Petra
Revival is in the Air: Spreading Renewal to God's People, Inpop Records, 2001
By Lakesha Stokes
December 10, 2001
Petra’s
career has passed the point of introspection and, in their own way, created an
album that cries for restoration. Petra's newest album, Revival, addresses the listeners’ walk with Christ by challenging
them to start a resurgence within themselves. This project joins together the
characteristic vocals of John Schlitt as well as Louis Weaver on the drums and
Bob Hartman on the guitar.
Blending
rock with worship music is Petra’s trademark. Because of this unique style,
Petra has sold over seven million records, won over a dozen awards from both the
Christian and mainstream music industries and has been inducted into the Gospel
Music Hall of Fame. The latter distinction is exceptional because Petra
is the only Christian rock band with this honor.
With
nearly 30 years in the Christian music industry and 20 albums to their credit,
there is no question of Petra’s legendary distinction. Despite the criticism
in their early days, Petra opened the door for a multitude of contemporary music
and Christian rock. Through all of the upheavals and changes in Petra’s
career, this band has remained together, and their ability to use
scripture-based lyrics has made them stand apart.
When
Petra fans think of this group’s Petra
Praise albums, hymns, praise choruses and Bob Hartman songs come to mind. Revival
is different because its songs are new
- some of which are quite different than their regular style. Many of
this album's tunes are middle of the road, but it is the faster numbers that are
impressive.
·
The opening cut “Revival” has excellent instrumentation with electric
guitars and a certain percussive element. The familiar voice of John Schlitt is
at best okay
- though sometimes weak
- but the message is stirring; revival must start with us first before
anything else spiritual in this world can truly be accomplished effectively.
·
“Meet With Me” portrays a feeling of expectancy as one waits to have
a meeting with God in order to gain faith of who God is. The listener hears the
longing in the vocalist's voice as he stands singing before his God. The guitar
assists the listener in feeling the excitement and hopefulness of the moment.
·
“Satisfy” is in the same frame of mind.
It is the idea that all I seek and all I know is God, the only one who truly
satisfies. The guitar is not a hindrance but an added feature.
Schlitt sings about how nothing is sweeter than God's presence where we
are made complete. This song is a
perfect picture of skillful word painting.
·
“We Wanted To See Jesus Lifted High”
is an emotional song with lyrics that lift God high like a banner. We all
know in our own small way and lifestyle how to do this. Why do we lift Jesus
high? We lift Him up because the
lost need to know the way to truth and salvation. This takes one step (prayer)
and stronghold after another. People need to realize that Jesus is the way to
heaven.
·
The classic instrumentation is simple but effective in the excellent
worship song “How Long.”
It asks the powerful questions, “How long will the barrenness and
despair of this earth continue? When will the unrighteousness of this land be
judged?” These questions arise
when one realizes the darkness and unrighteousness that is drenching this
spiritually barren land. This simple, yet powerful, song serves its purpose well
when it switches ideas midway and gives hope of Christ’s second coming. Petra
could not have ended this album with a better song of faith.
The messages and
lyrics on Petra Revival are brilliant,
which will leave many in a spirit of worship after listening to the CD from
beginning to end. If you are a Petra fan, Revival will be a bonus to your CD collection as it has just been
released and will be in abundant supply.
ninetyandnine.com
© 2001, Lakesha
Stokes
---------
Lakesha
Stokes is an elementary music teacher in the Hazelwood School District.
She earned a Church Music degree from Gateway College of Evangelism and a
Bachelor of Arts in Church Music/Music Education from Missouri Baptist College.
She is presently in her second and final year working on her Master of Arts in
Vocal Pedagogy at Webster University.
For
more information:
http://www.ccmcom.com/Archives/fullstory.asp?Id=1742
http://www.inpop.com/petra/index.html | 
