Wake-Up Call is the fourteenth studio album by the Christian rock band Petra, released on November 9, 1993 by DaySpring/Word Records. This is their final album to be released on the DaySpring label as future albums will be released directly to Word Records.
The album marks a dramatic shift in tone for the band. The sound is more raw, there are fewer driving rock songs, and it concludes with three consecutive ballads. Wake-Up Call also has a change in producer, as Brown Bannister takes over the production duties for this album, thus continuing their arena rock sound.
This is also the last time the personnel line-up will change as long-time member and songwriter Bob Hartman and keyboardist John Lawry will leave the group after the release of this album.
Hartman will continue to contribute songs for future Petra albums as Hartman announced his retirement from touring as he wanted to spend time with his family. Hartman turned over his administrative duties to lead singer John Schlitt. Future Petra member Jim Cooper co-wrote the song "Praying Man" with Lawry, whom Cooper will replace. Wake-Up Call peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart. In 1994, Petra won a Dove Award for Rock Album of the Year at the 25th GMA Dove Awards and in 1995, won their third Grammy for Best Rock Gospel Album at the 37th Grammy Awards. Petra made two music videos to promote the album: "Just Reach Out" and "Midnight Oil."
Track listing
All songs were written by Bob Hartman, except where noted.
1. Midnight Oil -3:16
2. Good News -4:29
3. Strong Convictions -3:54
4. He's Been in My Shoes -4:22
5. Praying Man (John Lawry, Jim Cooper) -4:27
6. Underneath the Blood (Bob Hartman, Ronny Cates) -3:32
7. Sleeping Giant (Bob Hartman, Ronny Cates) -5:29
8. Believer in Deed -4:06
9. Marks of the Cross (Bob Hartman, Ronny Cates) -4:36
10. Just Reach Out (John Schlitt, Rich Gootee) -4:29
Personnel
Petra:
Bob Hartman -lead guitar
John Schlitt -lead vocals
Ronny Cates -bass guitar
John Lawry -keyboards
Louie Weaver -drums
Accolades
Grammy Award -Best Rock Gospel Album (Wake-Up Call)
Dove Award - Rock Album of the Year (Wake-Up Call)
Radio singles
"Just Reach Out" -#1 Christian CHR, #12 Christian AC
"Marks of the Cross" -#1 Christian CHR, #11 Christian AC
"He's Been in My Shoes" -#12 Christian CHR, #32 Christian AC
"Praying Man" -#9 Christian CHR
Previous release: Petra en Alabanza (1992)
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