Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!
Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!

JFH Music Review




Petra
Jekyll & Hyde



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 10 tracks: 31 minutes, 19 seconds
Street Date: August 19, 2003


Few bands have impacted the history of Christian music like the 70's rock band Petra has. It's been 30 years since the band has released their self-titled debut, and it's been an incredible run. In 2003, following a few worship records, the band answered the call of longtime fans crying out for a return to their glory days of rock n' roll with their release of Jekyll & Hyde.

In 2001, Petra released Revival, a modern worship record that departed from the typical sounds Petra had become known for, forming what was a fresh and relevant album. But it left a question on many diehard fans' minds: "Can these guys still rock?" Jekyll & Hyde responds with a resounding "Yes." With the departure of original drummer Louie Weaver (and the controversy surrounding him apparently being kicked out of the band), the only remaining members are founder Bob Hartman and lead vocalist John Schlitt (who replaced original vocalist Greg X. Volz in the 80's). Now on Peter Furler's (of the Newsboys) own label Inpop Records, it isn't a wonder to see just how involved members of the Newsboys got on this record. The album was produced by Furler, programming was accomplished by Jeff Frankenstein, and background vocals were leant by Phil Joel and Furler as well. The Aussies indeed add to the record, but it does seem a little odd when some of the background vocals are obvious as Joel and Furler (particularly on "All About Who You Know").

The album opens strong with the title track, leading in with a subtle guitar followed by a ferocious riff and pounding drums. Petra maintains a hint of arena rock flavor in their newfound modern rock sound, but it works. Bordering on metal at times, Jekyll & Hyde ultimately still feels like a Petra record, due to Hartman's familiar songwriting and Schlitt's characteristic vocals. While the album isn't particularly innovative, it's a powerful rock effort. The only drawback to the record is it's mere half-an-hour running time.

Petra's 1992 record Unseen Power was the first CD I owned (Garfield, Am I Cool Or What? doesn't count), and while I grew out of Petra's music for the most part, there's something about Jekyll & Hyde that's a delight to hear from time to time. It possesses a retro feel with a modern edge that makes it still relevant for the new millenium.

So while the youth of today may not embrace Jekyll & Hyde like they might a new record from the Newsboys, Petra's new record is a valiant effort and one that shouldn't be ignored by longtime fans or anyone who enjoys classic rock.

- Review date: 05/30/04, written by John DiBiase



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

 

CD

Buy This CD Online


. Artist Info: Discography
. Record Label: InPop Records
. Album length: 10 tracks, 31 minutes and 19 seconds
. Street Date: August 19, 2003
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Jekyll & Hyde
  2. All About Who You Know
  3. Stand
  4. Woulda, Shoulda, Coulda
  5. Perfect World
  6. Test Of Time
  7. I Will Seek You
  8. Life As We Know It
  9. Till Everything I Do
  10. Sacred Trust
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH



This Wednesday, July 16, 2025
SINGLES
1K Phew Yet - Single [Reach]

This Friday, July 18, 2025
ALBUMS
Justin Gambino Just Like Jesus - EP [Residence Music]
The Inspirations Up Above The World So High [Horizon]
Mary-Clair Enough [Vere]
MotionPlus Improper Decorum [SoulFeeder, Polished Arrow Music]
Planetshakers Weight of Heaven [Venture3Media]
The Rocky Valentines Music On The Shelf [Velvet Blue]
Emilie Weiss Come Through (Studio Session) - EP [BEC]

SINGLES
Chris Caro OTW - Single [Syntax]
Aaron Cole Mercy - Single [RCAI]
Melvin Crispell III Reason To Dance - Single [RCAI]
Crowder STILL (feat. Zach Williams) - Single [Capitol CMG]
Ellie Holcomb Hope's Gonna Find You - Single [Capitol CMG]
Influence Music How You Do It - Single (independent)
Vic Lucas Holy Ghost (ft. Lady Audri) - Single [Syntax]
Paul and Hannah McClure Holy Hands (Live) - Single [Bethel]
Lizzie Morgan Can't Help But Praise - Single [Provident]
Kevi Morse Honest Cvlture ft. STIXX aka Conejo) - Single [Syntax]
Shekts Nelson Your Love - Single [Churchboy]
Blessing Offor Crying Out Loud - Single [Capitol CMG]
Remedy Drive Brighter Than Apathy (Reimagined) - Single (independent)
Rhymes in Harmony Lift Your Name - Single [Syntax]
Speedy the Artist Reach For Elohim - Single [Syntax]
Thrive Worship The One Who Saves - Single [Integrity]
Zane Walls Think About Me - Single [DREAM]

This Sunday, July 20, 2025
VINYL
King's X Manic Moonlight Vinyl [Girder]

Next Wednesday, July 23, 2025
ALBUMS
Eric Roberson Beautifully All Over The Place (independent)

Next Friday, July 25, 2025
ALBUMS
Anchor & Braille New Mexico [Equal Vision]
Bride Scarecrow Messiah CD Re-Release [Girder]
Olivia Lane Songs About Jesus (Deluxe Edition) [BEC]
Tasha Cobbs Leonard TASHA [Motown Gospel]
Josh Wright LEAD (independent)

SINGLES
Gracie Binion Easy To Please - Single [BEC]
Andrew Gonoude Closer To You - Single (independent)
Kings Kaleidoscope + Kings Kaleidoscope Hymns Amazing Grace - Single [BEC]
Tasha Layton Life In Me - Single [BEC]
Hunter Plake Down to Earth - Single [BEC]
Xander Sallows infinite - Single [DREAM]
Joel Vaughn Feel It - Single [DREAM]
Zauntee Jesus Down In Florida - Single [BEC]

VINYL
Bride Scarecrow Messiah Vinyl [Girder]

DVD
Jordan Smith The People's Hymnal DVD [Gaither]



For all release dates, click here!
 

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images