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Petra, 'Fifty'
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Petra
Fifty



Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Rock
Album length: 50 tracks
Street Date: July 28, 2023


READER RATING:   


In over 50 years, classic rock band Petra has no shortage of greatest hits offerings, from the slew released by Star Song or the handful from Word up to more recent multi-disc versions (including one commemorating 40 years). So what's one more? While it may seem like a cash grab, their latest compilation, Fifty (released through Girder Records), actually makes sense. Fifty years is a massive milestone for any band and with one that has the pedigree and fan base like Petra, a fifty-year best-of release is a great way to celebrate. But if you have most of their records or even some of their other compilations, is this one worth adding to your collection?

There are several unique aspects to this greatest hits collection. First, the track list was chosen entirely by band founder/songwriter/guitarist Bob Hartman. Next, to commemorate 50 years, Hartman chose 50 songs. When you look over the nearly 200 songs they released over their initial 33-year run (not counting live versions or redone takes), they have an over-abundance of tunes that could easily fill a compilation. From radio hits to fan favorites, Hartman's task was not an enviable one. Die-hard Petheads may have complaints about the track listing, but there's no way to make everyone happy. However, there are some questionable exclusions, like "The Coloring Song," for example. Also, both of their versions of "God Gave Rock and Roll to You" make an appearance when that '80s version could easily have been left off in favor of something else. There are also times where ballads get grouped together and slow the flow of listening. Again, not everyone can be happy, but knowing that Hartman himself picked these does help overlook some of the choices.

Beyond the track list, the main draw for this collection comes in the bells and whistles around it. The packaging itself is top-notch. Not only is the design simple and effective, but when you open the case, you're greeted with reflective quotes from Hartman and long time lead singer John Schlitt. The liner notes booklet not only contains plenty of pictures from the band's history, it includes a detailed account of Petra's ministry written by John DeLaurentis. If you splurge for the collector's edition (surprisingly not that much more), three trading cards are sent along as well. Not sure who you'll be trading with, but they are cool additions. Also, all the songs have been remastered. How you define "remastered" may affect your listening experience, though. Apparently the Girder model is to bring the songs up to CD quality. All of the older tunes certainly needed that treatment. But if your expectation is to hear the drums have a better "snap" or the guitars have a meatier crunch, you may be disappointed. Still, updating the sound quality is for the best and listening to these songs on good speakers is very rewarding.

All of these factors combined easily make Petra's Fifty their best "best-of" release yet. The personal touch from Hartman and the high quality packaging keep the 3-CD (or 5 LP) set from feeling like an unnecessary cash grab. I've personally owned and listened to numerous Petra collections over the years, in spite of collecting the original albums. Some are unique, some feel well put-together, but Girder's offering outshines them all. Petheads may find it worth the price to add Fifty to their collection. Those who have never really given Petra a chance, might find this as a good entry point. No matter what, this compilation is a worthy marker of a pioneering band's legacy.

- Review date: 8/4/23, written by John Underdown of Jesusfreakhideout.com



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Petra, 'Fifty' Packaging

 

. Record Label: Girder Records
. Album length: 50 tracks
. Street Date: April 7, 2028 (CD) / July 28, 2023 (Vinyl)
. Buy It: Girder Music (Vinyl)
. Buy It: Girder Music (CD)
. Buy It: Girder Music (CD - Deluxe)

DISC ONE
PETRA - 1974
1. Walkin’ in the Light (3:16)
2. Back Sliding Blues (4:30)

COME AND JOIN US - 1977
3. God Gave Rock and Roll to You (5:36)

WASHES WHITER THAN - 1979
4. Why Should the Father Bother? (3:46)
5. Yahweh Love (5:36)
6. Morning Star (4:47)

NEVER SAY DIE - 1981
7. Chameleon (5:48)
8. Angel of Light (4:21)
9. Without Him We Can Do Nothing (3:27)
10. Praise Ye the Lord (3:18)

MORE POWER TO YA - 1982
11. Second Wind (4:36)
12. Judas' Kiss (4:44) 
13. Road To Zion (4:01)
14. All Over Me (5:53)
15. More Power To Ya (3:35)

DISC TWO
NOT OF THIS WORLD - 1983
16. Not of This World (4:51)
17. Bema Seat (3:54)
18. Grave Robber (4:18)
19. Not by Sight (3:20)
20 Godpleaser (4:35)

BEAT THE SYSTEM - 1985
21. Beat the System (4:22)
22. It Is Finished (3:52)
23. Adonai (4:42)
24 Hollow Eyes (4:03)
25 God Gave Rock And Roll To You (3:54)

BACK TO THE STREET - 1986
26. Whole World (4:50)
27. Thankful Heart (3:17)

THIS MEANS WAR! (1987)
28. This Means War! (3:30)
29. He Came, He Saw, He Conquered (4:10)

ON FIRE! - 1988
30. All Fired Up (4:30)
31. Mine Field(4:28)
32. First Love (4:10)
33. Counsel of the Holy (3:37)

DISC THREE
PETRA PRAISE: THE ROCK CRIES OUT - 1989
34. I Love the Lord

BEYOND BELIEF - 1990
35. Creed (4:35)
36. Beyond Belief (5:03)
37. Love 4:11)
38. Seen And Not Heard (4:29)
39. Prayer (4:14)
40. I Am On The Rock (4:35)

UNSEEN POWER - 1991
41. Sight Unseen
42. Dance (3:45)

WAKE UP CALL - 1993
43. Midnight Oil (3:17)
44. Just Reach Out (4:28)

NO DOUBT - 1995
45. Enter In (5:00)
46. No Doubt (4:53)

PETRA PRAISE II - WE NEED JESUS - 1997
47. Lord I Lift Your Name On High (3:01)
48. Lovely Lord (4:26)
49 We Need Jesus (4:02)

JEKYLL AND HYDE - 2003
50. Jekyll & Hyde (3:04)

 



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