Petra first debuted in 1970’s and focused strictly on Christian rock music. Rock bands were numerous in the 70’s and 80’s, but no other Christian rock band became mainstream like Petra. The road was not easy and original founder Bob Hartman is what kept the band alive and thriving. There were many close calls on disbanding as Greg Hough, John DeGroff, Bill Glover, John Slick and other members chose different paths with other bands of the time. Petra’s style changed as they continued to appeal to a young audience influenced by many rock styles, including The Allman Brothers Band, Pink Floyd, Neil Young, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd, AC/DC and countless other mainstream rock bands. With over three decades of music and 20 albums, it’s challenging to choose the top 10 songs! We could make a top 10 list for the different genres Petra sings, but I am trying to encompass all of Petra on this list!
Here are the best Petra songs top 10 of all time:
No power is stronger than God and no one can overthrow the power of Christ’s blood.
Favorite Lyrics
The power of darkness comes in like a flood
The battle belongs to the Lord He's raised up a standard, the power of His blood The battle belongs to the Lord
The song “Grave Robber” brings so much hope and focuses on the power of Jesus’ death.
Favorite Lyrics
Where is the sting, tell me where is the bite
When the grave robber comes like a thief in the night Where is the victory, where is the prize When the grave robber comes And death finally dies
Petra’s version of “Lord, I Lift Your Name on High” is one of the most popular and they still bring in their unique style without following exactly how many other mainstream artists sang this song.
Favorite Lyrics
Lord, I lift Your name on high
Lord, I love to sing Your praises I'm so glad You're in my life I'm so glad You came to save us
“The Coloring Song” is a fun one, especially for kids to sing. It’s friendly and simple, but powerful.
Favorite Lyrics
Gold is the color of the morning sun
that shines so freely on everyone It's the sun above that keeps us warm It's the Son of Love that calms the storm That can give us life, that can make us grow That can turn our mornings into gold
Many artists have sung “King of Kings”, but few have brought the chanting, marching version as Petra did. I’d like to believe the 80’s electric slide and video games helped influence this version!
Favorite Lyrics
King of kings and Lord of lords, glory
Hallelujah King of kings and Lord of lords, glory Hallelujah
“Underneath The Blood” channels the hardcore rock in the heart and soul of Petra. It reminds my of the style of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Favorite Lyrics
Underneath the blood
Through the cleansing flood Guilt is left behind Never brought to mind I'm an innocent man Underneath the blood
I love the praise and worship songs that Petra produced and there are more hard rock versions of many of the songs on their praise albums.
Favorite Lyrics (Note: This is the entire song)
I will call upon the Lord
Who is worthy to be praised So shall I be saved from my enemies The Lord liveth and blessed be the Rock And let the God of my salvation be exalted
A rock version of “Amazing Grace”? Yes, and it totally rocks! There are few bands I think could pull this off in the manner they did.
Favorite Lyrics
Because your love came down
Your love came down Your love came down And it saved, it saved me
The lyrics in “Beyond Belief” make you think hard about your faith and it’s the type of song that makes you realize something new each time you listen to it.
Favorite Lyrics
Leap of faith without a net
Makes us want to hitch our bed Waters never part Until our feet get wet, whoa, whoa
“Jekyll & Hide” is such a deep and powerful song. It draws from many of the different types of music Petra is known for and I feel this one tells who Petra is.
Favorite Lyrics
I have this secret that I let nobody see
It's like a split personality And the one I feed is the one who lives The one I starve will be the one who gives
I could not cut these two songs!
Best Petra Song – “Salvation Belongs to Our God” from the Album Petra Praise – The Rock Cries Out (1989)
The music in “Salvation Belongs to Our God” is very majestic and I can just imagine seeing Christ surrounded by angels.
Favorite Lyrics
Praise and glory
Wisdom and thanks Honor and power and strength Be to our God forever and ever Be to our God forever and ever
Best Petra Song – “Not of This World” from the Album Not of This World (1983)
I have a feeling that Star Trek and Star Wars helped influence the music in “Not of This World”. Anyone else see this connection?
Favorite Lyrics
We are envoys, we must tarry
With this message we must carry There's so much to do before we leave With so many more who may believe Our mission here can never fail And the gates of hell will not prevail
I grew up in the later “praise era” of Petra, but the more I listen to their music, the more I love it! Their ability to adapt to many different styles shows their talent and how they did not live with blinders on. Petra was aware of what was happening in mainstream music culture and adapted it to Christian music, whether through rock or lighter praise hits. They officially disbanded in 2006, but their music will continue to live on for years as they broke numerous barriers in Christian music, including being the first Christian band to be inducted in the Hard Rock Café.
Resources- Youtube, photo credit: Waiting For The Word via photopin cc