Classic Petra: "Back To The Rock"

What are everybody's thoughts on Classic Petra? Do you enjoy the re-recorded songs on "Back To The Rock"? If not then why? What about the bands performance, particularly lead vocals?

Any other comments?

I don't have this one yet.....I think I'm gonna pick it up at the end of next week (well down-load it anyway).

I can't enjoy it… sounds too "modern" and I don't like modern rock. IMO the originals were better.

Sounds too modern? It has a modern production, but it definitely sounds like these songs came from the 70/80s. I think they could have just about achieved this with remastering.

I guess it's okay. I don't play it much because it just doesn't grab me. I never really got into the Volz era. I'd rather these guys try to find a harder sound and do some new stuff. The whole concept of this being a new Petra and then doing the old Petra's tunes is just silly. It's just another reunion gig. When they can put out a project of new tunes, then we'll see if these old dogs have any tricks left in them at all.

I don't think so, Alldat… the music is in a different key. The guitar tones are different.

Lot fewer keyboards on the re-recorded material. More violins (Rose Colored Stain Glass Windows).

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Lot fewer keyboards on the re-recorded material. More violins (Rose Colored Stain Glass Windows).

Exactly. "Rose Colored Stain Glass Windows" almost has a Kansas-like feel to it. The only song in which they overdid it in terms of the keyboards is "Adonai".

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When they can put out a project of new tunes, then we'll see if these old dogs have any tricks left in them at all.

I hope the two new songs on the project are an indicator of the direction Petra might be heading on any new album it records in the future.

I actullay liked the album. This coming from a guy who prefers the Schlitt era Petra a lot more. To me they never topped the greatness that was This Means War!. But I do like the new Classic Petra cd. Definitley has a more 80's edge to it in parts and I still spin it. Mostly tho, it's nostalgia and I am a sucker for that

Musically, I think a lot of the songs were better, or at least as good, but I never got it because of the auto tune in the vocals. Blech...

I love the new songs, but can't seem to justify spending the cash on just 2 new songs. Still, the other songs do sound good.

Fundy

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Here is the Angelic Warlord review: http://www.angelicwarlord.com/reviews/p/petra10.html

Too Big To Fail reminded me of Rudie Can't Fail (The Clash) and now…

Ru-die can't fail!
Ru-die can't fail!

I just got this today and I'm listening now. I gotta confess I like then better than anything they did between "Beyond Belief" & "Jekyll & Hyde"

Seriously? "Unseen Power" is much stronger material overall to me. Even "Wake Up Call" was a great roots rock project for the guys. After that, yes, they do get a little weak as John took over the band.

Now we can start talking about what is your favorite Petra album.

Guess I'll be the only one with this preference:

Never cared for Schlitt. My first 2 Petra albums were More Power and Not of This World. So I cut my teeth on Volz.
Musically, the band is phenominal from beginning to end.
Schlitt always reminds me of Michael Bolton, he can sing, but he sounds likes he's gonna explode any second.
Regardless, my favorite Schlitt era is hands down "Petra Praise...The Rock Cries Out "
I like all their albums, but I love the 3 albums I just mentioned.

I love most of Petra's albums with the exceptions of Double Take and God Fixation.

Favourites... J&H, On Fire, Not Of This World... oh they're all pretty good.

Fundy

alldatndensum wrote:

Seriously? "Unseen Power" is much stronger material overall to me. Even "Wake Up Call" was a great roots rock project for the guys. After that, yes, they do get a little weak as John took over the band.

Wake Up Call is a really good album, but honestly I really only like about 2/3 of it. And I don't really remember it, but I cared so little for Unseen Power that I traded it.

Guilty/Forgiven wrote:

....
Schlitt always reminds me of John Bolton, he can sing, but he sounds likes he's gonna explode any second.
.....

Did you mean Michael Bolton?

rockerVu2 wrote:

Now we can start talking about what is your favorite Petra album.

Definately "Beyond Belief" but "Jekyll & Hyde" is very good as well

"Jekyll & Hyde" and "Beyond Believe".

Guilty/Forgiven wrote:

Guess I'll be the only one with this preference:

Never cared for Schlitt. My first 2 Petra albums were More Power and Not of This World. So I cut my teeth on Volz.
Musically, the band is phenominal from beginning to end.
Schlitt always reminds me of John Bolton, he can sing, but he sounds likes he's gonna explode any second.
Regardless, my favorite Schlitt era is hands down "Petra Praise...The Rock Cries Out "
I like all their albums, but I love the 3 albums I just mentioned.

You aren't the only one. I think TallTyrion is a Volz kind of guy. When I first got into Petra, though, I had never heard of Volz. Schlitt was the singer.

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Did you mean Michael Bolton?

That's what I said !

My favorite will forever be This Means War!. It just had a sound that fit the times perfectly and was just outstanding. I would probably put Beyond Belief as my 2nd favorite but TMW is it for me