Description
Not of this World is the sixth album by the American rock band Petra, released on StarSong Records in November 1983, distributed by Word. Also manufactured and distributed by A&M Records. The album was produced, recorded, and mixed by Jonathan David Brown at Rivendell Recorders in Pasadena, Texas. All songs written by Petra guitarist Bob Hartman except “Not by Sight” and “Occupy” written by Petra’s keyboardist, John Slick.
Not of this World was included among CCM Magazine‘s Top 10 Albums of the Year, voted number ten on a list featuring ten albums released between November 1, 1983 and October 15, 1984. Petra comes on line again with their latest hard-rocking gospel tract, ‘Not of this World’, released in November of ’83. Granger hailed the LP last January: “Petra now stands as Christian music’s premier rock band, turning out albums that not only break sales records for their genre, but set new standards in composition and quality.” According to CCM Magazine, Not of this World was the 4th best selling album of 1984 in the Christian music market.
Faithfulness is a glorious thing. God’s promise to bless our small portion when we remain faithful affects every level of living. Witness Petra, a band whose small but energetic beginnings were hardly state of the art, musically speaking. Yet in the process of many years of tours and albums, faithfulness yields its reward. Petra now stands as Christian music’s premier rock band, turning out albums that not only break sales records for their genre, but set new standards in composition and quality.
Petra’s new release, ‘Not of This World’, is no exception. The formula (and personnel) remain the same – with Jonathan David Brown at the helm producing, engineering, and mixing.
Side one opens carefully with John Slick’s synthesized variations on the doxology, «Visions». As the synths trail off into the stratos, acoustic guitars lead into the title cut, an anthemic ballad that restates a bit more seriously Larry Norman’s sentiments about “only visiting this planet.”
The body of the album contains the familiar blend of rock and pop, spearheaded by Bob Hartman’s strong melodies and Greg Volz‘ powerful vocals. The only real departure from the patterns established on the last two albums would be the addition of two songs by keyboardist Slick and the absence of one of Volz’ worship-oriented songs (although Hartman’s «Lift Him Up» could qualify here).
«Grave Robber» and «Godpleaser» stand out as particularly fine songs, both musically and lyrically. The former is an acoustically-based song with a catchy chorus proclaiming the believer’s victory over death. The latter closes the album (along with Slick’s doxological benediction) by encouraging us to do good works unto God rather than man.
There are only two criticisms. The inclusion of «Blinded Eyes», an evangelistic song, seems out of place on an album speaking to believers. In the song «Occupy», the writer describes the activity of Satan as “he”. In the last verse, the same “He” refers to the Lord. This confusion may seem like a minor point, but one Christian songwriters need to avoid.
Otherwise, ‘Not of This World’ continues Petra’s winning streak of great records that minister the Good News with good music. [Thom Granger, CCM, January 1984]
Girder Music Promo, 2021
Originally released in 1983. If there was an album that might have influenced an entire Christian rock culture, look no further than Not Of This World, the bands fifth album. By 1983 Petra was running on rocket fuel. Not of This World proved to every creature on earth (and beyond) what a great rock album should sound like and while some Christian bands were content with using Christian cliches, Petra had more of an interest in providing hope. It’s no surprise looking back why Petra reached an entire generation. They proved that you could have an album that rocked but also provided a message of hope, and none more powerful than thier song Grave Robber. Just take a moment and read these lyrics…
There’s a step that we all take alone
An appointment we have with the great unknownLike a vapor this life is just waiting to pass
Like the flowers that fade, like the withering grass
But life seems so long and death so complete
And the grave an impossible potion to cheat
But there’s One who has been there and still lives to tell
There is One who has been through both heaven and hellAnd the grave will come up empty-handed the day
Jesus will come and steal us awayWhere 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 diesPetra – Not of This World will blow you away, and once again “Death will be swallowed in sweet victory”. Remastered from original sources 8 page booklet with lyrics in a jewel case. Comes with limited edition trading card.
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/not-of-this-world/724075072)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Visions (Doxology)” – 2:04
A2. “Not of this World” – 4:49
A3. “Bema Seat” – 3:54
A4. “Grave Robber” – 4:18
A5. “Blinded Eyes” – 5:33
Side Two
B1. “Not by Sight” – 3:20
B2. “Lift Him Up” – 3:26
B3. “Pied Piper” – 4:00
B4. “Occupy” – 3:28
B5. “Godpleaser” – 4:35
B6. “Visions Reprise (Doxology)” – 2:28
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by StarSong Records. Later re-issued on CD. Remastered by Rob Colwell of Bombworks Sound and re-issued on both 12-inch vinyl LP (pressed on Space Swirl Vinyl) and CD in 2022 by Girder Music (through Limited Run Vinyl/Limited Run Music).
Not of this World, Remastered and pressed on Space Swirl Vinyl, Girder Music 2022
The November 1983 issue of CCM Magazine featured a cover story on Petra.
A full-page advertisement for the Petra album Not Of This World was featured in the November 1983 issue of CCM Magazine.
“Blinded Eyes” (MUSIC VIDEO)
CREDITS. Produced, Recorded and Mixed by Jonathan David Brown. Assistant Engineers: David Rogers and Doug Sarrett. Recorded and Mixed at Rivendell Recorders, Pasadena, Texas. Mastered by Steve Hall at Future Disc, Hollywood, CA. Track A1 and B6 arranged by John Slick. Art Direction by Joan Tankersley. Illustration by Randy Rogers. Layout by Lori Cooper. Sleeve Photos by Mark Tucker.
Musicians: Petra – Greg X. Volz (Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Percussion), John Slick (Keyboards, Vocals), Bob Hartman (Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Lead Guitar, Vocals), Mark Kelly (Bass, Vocals, Louie Weaver (Drums, Vocals).
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