1st released in around '89/'90...
... My 1st Christian CD- this record is still amazing! It's been with me since high school, college, and beyond. RIAA certified Gold; Petra's 1st praise CD- there's even a spanish version- this record is experiencing a renewed popularity thanks to the Internet (which wasn't even in popular use back when this CD was first released!). It's even available now at places like iTunes, although getting the physical CD is still best. This has been an all-time favorite for years(!)- now too along with Greatest Hits, the incredible greatest hits CD by Newsboys (can't they share that same pedestal? Yes! :)). Kind of a blend between '80s guitar rock & regular Sunday morning worship, many words come to my mind when describing Petra's Praise: energetic, light, airy, creative, inspirational, scriptural, rock- and of course, worship and praise. Tastes in music change, but this record remains popular because of its strong biblical content. Created especially for today's youth, some of the songs are from specific instances in Scripture, and actually relate the basic story. Overall, even with electric guitars, it's still pretty tame-sounding by today's standards: it isn't exactly Toby Mac's "Slam"(!), yet it's still a great rock-praise CD! The most energetic tracks include: "I Love The Lord", "Jesus, Jesus, Glorious One", "No Weapon Formed Against Us", "I Will Sing Praise", and then "I Will Call Upon The Lord", which is live. This CD is well-balanced, mixing fast & slow tracks, ending beautifully with the highly reverent "We Exalt Thee"- which is also live. 14 tracks- 12 studio; 2 live. My other favorites include "King of Kings", "The Battle Belongs To The Lord", and "Salvation Belongs To Our God"- all great! Especially great is the inspirational CD booklet included! Today, sadly :(, it's sometimes replaced with a single-sided photo insert, presumably to save on the cost of production. That's too bad(!): Best. CD. Booklet. Ever! It contains all the song lyrics, 3 great little black-and-white (sometimes color) photos of Petra in the desert, and details on band members, instruments, and the inspiration behind the CDs creation. What a great CD!
Today we celebrate the birth of Jesus. My Christmas present to Petra? My heartfelt thanks! Fifteen years of praise & worship- here's to infinite more! :) ---search on B00000286X to hear this CD's sample clips here on Amazon!---