Top Ten Songs by Petra
Known mostly for their pop-metal sounds in the 80s and 90s, the Christian rock band Petra actually enjoyed quite a long career. They started in 1974 as an alternative to the secular rock music of the day, and slowly evolved over the next thirty years to become one of the major leading Christian pop/rock trailblazers of modern worship. Though they retired in 2005, throughout their career as a band they never failed to convey their message and passion for praise music to the youth of the era. As lead singer John Schlitt says, “When we’re on the road playing concerts, we’re constantly reminded of the importance of getting on stage and representing Christ.”
A band that’s been together for over 30 years has many albums under their belt, with countless songs to go with them. Choosing the “Top Ten” songs would be difficult, if not downright impossible. Therefore, I’ll concentrate on perhaps the most popular of their ballads, which span the years from their early days all the way through to the 21st century:
1. The Coloring Song
Found on their 1981 “Never Say Die” album. Probably the most well-known “early” Petra song, the simple but stirring lyrics have remained a favorite among all Petra fans. Instead of their trademark hard-rock approach, listeners hear a soothing, almost acapella song associating different colors with the Christian life. Even decades later this song was requested during their concerts.
2. Chameleon
Another early song from the 1981 “Never Say Die” album, “Chameleon” encourages Christians not to hide their faith and blend in with the crowd. Never being shy about sharing their belief, Petra’s lyrics are straightforward and unapologetic, two keys to their continuing popularity.
3. This Means War!
Easily a favorite for many fans of Petra’s more hardcore rock. This song was the title for their 1987 album, and Christian youth took it as their battle cry for many years after. The persistent beat and no-holding-back lyrics quickly ensured the song an all-time favorite place in many fans’ hearts.
4. He Came, He Saw, He Conquered
Following the title song on their 1987 “This Means War!” album, this song is also a hard-hitting ballad that many fans have considered one of their absolute favorites. A worship song draped in rock-metal sound that would later become their trademark, it also found its way onto Petra’s last album in 2005, “Farewell”.
5. Get On Your Knees and Fight Like A Man
Also found on the “This Means War!” album (1987). Just as the title suggests, the song encourages listeners to conquer their problems through prayer. Although it may seem odd that three songs from one record would make it onto a Top Ten list, “This Means War!” is often thought to be one of Petra’s all-time greatest albums.
6. Somebody’s Gonna Praise His Name
Found on Petra’s 1988 “On Fire!” album, this song features the high-powered, high-energy praise that the group would become well-known for. Taking inspiration from the Bible, “…Praise His Name” is an excellent worship song, and one of the few you can stay in time to while you work out.
7. Beyond Belief
The title song for their 1990 album. Just one of many good songs on this record, Beyond Belief is similar to the song “Chameleon” in its message – encouraging Christians to move further, go deeper than the surface with their beliefs and “live life on the edge” in a healthy way. This is often thought one of their more solid songs, and also appears on their final “Farewell” album.
8. Underground
Also on the “Beyond Belief” (1990) album, “Underground” features more of the up-front lyrics Petra is famous for. Based on several passages from the Bible, it encourages Christians (especially youth) to stand for their faith and not give into compromise.
9. Sleeping Giant
This hit is found on their Grammy award-winning Wake-Up Call album (1993). The song is a call to action, lamenting the tendency for Christians to hold back on their faith and let the pettiness in life take control. I found myself listening to this song again shortly after 9/11, realizing it holds a new significance in my life.
10. Jekyll & Hyde
This is the title song to their 20th studio record, the album that many have arguably called their “most aggressive rock record”. Bob Hartman, Petra’s founder and co-writer of all the songs of the album, plays as the group’s guitarist for the first time in 7 years. In this song Petra returns to its roots (with a few members from the group Newsboys) with a hard-core rock ballad that every fan must hear at least once for their life to be complete.
