No Doubt [CASSETTE] [Import]

I loved.... this album. I listen to almost all the songs on this album. These songs hold to bibical truths and the songs uplifted me when I was going thru some hard times like the song (no doubt). If you've never gone thru the desert don't buy this album you wouldn't understand it.

I was pretty new to Christian rock the first time I listened to this album. I'd heard some of Petra's earlier stuff on the radio and liked it, but now I'm hooked. I like all kinds of Chistian music, but there are times when you just have to turn it up REALLY loud! Check it out if you're a closet hard-rock fan...you won't be disappointed.

Petra (much like the Newsboys, among others) is a Christian group that is always in-your-face with their message. That makes some people cringe, while to others it's encouraging, and still for others it opens their eyes. The lyrics are what make Petra what they are: "Petra Means Rock!", both literally and musically, and that solidness is founded in their lyrics. They never dance around the truth and the principles they put forth; they just say it, and for me that's made them a source of encouragement for over two decades. Furthermore, even if their lyrics can be a bit playful at times (eg-"All the King's Horses"), they're still right-on, deeply rooted in biblical study.

One of the most amazing songs I've ever heard is on this album, "Enter In". This is a rather dark but very powerful song that speaks of the High Priestly work of Jesus Christ, and the shedding of his blood to open the way into the Most Holy Place, for all who come to him. Though it has a dark mood, it ends in a bright and upward-looking tone, which though introspective, is at the same time encouraging. And that's the hallmark of a Petra song. They're instructive or convicting while at the same time very encouraging and uplifting.

The song "Think on these things" is another unforgettable tune. Every since I first heard this ('95) I've often had this song run through my mind, especially when faced with temptation. It encourages us to hold fast to Paul's instruction (Philippians 4:4)..."whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think on these things...practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." This is exactly the kind of music I need, as I walk through this world. I love rock, and love good music, and I love good vocals, and I certainly love good lyrics. I'm not alone in those respects, and God knew how to provide; he gave us Petra.

Any review of a Petra album worthy of the name "review" can't not mention the vocals. John Schlitt is nearly peerless in the world of rock, all of rock. He's unmistakeably, and unapologetically, a relic from the heyday of powerful rock (the 70's). He's always powerful, and perfectly exemplifies the power-vocalists who came out of the 70's and helped define the 80's. He gives 110% in every song, and never ceases to amaze with his range and sound. The sound of rock radically changed after the 80's, which makes John really stand out, and he makes Petra even more unique in today's soundscape. If you love Styx, Journey, Triumph, 70's Rush, Van Halen, Survivor, and other bands like them, and that kind of vocal performance, then you should listen to Petra. Even more, if you love that kind of rock and need solid, biblically-rooted encouragement, then you NEED to listen to Petra!

In other words, "No Doubt" is a must-have album! WOO-HOOOO!!!!