Petra is the first studio album by the band of the same name, released in 1974 on Word Records' Myrrh label. The album is produced by Billy Ray Hearn.
The style of the album is southern rock and country rock, influenced by mainstream rock bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eagles and The Doobie Brothers, 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, lead vocal duties are shared by guitarists Bob Hartman and Greg Hough.
Track listing
All songs were written by Bob Hartman, except where noted.
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. Backslidin' Blues -4:30
6. Get Back to the Bible -2:21
7. Gonna Fly Away -4:55
8. I'm Not Ashamed (Bob Hartman, Greg Hough) -3:02
9. Storm Comin' -4:31
10. Parting Thought -1:32
Personnel
Petra:
Bob Hartman -guitar, banjo, vocals
Greg Hough -guitar, mandolin, vocals
John DeGroff -bass guitar
Bill Glover -drums, percussion
Next release: Come and Join Us (1977)