Petra - Unseen Power (10 tracks) +Album Reviews

Unseen Power offers Petra with a few surprises.

09/22/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Unseen Power" sees Petra eager to duplicate the sound and power of its earlier hit albums like "Beyond Belief" and "On Fire" while venturing into areas which will leave a few fans suprised. Most of the tracks are outstanding, including the opener "Destiny", the ZZ Topp-ish "Ready Willing and Able" and the very catchy "Dance." "Hey World", probably the best tune on the album, sees Petra dealing with the tough social issues of abortion and suicide, something they've rarely touched on before. However, the cheesy "Who'se on the Lord's Side" and the weak "Hand on my Heart" makes a classic album a four star one. While it admirable that they experiemented, some fans will be wondering if they are listening to a Petra song or a R&B ballad. It also seems that some of the songs were rushed, maybe out of deadline reasons ("Secret Weapon" and "Sight Unseen" seem thrown together at the last minute) This can be blamed on the poor production work of the Elephante brothers, which tells me that Petra perhaps needs a change of producers. It still doesn't diminish a solid, if not spectacular follow-up to Beyond Belief. Definetely a must for any Petra fan."

"I wanna know, where do you stand?"

C. W. Fitch | Wichita Falls, TX | 05/04/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The name that means "rock" has spent the past 20+ years proving that they can do just that, and this is the ultimate example of their pure power. This is arguably Petra's hardest rock album, and to me, one of their best ever; from the opening clamor of bells that leads into the pulse-pounding riff of "Destiny", you know you're in for a thrill ride. The whole band pushes themselves to the limit on this one, and then goes a step beyond. The guitar and bass riffs absolutely thump on every track, and coupled with John Schlitt's nearly-impossible vocal range, it's enough to give me chills each time I hear it. The guys usually tack on a ballad or two to each album, but that's not the case here. They spend the entire album slamming, and only slow down near the end, and the last track ("In the Likeness of You") is just as beautiful as the rest of the album is rocking. Producers John & Dino Elefante wanted to go out with a bang, I guess; this marks their last production job for Petra. As far as I'm concerned, mission accomplished. This is one of Petra's most unforgettable efforts, and it's one of the true classics of Christian rock. It's almost ten years old, but it still definitely packs a punch. Get it, then give it!"

One of their best

voyager | 09/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I actually prefer this album over 'Beyond Belief'. It's more experimental, a little more personal in focus (look at songs like 'I need to hear from You', 'Dance' and 'Hey World' for instance). There are a few missteps however -- "Sight Unseen" and "Secret Weapon" sound far too similiar and their pace is a little slow. Also, 'In THe Likeness of You" used to bore me to tears, though now I appreciate the sentiment behind it.

There are other really good solid songs, however. Opener 'Destiny' is a fun rocker. Indeed, the two opening songs (on the cassette version) 'Dance' on side two and 'Destiny' on side one are the two best songs on the album. "Who's on the Lord's Side" is fun, albeit different for the band. "Hand on My heart" sounds like it could be a Motown lovesong (but it's really about God) and "Ready willing and able" is just a fun, driving song.

Indeed, the good songs on this album are good enough that they propel this album to a 5-star status. Too bad this album was a little too rushed, because otherwise the two missteps could have become two really good songs instead.

Oh well, this album still rocks and has my favourite song 'Dance' off it. This is the song that originally got me hooked on Petra's music."

Smokey Robinson would be halted in his tracks

Jon Robert | United States | 05/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First I am weary of trying to identify which of the John Schlitt era Petra albums (CD) are my favorite. They all are! They capture the Arean Rock era sound with unmasked praise of the almighty God. No veiled lyrics here. Second there seems to be no confining this group, just when you settle in to the Arena Rock groove they let you have it with a song that I think would even halt Smokey Robinson in his tracks. I'm sure even He would have to be impressed with "Hand On My Heart" If it says Petra and John Schlitt somewhere on the jacket - buy it! Unseen Power is another killer work from these guys."

It came, it saw, it ROCKED!!!

Jon Robert | 08/16/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Not quite as consistent as "Beyond Belief." "Hand on My Heart" is very weak & I usually skip it - also, "Secret Weapon" and "Sight Unseen" sound rushed, as if the music had been written & the lyrics added on as a last-minute afterthought. However, these are minor quibbles. A lot of Petra fans think this album is too heavy, but it actually sounds like the band really mean business & are giving it their all. "Unseen Power" has a real-ness, depth, honesty and out-and-out punch particularly missing from more recent Petra material. A slight change of emphasis & sound from the "This Means War" "On Fire" and "Beyond Belief" albums. Out goes the similarity to Bon Jovi and the "80s hair rock" brigade, enter the pounding, heavy grooves typical of "Destiny," "Dance," "Who's On The Lord's Side," (gospel-meets-metal) and "Ready Willing and Able" (very bouncy but "Quo-phobics" or those allergic to denim or 12-bar rock beware, especially its opening riff!!!) Only joking, this and "Dance" are my favourite Petra songs to date.Other nice touches include much deeper lyrics ("Hey World" talks about abortion & suicide) "I Need To Hear From You" is a guitar-heavy and over-produced ballad, but Petra perform it with real conviction. "In the Likeness of You" is a wonderful closer which departs from this typical 80s & early 90s "power-ballad" feel.Difficult comparison to make between this and "Beyond Belief" -the head says choose "Beyond Belief" but the heart (and head-banging tendencies!) says I prefer "Unseen Power.""

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