Petra (album)

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Petra is the first studio album by the Christian rock band of the same name. It was released in 1974.

The album features a style bordering between country and Southern rock somewhat similar to The Eagles or Lynyrd Skynyrd, which was the band's trademark during its first years.

The band's debut is more raw than later Petra albums, lacking the refined production values of future releases. It was recorded on a limited budget of $1,000 during the span of two weeks. Nevertheless, this first record displays remarkable guitar technique with many dual guitar solos reminiscent of the Allman Brothers, Wishbone Ash, Thin Lizzy, and other bands from the period who employed harmony leads.

Unlike later Petra albums, the band's first release doesn't rely on a separate lead singer. Instead, the lead vocal duties are shared by guitarists Bob Hartman and Greg Hough.

Track listings

All songs written by Bob Hartman, except where noted.

Vinyl

Side one

1. "Walkin' in the Light" – 3:16
2. "Mountains and Valleys" - 2:48
3. "Lucas McGraw" - 3:24
4. "Wake Up" (Greg Hough) – 3:40
5. "Back Sliding Blues" – 4:29

Side two

1. "Get Back to the Bible" – 2:23
2. "Gonna Fly Away" – 4:55
3. "I'm Not Ashamed" (Hough/Hartman) – 3:01
4. "Storm Comin'" – 4:30
5. "Parting Thought" – 1:31

CD

1. "Wake Up" (Greg Hough) – 3:40
2. "Get Back to the Bible" – 2:23
3. "Gonna Fly Away" – 4:55
4. "Storm Comin'" – 4:30
5. "Parting Thought" – 1:31
6. "Walkin' in the Light" – 3:16
7. "Mountains and Valleys" - 2:48
8. "Lucas McGraw" - 3:24
9. "Backslidin' Blues" – 4:29
10. "I'm Not Ashamed" (Hough) – 3:01

Note: The 2011 reissue on Wounded Bird Records (on one disc with Come and Join Us) restores the original (i.e. vinyl) running order.

Personnel

• Bob Hartman - guitar, banjo, vocals
• Greg Hough - guitar, mandolin, vocals
• Bill Glover - drums, percussion
• John DeGroff - bass guitar
• Billy Ray Hearn - producer