze" are also excellent tunes.

Overall, I'd highly recommend that new fans of Petra purchase this album and one or two of the compilation CD's out there to get a decent overview of this band at their best. Their lineup and sound have changed considerably throughout the years and they have officially retired as a group, but Petra's music will be around for a long time to come.

If you have never heard Petra before, you're in for a surprise. Fans of Queen, Journey, Foreigner, Kansas, and Styx will very likely enjoy this group. They weren't around for so long because of luck, they're just that good.

One of their best.......2006-09-12

You won't find many albums with a stronger opening four tracks than this one. A fantastic CD that you won't be fast-forwarding much.

Oddly enough, this wasn't my favourite of theirs.......2006-09-08

Oddly enough, this album wasn't my favourite Petra album (that would go to 1986's 'Back to the Street', followed closely by 1995's 'No Doubt' and 1991's 'Unseen Power'). This is Petra's most commercially successful and accessible album. There are power chords and riffs aplenty, and lots to rock about (and a few ballads thrown in for good measure).

My personal favourite would be the 'dark horse' "Last Daze", the hardest song on the album with an extended solo towards the end, with lyrics that lament those who turn from the faith. Sure, there are the classics like 'Beyond Belief', 'Creed', 'Underground' and 'Armed And Dangerous', but this song just plain rocks!

I struggled with whether to give this album 4 stars or 5. Ultimately I settled with 4 because while it's good and there are no missteps on this album, it's just not as original or experimental as efforts like 'Beat the System' or 'Unseen Power'. Also, the guitar riffs are basically, from what I can hear, a lot of power chords. The result is pleasing enough to listen to, but not very experimental technically.

Perhaps these are minor qualms. This really is a good album, with plenty of good songs. I'd highly recommend it!

Average customer rating:

Petra at their finest...
Cool.
Petra's Pre-Schlitt Perfection
The best petra album before John Schlitt
CrutcHead's fave Christian rock LP

Not of This World
Petra
Manufacturer: Starsong
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
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More Power to Ya
Beat the System
Never Say Die / Washes Whiter Than Snow
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Captured in Time & Space

ASIN: B000008U90
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Visions (Doxology)
Not Of This World
Bema Seat
Grave Robber
Blinded Eyes
Not By Sight
Lift Him Up
Pied Piper
Occupy
Godpleaser
Visions (Reprise)(Doxology)

Customer Reviews:

Petra at their finest..........2007-07-09

Now this...this has the Holy Ghost annointing all over it. Each and every song on this album has such wonderful Word-Inspired lyrics. Songs like Grave Robber and God Pleaser are timeless testaments of Bob Hartments commitment and dedication to God's Word. This is one if not the greatest Christian album I've ever had the priveldge of hearing.

Cool........2007-04-06

"Not of this World" and "Grave Robber" really put Petra in a whole new class of sound. Petra is now not only able to hit drums and hammer out guitar chords, but they are also, in this album, refining a sound of their own.

As in "More Power to Ya," Petra invoked a sense of nostalgia in songs like "Bema Seat," "Not by Sight," "Lift Him Up," and "Pied Piper," all of which are favorites of mine.

I'm not completely absorbed by any individual song, but the CD as a whole is a consistently-crafted work of art.

Petra's Pre-Schlitt Perfection.......2006-12-05

"Not Of This World" is my favorite pre-Schlitt Petra album. Like others have stated, it has a very Kansas/Foreigner/Styx feel to it, but it does stand out from other Christian albums of that time. Most contemporary Christian bands have been accused of (and in many cases, rightfully so) copying secular bands' sounds in order to appeal to a Christian audience. With Petra, however, we get a band that has metamorphosized numerous times only to sound more unique with each transformation. The band had quite a few mellow years, especially after their wonderful "Beyond Belief," but went out with a bang on their last studio album, "Jekyll and Hyde."

This particular album includes one of my favorite Petra songs, "Graverobber." It seems to be a lot of other people's favorite as well. Other highlights include the title track, "Occupy" and "Blinded Eyes." In short, this is THE must-have early Petra album. There are a ton of compilation disks out there that will catch you up on the rest of their early work, but you have to own this album. Every song on it is a winner.

The best petra album before John Schlitt.......2006-09-24

This in my humble opinion is the best Petra album of the Greg x voltz era. His vocal talent really shines on this one. This is a must have for any petra fans.

The only thing I did not like was the fact that it was really not a band effort.

Louie Weaver did not play on this one. I dont know who else didn't, but I do know that not everybody in the band was apart of this. Or had very little to do with it.

Bob did tell me though that since Louie was a live drummer he played relativly few albums. But dont let that stop you from buying this album in anyway

CrutcHead's fave Christian rock LP.......2006-04-22

Personally, for me this is the best record ever unleashed by Christian Music's perennial rock act - the band Petra, which serves as their worthy follow up for their grand classic album MORE POWER TO YA, that forever laminated the band in their premiere status, stretching their career to a thirty year plus lifespan.

Packaged as the third one to appear with their spaceship-guitar mascot of sorts (this time all set up flying over into space in full ignition (first appearing on their fourth LP, the similarly Black Sabbath LP titled Never Say Die, wherein the Guitar-ship is flagging up not to totally sag down)), going on the similar vein as that of Queen's A DAY AT THE RACES (also a certain follow up LP to another monumental classic album A NIGHT AT THE OPERA, and also there's Aerosmith's PUMP) it is one of those albums which comes as a semi-concept album, containing a track which closed its entirety by the same portion which started the LP - in this case a good rendition of the traditional church tune Doxolgy by PETRA's then-unsung keyboard wiz John Slick, who sadly left the band after this effort.

A leverage of indispensable sound is found entirely on this album incorporated within its melodic rock delivery, that matches the equally insightful and powerful lyrics within each song, being that an improved quality (production-wise) is made possible due to a more expensive budget that's been made affordable from the success of their previous release MORE POWER TO YA to this one -- which claims in retrospect a straightforward thematical structure of christian messages, that are found from the initial title track that'd segued from the introduction of Slick's Doxolgy rendition, to the album's closer "Godpleaser" with its clear crystalized perspective of keeping a keen insight on eternal values within its scope. The band also lambasted matters regarding personal motives with the hard-rocking track "Bema Seat" with a no-holds-barred delivery, just as it suddenly clicks from the relaxed ambience of the very thoughtful title track, and drove again into the similar vein with the song "Grave Robber" - which peculiarly may have been among one of those songs which are intended to the memory of one among Christian music's finest the late Keith Green, who've died on a plane crash accident just a year before this album's release (along with Petra's then-co-STAR SONG label mate Twila Paris' "Do I Trust You"). Then it moved on to end its first side with a carrion call for those who 'do not see' with the track "Blided Eyes"; which afterwards turned to open up the platter's other half with Slick's "Not By Sight", continuing the band's awesome energizers by their lyrical structures for christians to continue on the path. What's outstanding as well is the track "Pied Piper" which speaks of so-called preachers who are more on the interest of propagating corporate means than for those matters with spiritual value.

What's really apparent in this album is Petra's sonic sincerety not only for what christian ideals they try to propagate, but also in their sheer integrity as a solid rock format unit for what they are packaged in at the time. It's a surprise that by the following year Petra pale-out quite instantly with their album BEAT THE SYSTEM - which is an attempt (I bet given by some unknowledgable executive's concept) to change their format vying for the so-called new-wave sound that was then prominent at that time, perhaps driven as well by certain ideas of certain religious communities ... but obviously that's just not what the band should've dealth themselves into, winding Petra to gradually progress to move on as a band in their continuity, but perhaps only just for the sake of making it so, if not for the better as a result.

However, Petra's NOT OF THIS WORLD is just about the simplest hard-rock album and yet undoubtably heavy when it comes to its impact of message and musical clarity.

A real classic.

Average customer rating:

Petra goes out with a Band...and I mean BANG!!!!
Great, but not memorable.
Petra's return to glory
Good, but not great
Let Them Rock!

Jekyll & Hyde
Petra
Manufacturer: Inpop
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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Farewell
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ASIN: B0000AM6HS
Release Date: 2003-08-19

Tracks:

Jekyll & Hyde
All About Who You Know
Stand
Woulda, Shoulda, Coulda
Perfect World
Test Of Time
I Will Seek You
Life As We Know It
Till Everything I Do
Sacred Trust

Customer Reviews:

Petra goes out with a Band...and I mean BANG!!!!.......2007-07-09

I remember when I first popped this CD in. I was floored with the heavy, heavy dropped to D sound that Bob Hartman got! It was so heavy that I couldn't believe it was Petra...especially considering the albums after Beyond Belief were so...wanting (save Revival...I loved that album). The sound is the hardest Petra has ever had even harder then On Fire. Bob Hartman is such a wonderful soloist. I just wish he would have taken this opportunity to "shred-up" a bit on this album. Other than that I thought the album was perfect. God bless you Petra! You've been my favorite rock band for all most 25 years!!!

Great, but not memorable........2007-04-06

I enjoy the thrashing sounds of this disc, but this is less of a product of Petra and more like the product of Petra hiring the Newsboys to produce their album. One song, "Woulda Coulda Shoulda," completely bears the makings of a Newsboys song. It is interesting to see what happens when Peter Furler gives Petra "cool" lessons and shows them how to completely ditch all the musical styles they once knew. Jekyll and Hyde is interesting, but not worthy of being Petra's final album.

Petra's return to glory.......2007-03-13

Petra - Jekyll And Hyde -

My first memories of pop music fan dome go back to the late 70's when I'd observe my mother washing dishes in the kitchen. She'd always have the windows open and the breeze and sun would shine into the house. She'd work diligently while beautifully singing along to that little transistor radio on the window ledge. It was always set to the local gospel station that would play contemporary Christian rock and traditional gospel standards.

Petra was the first band that got my attention while mom did the chores and they were the first "God rock" band my mother and I "agreed on". I have followed them religiously (no pun intended) since 1983 when they released their breakthrough album Not Of This World. In 1984 Petra's Beat The System Tour was the first full-scale rock show (complete with lights, lazers, and smoke) I'd ever seen - barely beating Motley Crue and Ratt for the battle of my live rock cherry (and possibly my soul).

Formed in 1974. Petra was a "Chistian Rock Band" before the term existed. They paved the way for bands like Chevelle, P.O.D. and Creed while never watering-down their Gospel-based message. The band has gone through many changes including a swap in lead singers in the mid 80's. Their style has changed/evolved over the years and their music has always (well, almost always) remained relevant.

In the secular world of music, the band could be compared to Kiss, Aerosmith, and Metallica. Some would say they're past their peak and have already made their mark. Some would say that like a fine wine or good marriage, they simply get better with age. In my opinion, their last couple of albums sounded like their age was catching up with them. However, Jekyll and Hyde marks Petra's return to great, melodic, heavy rock with a message - It's their best album in years.

By the way..in case you're wondering: PETRA means ROCK.

Robert Miguel Rodriguez
Scream For Me Dallas Productions

Good, but not great.......2006-09-08

This cd marks a return to rock for Petra. Unfortunately, it's also quite short, and the lyrics are definitely not Bob's strongest. Indeed, the themes are often a subpar rehash of material that Bob has written before in a far more palatable way.

That said, "Jekyll & Hyde" just plain rocks, "Test of Time" is a really fun song, and there are some really fun riffs on this album.

Too bad that the songs all sound too similar, the lyrical content isn't as strong as previous efforts, and the album is too short. Otherwise it would have been a clear winner.

Let Them Rock!.......2006-08-15

For all of us who were a little disappointed with Petra's more poppy releases "No Doubt" and "God Fixation," this last studio album finally brought Petra back to what they do best: rock n' roll.

This is definitely the grittiest, hardest-hitting work Petra has done musically, and they do it well. It seemed like before they were always under pressure to include a heavy sampling of adult-contemorary ballads, but not this time. The softest number on "Jekyll" is "Till Everything I Do," and it doesn't fall into that category.

The only weakness here is that some of the songs are lacking originality in the lyrics department. Otherwise, "Jekyll & Hyde" is an awesome revisiting of Petra's heart and soul.

Average customer rating:

The Ultimate Collection Petra
Superb
Well, it comes close to the ultimate collection
Great Compilation!!!

The Ultimate Collection
Petra
Manufacturer: Sparrow
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
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Farewell
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Petra Means Rock

ASIN: B000ELJACO
Release Date: 2006-03-21

Tracks:

Walkin' in the Light
Backslidin' Blues
Why Should the Father Bother?
Praise Ye the Lord
Coloring Song
For Annie
Judas' Kiss
More Power to Ya
Rose Colored Stained Glass Windows
Not of This World
Grave Robber
Beat the System
It Is Finished
God Gave Rock and Roll to You
Hollow Eyes
Adonai

Tracks:

Thankful Heart
This Means War!
He Came, He Saw, He Conquered
All Fired Up
Mine Field
Love
Beyond Belief
Creed
Prayer
I Love the Lord
Dance
Sight Unseen
Jekyll & Hyde
Just Reach Out
No Doubt
Lord, I Lift Your Name on High
We Need Jesus

Customer Reviews:

The Ultimate Collection Petra.......2007-05-17

Hello. The Ultimate Collection of Petra is a good CD. Petra is my favourite Christian Group. I'm glad I bought this CD. The songs are great to listen to.

Superb.......2006-10-10

'The Ultimate Collection' is a superb double CD set containing many of Petra's best hits.

As one of the premier bands in Christian rock history, this is a great CD for anyone to get. You can't go wrong with it. Petra's music is energetic and inspirational. They have great vocals and a terrific overall sound.

They have so many great hits on this album that I won't bother to mention any specific ones. There are no bad songs here. I would consider this a must have album for any fan of contemporary Christian music or even rock and roll in general.

Well, it comes close to the ultimate collection.......2006-08-26

Like the other artists in this Sparrow series of double-cd retrospectives -- the others are Twila Paris, Keith Green, Phillips Craig and Dean, Michael Card, Susan Ashton, Charlie Daniels Band and Steve Green -- Petra was a survivor in an industry that loves to dispose of veteran acts, put their CDs out of print and treat them like they never existed. Just think of WhiteHeart as an example (what? Never heard of WhiteHeart? Exactly).

As the other review indicates, this package does a pretty good job of sampling the band's God-glorying output on the Star Song and Sparrow labels. You get a good idea of how Bob Hartman and company started as a pop band with rock ambitions, then graduated to a wildly popular metal-edged arena rock sound with vocalist John Schlitt. When grunge and dance music wiped out that genre, the band struggled to find relevance and a viable musical direction, while still praising the Father and the work he's done through the Son.

Sadly, the albums it put out during that struggle -- Double Take, Revival and God Fixation -- are ignored. Sure, the fans might not have loved them, but the title of the package says ultimate collection. So something from these albums should have made the cut. And I'll bet there are good songs on each that should have been included anyway.

Two other albums, both live in concert, were also ignored: Captured in Time and Space and this year's rockin' Farewell. Why?

Finally, there's the issue of mediocre packaging. It plagues the Twila Paris collection (the only other one in this series I own) and it's just as bad here. We get a decent essay by Bob himself, but all the band pictures are from just after Schlitt joined. No lineups before or after. In fact, no members are even identified in the essay except Hartman, Schlitt and Greg X. Volz, who preceeded Schlitt. So the essay comes up quite short in giving us a decent history of the band's 33 years.

Just one other thing: I Love the Lord, from Petra Praise: The Rock Cries Out is identified as one of the songs. But that song never appears on either disc. Instead, we get I Love You Lord, from Petra Praise 2. Great song, good arrangement, but still an error that means we get two songs from Petra Praise 2 and none from The Rock Cries Out. Bummer.

Still, this is the closest we may ever get to a complete Petra retrospective. So my concerns shouldn't stop you from picking it up. You won't be disappointed, 'cause when all's said and done, neither am I.

Great Compilation!!!.......2006-05-22

After 33 years of music and ministry, the long-running Christian rock band Petra called it a day at the end of 2005. What better time than now to release a retrospective that covers the meat of what this band was all about.
Although there have been numerous Petra compilations over the years, "The Ultimate Collection" is the first and so far only one to have been made with the full cooperation from the band. The collection was personally compiled by Petra founder Bob Hartman and offers and excellent insight to key moments in Petra's long history.
Disc one covers the early years as well as the classic years with lead singer Greg X. Volz. Classics such as "The Coloring Song", "More Power To Ya", "Grave Robber", "Not Of This World" and "Beat The System" are all included here and the message is still as hard hitting as it was back in the day.
The second disc picks up in 1986 with John Schlitt replacing Volz and carrying the band to its finish. Staples such as "Thankful Heart", "All Fired Up", "This Means War", "Beyond Belief", "Sight Unseen" "We Need Jesus" and "Jekyll and Hyde" fill this half of the compilation and show that even though their popularity somewhat waned during the later years, the music was still as strong and powerful as ever (witness "Jekyll and Hyde", the title track from Petra's final studio album).
All in all, while there are some standout tracks missing here, Petra's "Ultimate Collection" is just about as close as one can get to being a definite retrospective of this very important band. There's so many heart-stirring memories packed in these songs and while Petra may be gone now, their music will definitely live on for a very long time. The evidence is right here in this collection.
Indespesible!!!

God Bless Petra for their many years of music and ministry. Thanks for the memories and for the great music.

P.S. Why is the cover of Jeremy Camp's "Restored" reissue depicted here instead of Petra? Somebody at Amazon messed up, I guess. Someone should fix it to avoid confusion.

Average customer rating:

Inspired by "kilroy was here'?
What to think?
This Must Be..
Different album from PETRA...and then again not!
Petra was an ecxellent introduction to CCM For me personally

Beat the System
Petra
Manufacturer: Starsong
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Not of This World
More Power to Ya
Never Say Die / Washes Whiter Than Snow
This Means War
Beyond Belief

ASIN: B00000E8FT
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Beat The System
Computer Brains
Clean
It Is Finished
Voice In The Wind
God Gave Rock And Roll To You
Witch Hunt
Hollow Eyes
Speak To The Sky
Adonai

Customer Reviews:

Inspired by "kilroy was here'?.......2007-06-01

First of all this record in my opinion is Petra's best! Too bad this was Grex Volz's last record with Petra. this record was also their first real "Christian hard rock" album.x's " I feel it sounds similar to Styx's Kilroy Was Here especially "Computer Brains" This record also featured the second cover of "God Gave rock in roll to you" which is an Argent Anthology: The Best of Argent cover.

What to think?.......2007-04-06

"Beat the System," "Adonai," and "It Is Finished" are some of Petra's best songs ever. Don't get me wrong--there are gems to be found in this CD. However, I think it stands among the low-points of Petra's Volz era. The sounds are eccentric, the songs are heavy-laden with tacky synthesizers and sound-effects, and there's not a whole lot to talk about here.

On the plus side, Greg X. Volz's vocals are fiercer than ever on the "It is Finished" track. For the first time, that guy really let it all come out.

This Must Be.........2006-12-30

Revered for the acknowledgement to rock and permission granted for devotion and music to co-exist..such as the music of Einherjer and AmOn Amarth.The Galina Krasskova's oF metal. Although perhaps she's not fond of warrior stories. ReliGious devotional metal and the power to go on. Yes the fates that be want us to live. (Far,FAr North..) Jewish peOple must revere "AdoNai" a song about their Lord as mass consumed. Mass market and gloss, but sentiment and Killer..A call to serve..And a child who became a keyboardist in a band called Petra who used to be an abandoned Orphan.Touching. I met The singer, and he asked if I was going through chemo, although he wouldn't sign an autograph. I don't know if he knew I said they were insincere at their show, as it was not too overt my mocking, really wanted to see if it could be picked out, the insincereity. Too good looking of fEllas.

Different album from PETRA...and then again not!.......2005-12-03

I recall that this album was way different than the PETRA albums I've used to listen to those days. PETRA had been a rock-group with great guitar-based albums like "More power to ya" and "Not of this world". Suddenly things had changed and the album I was listening to was a synthisizer-based album with electronic drums. It was different... but then again not!
Even though the sound had changed, the structure of the songs were very much the same.
The lyrics were good old PETRA and I remember listening to the song "It is finshed" and just wondering how greatly the words been laid:
"They searched his face for anger for vengeance in his stare
Instead of eyes that burned with hate a look of love was there
He prayed for their forgiveness and bowed his battered head
And no one knew the meaning of the final words he said:
It is finished"

First I didn't like the new PETRA. Later on the songs begun to grow in my mind until a few years back I found myself listening to this album, thinking that it's their greatest album EVER!
Of course, you can think that the sounds are a bit old and the computer-based lyrics a bit funny. But the message never grows old, in fact I think that it's more accurate than ever.
Just listen to the samples and find it's worth every penny!

Petra was an ecxellent introduction to CCM For me personally.......2004-09-13

Awe, 1985 was the year after graduating from High School and this band's concert that year was the first Rock and Roll concert of any type I have ever been to. These Boys can Rock for the Lord and they do it so well with a Biblically based testimony. I bought the Cassette and started listening to the tracks, now I only knew of before bands like: Styx, Journey, Reo Speedwagon, Van Halen and a few others. These gentlemen belt out a great song and have been noted to be the first CCM group formed in the early 1970's. Please give this talented group a heartfelt listen and enjoy.

Average customer rating:

not so hot.
Petra Haden sings Who Sell Out
Nice Tribute to a Classic Album
Wonderful rendition of the Who
Initially Speechless

Petra Haden Sings: The Who Sell Out
Petra Haden
Manufacturer: Bar/None Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Adult Alternative | Pop | Styles | Music
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Petra Haden & Bill Frisell
The Who Sell Out
Quick One (Happy Jack)
Endless Wire
Wire & Glass

ASIN: B00075149Y
Release Date: 2005-02-22

Tracks:

Armenia City In The Sky
Heinz Baked Beans
Mary Anne With The Shaky Hand
Odorono
Tattoo
Our Love Was
I Can See For Miles
I Can't Reach You
Medac
Relax
Silas Stingy
Sunrise
Rael

Amazon.com

No one would have seen this coming, but it's as natural as loving a great album can be. Petra Haden renders the classic album, The Who Sell Out, in its entirety -- fake commercials and all -- and she does it a capella. She has a voice and sensibilities to make this work as she performs both the lyrics and components from the Who's instrumental tracks. It is the latter which is particularly affecting, her choices addressing how many fans of the original album would also identify a song's key characteristics. Townshend's guitar parts in particular are sung with virtuosity and unmistakable glee. Far from being a mere stunt, this set works on its own as well as giving one pause, reconsidering the original work in a new light. --David Greenberger

Album Description

One of the triplet daughters of legendary jazz bassist Charlie Haden, Petra grew up in a world of music. At a young age, she developed a remarkable talent to perfectly mimick the sounds of instruments she was hearing around the house from Captain Kagaroo to the Cocteau Twins. She developed complex arrangements in her head and could interpret all sorts of songs. Petra Haden Sings: The Who Sell Out is the latest chapter in the always provocative, often unpredictable yet never less than fascinating musical career of Ms. Haden. The impetus for the project came from her friend, bassist mike watt, who suggested that she attempt to re-imagine this classic Who album as an a capella tour de force (this at least a year before any news of Bjork's Medulla leaked to the press). He gave her an 8 track cassette tape with the original Who album recorded onto one track and the other seven empty, for her to fill with intricate vocal harmonies reinventing not only all The Who's singing and instrumental parts - including drums - she also recorded all the mock radio commercials so integral to The Who Sell Out experience. The final result is a technical tour de force that highlights The Who's own achievement, bringing all the elements of chorale music, vaudevillian schmaltz and Renaissance chamber ensemble playing powerfully to the fore.

Customer Reviews:

not so hot........2006-08-17

this is just another chick with no original songs of her own trying to ride on the coatails of a great band. a few songs were ok sounding but in all it's a weak attempt at a classic who lp. it also figures that this is the daughter of a famous composer. these people usually are related to someone in the biz who can easily get them studio time instead of a true talented unknown who will never get opportunities like this.

Petra Haden sings Who Sell Out.......2006-08-15

Sell Out is my favourite album by The Who so it was fascinating to hear an acapella version . This is truly brilliant. Hats off to Petra!

Nice Tribute to a Classic Album.......2006-03-16

Sell Out was one of the first Who albums I got 25 years ago and have loved it since. It's still my favorite of the lot. I read about this album on Pete Townshend's site and decided to give it a try. The samples here don't do most of the tracks justice and this sounds like a very well-studied tribute to the original Sell Out. In fact, I found myself filling in the parts that were missing while I was listening to it in the car. Which brings up a point... Yes, there are some parts that were dropped (like the final "Heinz Baked Beans" tag on that track and the subdued intro for "I Can See For Miles"), but I supposed when you record 9 or 10 vocal tracks yourself, it's hard to remember everything.

I can see how some of the fans of mainstream a capella music would be disappointed. I would imagine that this would appeal more to fans of Todd Rundgren's "A Capella" album than to fans of Take 6 or any of those groups. Luckily, I fit into the former category.

Wonderful rendition of the Who.......2006-02-17

Excellent A Capella version of the old favorites. Petra's voice brings a new verve to both the dated and the old favorites.

Her "percussion" backing is effective, although not up to the standards of "The Wise Guys", "Die Prinzen" or "Les Swingle Singers". But these groups have years of experience at being human percussion.

Initially Speechless.......2005-11-17

Received a taped copy across a bar from a friend in an unmarked brown envelope saying "You'll understand". Played it and
yes I do! As a Who fan and fan of the unusual this is FANTASTIC, even forked out for my own copy !........ enjoy !

Average customer rating:

This CD will prepare you for REVIVAL!!!
This is the best Christian Album Rock Genre CD EVER!
Always Loved Petra!
Disjointed in parts, but still a major improvement....
Who was it who thought Petra were on the wane?!!!!

Revival
Petra
Manufacturer: Inpop
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
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Jekyll & Hyde
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ASIN: B00005RGFH
Release Date: 2001-11-20

Tracks:

Send Revival, Start With Me
The Noise We Make
Oasis
Amazing Grace
The Prodigal's Song
Jesus Friend Of Sinners
Better Is One Day
Meet With Me
You Satisfy Me
We Want To See Jesus Lifted High
How Long

Customer Reviews:

This CD will prepare you for REVIVAL!!!.......2005-02-17

I must say that after listening to Petra for all these years, they really never cease to be timely. Many of us who desire to follow Jesus Christ with all our hearts find life can be dry at times. With constant attacks and our own sinful natures, we need to be uplifted, revived and renewed.

This CD is great! It sounds like Petra but more reflective and worshipful and restful. The songs are selected with the intention of helping us look outside ourselves to the King of the Universe. It's only there we will be satisfied.

I am listening to "Revival" now and this review is a reflection of what my soul feels. I can best describe this CD as a call to be in Jesus' presence. It's the best of Petra's worship CD's.

Best Songs:
Send Revival, Start With Me, The Prodigal's Song, Oasis, Better Is One Day. All the songs are really great. Just listen to what the Lord wants to tell you.

God bless you guys -

This is the best Christian Album Rock Genre CD EVER!.......2004-04-09

Petra and David and the Giants are the best Christian bands for a 70's 80's "Album rock" or "Arena rock" era sound. My daughter even likes Revival. They are also no doubt Christian, and don't use veiled lyrics. The Revival Cd gets constant play in my house. It has no weak spots. It is one of those CD's that just has all things happening. I love it. John Schlitt is awesome and his Shake Cd is great too. With the Revival CD and one of the David and the Giants Cd's I'm set for at least a week of music before I might want to change to one of their other CD's.

Always Loved Petra!.......2003-12-07

Revival is a wonderful praise & worshp CD which I enjoyed immensely. Petra was THE pioneer for Christian Rock and they truly blazed the trail for the current genre.

I do agree with other reviewers that it would have been great to have all of Petra return to the fold for this one. But times change and I give them credit for trying to inject some "newness" into their music but still hold on to the personna we die-hard Petra fans know and love.

Let's face it though; we're all growing older. In the opening song, Revival, I did hear a slight aging in John's voice (sorry John), not that it made the song bad or anything.

If you like Christian Rock and P&W, this is definitely worth having in your Petra collection. I cannot say it is my favorite Petra CD (and I have just about all of them) but I enjoyed it a lot.

Disjointed in parts, but still a major improvement...........2003-04-23

Give Petra credit - they've far outlasted their contemporaries & have consistently proved adaptable to change.

That's not to say this is their best release. Although it is far better than Double Take, it shares some of its faults; songs like "Send Revival" and "How Long" have the same ridiculous production, with Stryper-esque power-ballad vocals screamed out over an acoustic backdrop. Also, the sound lacks originality (aping contemporary bands rather than setting a trend) & some original songs would have been nice, rather than covers.

Having said that, these weaknesses can at times be the album's strength - Petra pulls off a convincing impression of Sonic Flood (Oasis, Satisfy, Amazing Grace, Jesus Friend of Sinners.) "The Prodigal's Song" sounds like Delirious on a good day, also being distantly reminiscent of Radiohead.

Not forgetting that even though they're all over 50, these guys can still rock out. "The Noise We Make," and "We Want to See Jesus Lifted High" hark back to the band's halcyon days of the late 80s / early 90s. A pity that this approach sounds at odds with the more modern-sounding material, making the album feel slightly schizophrenic.

Mostly, the production is top-notch, and there are some class moments ("The Prodigal's Son" is my favourite track, and John Schlitt's vocals still sound as strong as ever (with appropriate production!).

Tips for future releases (intended to be constructive, from a long-time fan & fellow musician who appreciates Petra still being around).

(1) Don't have one foot in both camps - either get the 80s line-up back together (from This Means War, On Fire, Beyond Belief etc) or change the sound completely.

(2) Producers - you have at times done an excellent job with this release, but in future use your ears to judge the sound!

Who was it who thought Petra were on the wane?!!!!.......2002-11-25

Cor, this album is an absolute blazer. The thing I love about Petra is they never have two albums that sound the same, therefore they are not predictable! I find predictability makes an album boring. The other thing about Petra is there commitment of producing top notch rock (considering the band has been going for almost 30 years now!) in every case. And as a lead on from the awesome Double Take, this album sets new ground for Petra once again. The songs that Petra chose to go on this top notch praise album are great! I love the new versions of "The Noise We Make" and "Oasis" whilst "Better Is One Day" shows that the beand can still master lovely ballads along with the blistering rock! This album has some of Bob Hartman's best solo's ever as the Lead guitarist! Louie Weaver is as always in mega pounding form on the drums and Jon?, well he never ever fades. A perminent rose with no thorns that is a mighty production of some of the best modern worship classics around today! GET THIS CD NOW PLEASE IF YOU ARE A WORSHIP LOVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Average customer rating:

Great Opera, best performance of disc
Grand Berlioz
A bargain version that may be better than Davis's original
A Ravishing Performance
Best ever

Berlioz: Les Troyens
Ben Heppner , London Symphony Orchestra and Chorus , and Petra Lang
Manufacturer: Harmonia Mundi USA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000063DQA
Release Date: 2002-01-30

Tracks:

Act One, No.1 Chor: Ha, Ha! Apres Dix Ans - London Sym Chor/Stephen Westrop
Act One, No.2 Recitative And Aria: Les Grecs Ont Disparu! - Petra Lang
Act One, No.2 Recitative And Aria: Malheureux Roi! - Petra Lang
Act One, No.3 Duet: C'est Lui! - Petra Lang
Act One, No.3 Cavatina: Reviens A Toi, Vierge Adoree!/Pauvre Ame Egaree!/Si Tu M'aimes, Va-t'en... - Peter Mattei/Petra Lang
Act One, No.4 March And Hymn: Dieux Protecteurs De La Ville Eternelle - London Sym Chor/Stephen Westrop
Act One, No.5 Gauntelet Combat - Wrestlers' Dance - LSO/Sir Colin Davis
Act One, No.6 Pantomime - London Sym Chor/Stephen Westrop/Petra Lang
Act One, No.7 Recitative: Du Peuple Et Des Soldats - Ben Heppner
Act One, No.8 Octet And Double Chor: Chaitment Effroyable! - Alan Ewing/Tigran Martirossian/Peter Mattei/Ben Heppner/Bulent Bezduz/Petra Lang/Isabelle Cals...
Act One, No.9 Recitative And Chor: Que La Deesse Nous Protege - Ben Heppner/Alan Ewing/Michelle DeYoung/Petra Lang/Sara Mingardo/Peter Mattei/Stephen Milling...
Act One, No.10 Aria: Non, Je Ne Verrai Pas La Deplorable Fete - Petra Lang
Act One, No.11 Finale (Trojan March): De Mes Sens Eperdus - Petra Lang/London Sym Chor/Stephen Westrop

Tracks:

Act Two, Scene 1, No.12 Scene And Recitative: Intro - LSO/Sir Colin Davis
Act Two, Scene 1, No.12 Scene And Recitative: Intro - LSO/Sir Colin Davis
Act Two, Scene 1, No.12 Scene And Recitative: Intro: O Lumiere De Troie!/Ah!...Fuis, Fils De Venus - Ben Heppner/Orlin Anastassov
Act Two, Scene 1, No.13 Recitative And Chor: Quelle Esperance Encor Est Permise - Ben Heppner/Tigran Martirossian/Isabelle Cals/Peter Mattei
Act Two, Scene 2, No.14 Chor (Prayer): Ha, Puissante Cybele - London Sym Chor/Stephen Westrop
Act Two, Scene 2, No.15 Recitative And Chor: Tous Ne Periront Pas/Oh Digne Soeur D'Hector - Petra Lang/London Sym Chor/Stephen Westrop
Act Two, Scene 2, No.16 Finale: Complices De Sa Gloire/Le Tresor! Le Tresor! - London Sym Chor/Stephen Westrop/Petra Lang/Mark Stone
Act Three, No.17 Chor: De Carthage Les Cieux - London Sym Chor/Stephen Westrop
Act Three, No.18 Nat Anthem: Gloire A Didon - London Sym Chor/Stephen Westrop
Act Three, No.19 Recitative And Aria: Nous Avons Vu Finir Sept And A Peine - Michelle DeYoung/London Sym Chor/Stephen Westrop
Act Three, No.19 Recitative And Aria: Chers Tyriens - LSO/Sir Colin Davis
Act Three, No.20 Entry Of The Builders - LSO/Sir Colin Davis
Act Three, No.21 Entry Of The Sailors - LSO/Sir Colin Davis
Act Three, No.22 Entry Of The Farm-Workers - LSO/Sir Colin Davis
Act Three, No.23 Recitative And Chor: Peuple! Tous Les Honneurs - Michelle DeYoung/London Sym Chor/Stephen Westrop
Act Three, No.24 Recitative And Duet: Les Chants Joyeux - Michelle DeYoung/Sara Mingardo
Act Three, No.25 Recitative And Aria: Echappes A Grand Peine - Kenneth Tarver/Michelle DeYoung
Act Three, No.25 Recitative And Aria: Errante Sur Les Mers - Michelle DeYoung
Act Three, No.26 Trojan March (In The Minor Mode): J'Eprouve Une Souldaine Et Vive Impatience - Michelle DeYoung
Act Three, No.27 Recitative: Auguste Reine, Un Peuple Errant Et Malheureux - Isabelle Cals/Michelle DeYoung/Tigran Martirossian
Act Three, No.28 Finale: J'Ose A Peine Annoncer La Terrible Nouvelle!/Reine! Je Suis Enee!... - Stephen Milling/Michelle DeYoung/London Sym Chor/Stephen Westrop/Ben Heppner/Petra Lang...

Tracks:

Act Four, Scene 1, No.29 Royal Hunt And Storm (Pantomime) - LSO/Sir Colin Davis
Act Four, Scene 2, No.30 Recitative: Dites, Narbal, Qui Cause Vos Alarmes? - Sara Mingardo/Stephen Milling
Act Four, Scene 2, No.31 Aria: De Quels Revers Menaces-tu Carthage - Stephen Milling
Act Four, Scene 2, No.31 Cavatina: Vaine Terreur - Sara Mingardo
Act Four, Scene 2, No.31 Aria And Cavatina: De Quels Revers Menaces-tu Carthage - Stephen Milling/Sara Mingardo
Act Four, Scene 2, No.32 March For The Entry Of The Queen - LSO/Sir Colin Davis
Act Four, Scene 2, No.33.Ballets: Dance Of The Egyptian Dancing Girls - LSO/Sir Colin Davis
Act Four, Scene 2, No.33.Ballets: Dance Of The Slaves - LSO/Sir Colin Davis
Act Four, Scene 2, No.33.Ballets: Dance Of The Nubian Slave Girls - LSO/Sir Colin Davis
Act Four, Scene 2, No.34.Scene And Iopas' Song: Assez, Ma Soeur - Michelle DeYoung
Act Four, Scene 2, No.34.Scene And Iopas' Song: O Blonde Ceres - Kenneth Tarver
Act Four, Scene 2, No.35 Recitative And Qnt: Pardonne, Iopas - Michelle DeYoung/Ben Heppner
Act Four, Scene 2, No.35 Recitative And Qnt: O Pudeur! Tout Conspire - Michelle DeYoung/Ben Heppner/Sara Mingardo/Kenneth Tarver/Stephen Milling
Act Four, Scene 2, No.36 Recitative And Sept: Mais Bannissons Ces Tristes Souvenirs - Ben Heppner
Act Four, Scene 2, No.36 Recitative And Sept: Tout N'est Que Paix Et Charme - Michelle DeYoung/Ben Heppner/Isabelle Cals/Sara Mingardo/Kenneth Tarver/Stephen Milling...
Act Four, Scene 2, No.37 Duet: Nuit D'ivresse Et D'extase Infinie! - Michelle DeYoung/Ben Heppner/Leigh Melrose

Tracks:

Act Five, Scene 1, No.38 Hylas Song: Vallon Sonore - Toby Spence/Andrew Greenan/Roderick Earle
Act Five, Scene 1, No.39 Recitative And Chor: Preparez Tout, Il Faut Partir Enfin/Chaque Jour... - Tigran Martirossian/London Sym Chor/Stephen Westrop
Act Five, Scene 1, No.40 Duet: Par Bacchus! Ils Sont Fous Avec Leur Italie! - Andrew Greenan/Roderick Earle
Act Five, Scene 1, No.41 Recitative And Aria: Inutiles Regrets! - Ben Heppner
Act Five, Scene 1, No.41 Recitative And Aria: Ah! Quand Viendra L'instant Des Supremes Adieux - Ben Heppner
Act Five, Scene 1, No.42 Scene: Enee! - London Sym Chor/Stephen Westrop/Ben Heppner
Act Five, Scene 1, No.43 Scene And Chor: Debout, Troyens, Eveillez-vous, Alerte!/Alerts!... - Ben Heppner/London Sym Chor/Stephen Westrop
Act Five, Scene 1, No.44: Duo And Chor: Errante Sur Tes Pas - Michelle DeYoung/Ben Heppner
Act Five, Scene 1, No.44: Duo And Chor: Italie! - Ben Heppner/London Sym Chor/Stephen Westrop
Act Five, Scene 2, No.45 Scene: Va, Ma Soeur, L'implorer - Michelle DeYoung/Sara Mingardo
Act Five, Scene 2, No.46 Scene: En Mer, Voyez! Six Vaisseaux! - London Sym Chor/Stephen Westrop/Kenneth Tarver/Michelle DeYoung/Sara Mingardo/Stephen Milling
Act Five, Scene 2, No.47 Monologue: Ah! Ah! Je Vais Mourir - Michelle DeYoung
Act Five, Scene 2, No.48 Aria: Adieu, Fiere Cite - Michelle DeYoung
Act Five, Scene 3, No.49 Ceremony For The Dead: Dieux De L'oubli', Dieux Du Tenare - London Sym Chor/Stephen Westrop/Sara Mingardo/Stephen Milling
Act Five, Scene 3, No.50 Scene: Pluton...Semble M'etre Propice... - Michelle DeYoung
Act Five, Scene 3, No.51 Chor: Ah! Au Secours! Au Secours! La Reine S'est Frappee! - Ben Heppner/Michelle DeYoung/Petra Lang/Sara Mingardo/Peter Mattei/Stephen Milling/Kenneth Tarver...
Act Five, Scene 3, No.52 Imprecation: Rome...Rome...Immortelle!/Haine Eternelle A La Race D'enee! - Michelle DeYoung/London Sym Chor/Stephen Westrop

Amazon.com

The epic tale of the fall of Troy haunted Berlioz from childhood and inspired some of his most passionately dramatic, richly colorful music. This is Colin Davis's second recording of Les Troyens, following his (out-of-print) 1969 version. Magnificent though it was, some reckoned that reading lacked something in zip. Here, however, such reservations could never apply. Recorded across several lavishly praised concert performances in London in December 2000, this Troyens has an extraordinary electricity and rhythmic drive.

Ben Heppner combines lyricism with heroic strength as Aeneas, while Michelle de Young as Dido, though not erasing memories of Janet Baker's brilliance in the role, produces a ravishing, creamy sound. Both perhaps lack the last ounce of character (and their French is occasionally flat-vowelled). Petra Lang as Cassandra is attention-grabbing from the start of the opera with her panache and commitment. Also catching the ear are Stephen Milling's granitelike Narbal and Sara Mingardo's bewitching tones as Anna. The LSO gives its magnificent all and the London Symphony Chorus is likewise in terrific form, although some will miss the clear-cut timbre of a full-fledged opera chorus. The ultimate stars, though, are Berlioz and his faithful champion, Davis. --Andrew Green

Customer Reviews:

Great Opera, best performance of disc.......2007-01-09

I enjoyed this version more than Davis' old version. Casandre is stunning in her opening aria and the sound is wonderful. Hepner is slightly an odd choice for the role but all others are great(and i do love hepner)

Grand Berlioz.......2006-12-27

Berlioz' monumental opera, "Les Troyens" opens with the false gift of the Trojan horse from the Greeks to the Trojans which results in the fall of Troy. But Berlioz' opera, in contrast to the Trojan horse, is a true and lasting gift. We are fortunate that it is available to be heard and enjoyed. Little known and little performed for many years, the opera came into its own only in the mid-20th Century. Sir Colin Davis has probably done more than any other conductor to champion "Les Troyens" and Berlioz' other large-scale masterworks. He has recorded the work twice, first in the late 1960s and again in 2000 in a live performance with the London Symphony Orcehstra. It is this second version, which won two Grammy awards and sells at a lesser price than the first version, that I am reviewing here. Opinions vary regarding the respective merits of the two recordings. Whichever you choose, this is grand, dramatic and essential music, and you must hear it. I would like to give a little background on the work.

"Les Troyens" is a long, complex and massive work which Berlioz (1803 -- 1869) completed in 1858. (The opera covers 4 CDs and runs four hours.) Berlioz wrote both the liberetto and the music for his opera, with the goal of integrating the drama of the story with the music. In the way he approached opera, Berlioz followed the path of his musical hero, Gluck, the great 18th Century operatic reformer. At the age of 18, Berlioz was inspired to become a composer with he heard a performance of Gluck's "Iphigienie in Tauris". Berlioz is responsible for rearrangements of several Gluck operas, including "Orpheus". While working on "Les Troyens" Berlioz wrote that "if Gluck were to return to earth and hear it, he would say of me 'this is my son'". In its five-act format, in the expansive, passionate character of the music, in the marches, dances, and pantomines, and its grand, classical theme, and in the connection of liberetto, Berlioz' opera shows him indeed as a "son" and great successor of Gluck.

Berlioz' liberetto for "Les Troyens" reflects his great love of Virgil's Aeneid. The first two acts of the opera tell the story of the fall of Troy, through the Trojan Horse, the death of the prophet Cassandra, and the escape of Aeneas. The final three acts of the opera tell the story of Dido and Aeneas, as Aeneas and his men land in the growning city of Carthage. Aeneas's men help the Trojans fend off an invasion, but, more importantly, Aeneas and the Trojan queen Dido fall in love. The gods demand that Aeneas leave Dido and Carthage and proceed to Italy to found Rome. Heartbroken and furious, Dido curses Aeneas, builds a huge pyre, and kills herself.

"Les Troyens" requires a large cast to perform, and the music is of endless scope and variety. Aeneas is the only character that is prominent in both parts. In both sections of the opera, passionate roles are given to the women leads. In the first two acts, Cassandra prophecies fruitlessly, sings of her unconsummated love for Chorebe, her fiance, and commits suicide with many Trojan women rather than be slaves to the Greeks. The second part of the opera belongs to Dido, as she sings passionately of her love for Aeneas and with terrible and everlasting fury upon her betrayal. Berlioz obviously loved his character. Aeneas is a virtuoso role, with many long taxing and high vocal passages.

There is music of martial glory, tragedy, love, peace, anger, and even humor throughout "Les Troyens." The ghosts of Hector and Cassandra appear and play important roles in the development of the story. I found the performance of the cast in this recording, with tenor Ben Heppner as Aeneas, mezzo-soprano Michelle DeYoung as Dido, and mezzo-soprano Petra Lang as Cassandre outstanding. I thought DeYoung's Dido was particualy impressive.

"Les Troyens" is great music indeed. The opera is the culmination of Berlioz' work as a composer and a tribute to Gluck, If you love music, you should get to know "Les Troyens". This recording is an excellent way to do so.

Robin Friedman

A bargain version that may be better than Davis's original.......2005-10-01

I am basically echoing the praise already lavished on this live recording of Berlioz's operatic masterpiece. The coupling of Heppner and DeYoung gives us a pair of lovers who are vocally more lyrical by far than Veasey and vickers on the classic studio recording of Troyens that Davis made 35 years ago.

But I have another point to make. On stage the first art of the opera, the scenes set in Troy before the city falls and aeneas flees to carthage, work very well, helped by the visual impact of crowd scenes and the appearance of the Trojan horse, Without visual aid, the Trojan scenes feel interminable, especially in the long, wearing monolgoues given to Cassandra.

The real musical delights are in Part II, so it's very nice to have a bargain issue. You can skip without guilt over Part I and delight in the magic and romance of the Carthage scenes. At least that's what I did after the first listen through.

A Ravishing Performance.......2005-05-21

From the opening bars, this Les Troyens announces the confidence that experience with Berlioz' opera has given Sir Colin Davis. The energy and drive given to the music is a reflection of the entire reading. After the chorus has finished rejoicing that the war is over Petra Lang sings her first lines as Cassandra, making an impressive entrance casting gloom over the joy of the Trojans. Ms Lang has an expressive and beautiful voice that makes her a top choice for the role. Her duet with Chorebus (Peter Mattei) is perfect in the building of dramatic tension as Cassandra describes the impending fall of Troy. Michelle De Young has a rich and full voice that is well-suited to Dido. Like Petra Lang she has a "presence" on this recording that makes you believe she is a queen. This is especially true in act 3 where Dido is being lauded as a wise ruler. Ben Heppner has sung the role of Aeneas at the Met more recently and he is every inch the heroic tenor that is demanded by the role.

My first Les Troyens was the Dutoit version which is superbly played and sung except for the weak voice of Gary Lakes. However, Mr. Lakes nicely projects the heroic image necessary for Aeneas but his voice was so wobbly that it was the defects that I recalled and not when he was singing at his best. Ben Heppner fills the role of lyric hero perfectly and has the voice to sing the part, particularly in his scene 41 aria where Aeneas has a high note that Mr. Lakes struggled to reach. Stephen Milling in the role of Narbal has great command of his part and it is a pleasure to hear him sing his fourth act duet with Michelle De Young. There are important arias for the smaller roles in the opera. Iopas' aria in the fourth act is ravishingly sung by Kenneth Tarver and the beautiful and haunting aria of Hylas, longing for home, that opens the fifth act is superbly sung by Toby Spence. It is sad to think that Hylas' beautiful music was cut from the first performances of the opera.

I am not familiar with Colin Davis' 1969 recording but comparing this recording to the Dutoit I found the tempos to be close. The London Symphony Orchestra plays beautifully and responds to the demands of the score with enthusiasm. The Royal Hunt and Storm music is played with great feeling as are the memorable dances later in the fourth act. The recording is clear and nicely balanced. Like the Dutoit recording, the Davis shows us what a masterpiece Hector Berlioz wrote. The opera had to wait over a hundred years to be appreciated but its time has definitely come.

Best ever.......2004-08-04

'Les Grecs ont disparu' !!
Have you ever heard a singer opening her performance like Petra Lang does it in this recording ? And this superbe quality maintains during the 4 hours of this magnificent opera.
When I bought this album, I didn't knew Les Troyens at all, and I was afraid of the length of the mammout work, but what a revelation !
An unbelievable work (one of the best opera-scores in history, I think) but what an impressive recording this set also makes !
I always considered Colin Davis being kind of a dull grey conductor, but this image must be adapted with this recording. And as said all the soloists perform top-rate. There are simply no weak links.
I had the opportunity to see the opera last year in Amsterdam, also with Petra Lang as Cassandra and Edo De Waart conducting. And seeing Lang performing live, it made the same impression as on disc. She is really becoming the best mezzo since Waltraud Meier.
This 'Les Troyens'-recording can be considered as one of the best opera-recordings ever. Just buy and listen with your eyes closed!

Sven De Boeck (Flanders, Belgium)

Average customer rating:

This CD Rocks!!!
farewell Petra, you will be missed.
ON FIRE! Burns Within ME!
Another with killer sound and spiritual impact.
Still Burning Brightly

On Fire!
Petra
Manufacturer: Starsong
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

This Means War
Beyond Belief
Beat the System
Wake-Up Call
Unseen Power

ASIN: B00000E8G8
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

All Fired Up
Hit You Where You Live
Mine Field
First Love
Defector
Counsel of the Holy
Somebody's Gonna Praise His Name
Open Book
Stand in the Gap
Homeless Few

Customer Reviews:

This CD Rocks!!!.......2007-07-09

In my opinion this was Petra's best album musically. Not lyrically, but musically. Their albums from around this period went from a muffled guitar like on Back to the Streets and This Means War to a crunchy in your face metal sound complete with some ripping guitars solos from the annointed psalmeister (that's not a real word BTW:)) of God...Mr. Bob Hartman. If you like Petra hard and raw with an 80's metal vibe then by all means...get this CD. You won't be disappointed.

farewell Petra, you will be missed........2006-01-12

these guys are my absolute favorite band. the reason is, they are from my hometown of Fort Wayne. they got together in 1974 when I was 3. they will definitely be missed. this is the only CCM band that never went secular. if there is a band that can beat Petra, I have yet to see it. they are like the CCM Cinderella. they can really kick your butt and break your heart, but in a positive light. On Fire mirrors that philosophy. two of my favorite songs are on here are All Fired Up and Hit You Where You Live. another Petra album I recommend is Unseen Power, which is also in my collection. R.I.P. guys-you deserve that retirement.

ON FIRE! Burns Within ME!.......2005-12-01

This is the absolute peak of Petra's rock career. This CD defines John Schlit's highest level of achievement as the band's lead singer.

Jekyl and Hyde is a harder rockin CD, but ON FIRE! sets the pace.

Another with killer sound and spiritual impact........2004-10-14

Counsel of the Holy tries to tug tears from my eyes. I resist but.. First I am weary of trying to identify which of the John Schlitt era Petra albums (CD) is my favorite. They all are! They brilliantly capture the 70's -80's Arena Rock era sound with unmasked praise of the almighty God. No veiled lyrics here. David and the Giants (Giantworld.com) and Petra/John Schlitt are the only dependable bands to put out songs that guarantee I will be able to listen to them over and over and over. If it says David and the Giants or Petra/John Schlitt on the jacket -BUY IT! On fire is one of best, just awesome.

Still Burning Brightly.......2004-03-25

Following up "This Means War!" must have been a daunting task, but Bob Hartman and friends proved that they still had it and rolled out yet another classic. Still in their 80's arena-rock phase(why not, since it was '88?) they packed this one with the most intense guitar they had done yet, with the uncompromising and soul-stirring lyrics fans had come to expect.

Intermingled with the rock are two awesome ballads, "First Love" and "Homeless Few". Not to be missed or taken lightly!

"On Fire!" is a great momument to the resurrection of a passionate, refined, and driven faith. I give it 4 stars because, while "This Means War!" is awesome straight through no exceptions, this one unfortunately has one or two tracks that might have you skipping ahead (mainly "Mine Field" and "Open Book"). But hey, you may love those too. They're not bad, just not great in my opinion.

If you liked any of Petra's other 80's albums, don't deny yourself this one. No Petra collection can be complete without it.

Average customer rating:

Raw, hard-hitting, and comprehensive.

SEEN AND NOT HEARD,COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH BETTER

Best Way to Go Out

A fitting end for a great band...

A "Farewell" to Arms, This Means War.....

Farewell
Petra
Manufacturer: Inpop
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Christian Rock | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Petra Farewell

Still Means War

Jekyll & Hyde

The Power of Praise

Beat the System

ASIN: B000BRD7AW
Release Date: 2005-11-22

Tracks:

All About You Know Who
Dance
Amazing Grace
Test Of Time
Creed
Right Place
Sight Unseen/It Is Finished/Think Twice/I Am On The Rock
Jekyll & Hyde
Rose Colored Stained Glass/Road To Zion/More Power To Ya
Grave Robber
Keyboard Solo
Beyond Belief
Guitar Solo
He Came, He Saw, He Conquered

Amazon.com

Thirty three years is a long time to rock for Jesus but that is Petra's extraordinary legacy. True pioneers in the genre of Christian rock, Petra was cranking out power chords and singing about salvation when church leaders were appalled that the "rock music" and the Gospel could be put together. Nearly 10 million albums sold, four Grammys, 10 Doves, and a spot in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame later, the band no longer rules the radio or the road, but they can still rock as evidenced on Farewell. Fans will find a balance of live hits spanning four decades with an opening emphasis on more recent numbers like "All About Who You Know," "Dance," and "Amazing Grace." Guitarist Bob Hartman shows no signs of slowing down as he slashes and burns his way through each number, topping off the rock-solid rhythm section of drummer Paul Simmons and bassist Greg Bailey. The release's midsection slows down with a delightful acoustic set featuring special guest appearances from former singer Greg X. Volz and keyboardist John Lawry. The reunion's high moment occurs with an energetic rendering of "Grave Robber." Hartman carries the catchy version of "Beyond Belief" before the band closes with its classic hit "He Came, He Saw, He Conquered." Much of the same can be said for Petra, who laid down a foundation and influenced a whole new genre of rock and roll. --Michael Lyttle

Customer Reviews:

Raw, hard-hitting, and comprehensive........2007-04-05

The classic edge to all the songs are taken away (probably much to the relief of Petra's critics), but Petra still manages to hit hard and play fast. Their rendition of Amazing Grace, definitely my favorite, is better on this live disc than on their "Revival" CD. Though I appreciate the classic feel of the original songs, I can't help but to be entertained by this disc. Petra indeed went out on a strong note.

SEEN AND NOT HEARD,COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH BETTER.......2006-10-04

I like Petra and if you are on this page then that probably means you do do. The title to the review just means that I could not believe what I heard on this cd after seeing how good Petra can really play. I have waited a long time for a live album from this band since I saw them on the Beyond Belief tour and could not believe the energy of this band and how loud they were. With that said this album is not the Petra live album I thought it would be. I wish they put together one around the Beyond Belief/Unseen Power time period as it would have been a much better live album. This just does not have the sound we all know Petra for. I normaly do not like keyboards in rock music. Petra is the exception to the rule as the keyboard is part of the sound that has made Petra what they are. This live album is missing that. In my opinion you cannot do the song "Creed" justice without the keyboards in it. Why they did not ask have John splay keyboards for this entire show makes no since to me as it would have made a BIG difference on this album.

Bob,John,Louie,John,and Ronnie is Petra to me. The band from Beyond Belief,Unseen Power,and Wake Up Call is what I really wanted to hear. You may disagree with this but I challenge anyone to play this album along with the studio versions with keyboards and you will see what I mean. Even if they just had a hired gun to play keyboards would have made a big difference. Im sorry but you cannot duplicate the keyboard intro to Creed with a guitar. Other than the missing keyboard playing I really wish they gave us more complete songs. Even their big hit "Creed" is missing the bridge to the song.

I know Petra is famous for their rock medley since they have so many songs to choose from and fans get a sample of each one by making them blend the songs together. I never really liked this. I would rather hear the complete song "I am on the rock" with guitar solo than just a verse and chorus. The only songs that really sounded good to me were the ones from the album Jekyl And Hyde and the reason I am sure is because the songs remained close the studio versions. That album had little to no keyboards to when played live I don't feel cheated. By the way, Greg X. Volz put on a great show and his singing sounded sincere. John Schlitt sounded great also.

It sounds like I am giving Petra a bad review. I am not. I am giving this live album one because there is no reason the album could not be better. If this is really the last album then go all out and make the best live album you can for the fans. Make it a double live cd with the complete concert. Bring in a keyboard player. Play songs that are rarely played like "Shakin' The House" and "Hit You Where You Live" Let louie and John come back for this final album to go out with a bang. If it is about money then charge more for the cd. I am sure Petra fans would be happy to pay 19.99 for a true outstanding Petra cd.

This may not be a positive review but it is a very honest review and I am sure I am not the only one who thought this could be better. Just listen to the live album Captured In Time And Space and imagine this album having that "full" sound with John and Greg singing and you will see what I mean. Bottom line is if you are new to Petra then this album will sound great but if you have been with them for several years then you will be suprised at how this band does not sound like the Petra you know

Best Way to Go Out.......2006-08-15

I was afraid for a long time that Petra would not release another live concert album. Good thing for us they did.

I do have a few complaints that keep this album from a 5-star rating. First of all, it's too short! I would have loved a much larger collection, with full versions of more of their songs, rather than having snippits of them crammed into little 10-minute medleys. A 2-disc set would've been awesome. Still, for the space they were given, I think they picked the best songs.

It is also obvious that there were only a few band members, and the skeleton-crew instrumentation leaves a few of the songs wanting some depth. Petra deserved to go out with much more of a musical bang (especially when they were recording!!!).

Still, any Pethead is going to love this CD (regular rock fans probably will, too, even if you wouldn't quite call yourself a Pethead). Despite feeling a little short-changed by the medleys, I really enjoyed the Acoustic Set. The versions of "Dance" and "Beyond Belief" are great, too.

They picked the PERFECT song to wrap it up, "He Came, He Saw, He Conquered" which is probably THE quintessential Petra song. Also awesome to have Greg Volz and John Lawry back. Thanks for everything, Petra!!!

A fitting end for a great band..........2006-07-25

I have always been a fan of Petra, since I first began listening to them in the early 1990's. Their role in the establishment of Christian music as a legitimate and viable form of Christian artistic expression is undisputed, and their legacy as front-runners for today's billion dollar industry is remarkable.

Over the years, they have released dozens of albums, including an unfortunate number of forgettable compilation albums that were obviously strung together (presumably by record labels trying to squeeze the band's former success for all of its worth) without much thought or creativity. Though I've never heard a Petra album that I didn't like because the lyrics, talent, and heart of the band have always been on target, there were definitely some occasional clunkers released. And as they have struggled to keep afloat over the past several years, I was apprehensive that their appropriately-titled farewell album would cause them to depart with a whisper.

Rather, Petra concludes its remarkable career with an appropriate roar, thanks to this oustanding final album. It consists of primarily the old classics, some with an altered sound and others very similar to the original release. The selection of the songs was solid, though I'm sure that all Petra fans will quibble about their favorites that were excluded. But that's only natural for a band that has given us the gift of hundreds of great songs over the past several decades of music ministry.

For me, the highlight of the album was the acoustic set, with Greg X. Volz and John Schlitt on the stage at the same time, even harmonizing together. Those two men, with voices as different as could be, represent almost the entirety of the voice of Petra, and it was great to hear them singing together (with an unusual and fabulous cello accompaniment).

In any case, this album is a fitting tribute for an irreplacable band. I would recommend it to anyone unacquainted with Petra as a great way to experience the breadth of their styles, and I would recommend it to all Petra fans as a great way to top off any Petra collection. Petra, you will be missed but certainly not forgotten!!

A "Farewell" to Arms, This Means War............2006-06-15

With guest appearances of Greg X Voltz and John Lawry, it was a joyous for those but sad moment not to have Louie Weaver reunited. Over all Petra's LIVE cd, Captured in Time and Space marks the beginning of a long run of concerts, albums and new fans; FAREWELL gives a graceful ending as a LIVE performance bidding good-bye and thank you. Ties to both LIVE cd's are clearly seen bidding homage to diehard fans of yesteryear and the newer songs also give grace. I find the final song of "He came, He saw, He conquered" a clever way to leave the stage, first in their belief, Jesus Conquered and to show how their band also "came" into existence in 1972 and "saw" the need for some really cool Christian rock and "conquered" over resistance from religious organizations of the day, giving us now a wide range of musical artists and a new category of music: Contempary Christian.

Music Review:

Music Review

Music Review

1. Wake Up
2. Get Back to the Bible
3. Gonna Fly Away
4. Storm Comin'
5. Parting Thought
6. Walkin' in the Light
7. Mountains and Valleys
8. Lucas McGraw
9. Backslidin' Blues
10. I'm Not Ashamed