This is an album that I love hearing over and over. You may ask why, but I don't think there's an album where Bob Hartman's finesse in songwriting doesn't stands out. The guitar work through the album is great featuring several layers of guitar tracks playing not so powerfully and not so subtly but skilfully interwoven to produce a wholesome rock sound.

God Fixation was unfortunately given a poor reception as it was associated with major band changes and a departure from their signature arena rock style that has become expected of Petra. However, a number of tracks in the album really rock like hard-hitting "Matter of Time" and the Brit-rock sound of "Hello Again." "Falling Up" sounds like a mellowed out hard rock with innovative imagery used in the lyrics. The title track begins with an unbelievably awesome bass lick and moves on to feature John Schlitt's soaring vocals on what could have been one Petra's greatest anthems (had the album not been snubbed by fans). "Shadow of a Doubt" and "Magnet of the World," though featuring great lyrics, only sound like filler material on an album from a band of Petra's calibre. As in most of Petra's recent albums, the guitar solos were unfortunately short, but still sweet and focused. The guitar work on "St. Augustine's Pears" sounds a bit brash, but you will still notice that attention was paid to detail when they usher in the bridge with beautiful fillers. "The Invitation" features a unique melody line coupled with a great vocal arrangement and a plain but elongated instrumental ending.

I am honoured to be among the few in possession of one Petra's most underrated albums. I implore all who may differ with me to find out for yourselves. Few rock albums by other artists out there will ever come close to sound as good as God Fixation. It's Petra after all - what do you expect?

Review date: 1/4/07, written by Victor Sambu for Jesusfreakhideout.com