Wake-Up Call

Description

Wake-Up Call is the fourteenth studio album by the American rock band Petra, released on DaySpring Records in 1993, a division of Word. Also manufactured and distributed by Epic, a division of Sony Music. The album was recorded by Jeff Balding at Power Station in Manhattan, New York City, at The Dugout in Nashville, Tennessee, and at Ocean Way Recording in Hollywood, California, with Brown Bannister producing for RBI Productions. Mixed by Jeff Balding at Ocean Way Recording in Hollywood, California, and at Sixteenth Avenue Sound in Nashville, Tennessee.

The band lineup on this album is John Schlitt on lead vocals, John Lawry on keyboards, Bob Hartman on guitars, Ronny Cates on bass, and Louie Weaver on drums.

“Seen it… Done it… Been there” – if a few words could sum up 20 years of music ministry, those six might work as well as any in explaining the amazing tenure of Petra. Although Petra has constantly evolved with the changing musical winds, it really hit its stride in 1986, with the addition of vocalist John Schlitt and the developement savvy of producers/songwriters Dino and John Elefante. That relationship lasted through six albums and found Petra finally freeing itself of its somewhat dated arena-rock sound; many doubted the band could top ‘Unseen Power‘, the Dove and Grammy-award winning disc which was the culmination of Petra’s association with the Elefantes.

Enter Brown Bannister. Best known for guiding a shy young lady named Amy Grant toward superstardom, Bannister has more recently helped launch the careers of PFR (Pray for Rain) and Lisa Bevill. Belive it or not, Bannister found a way to integrate things he’s learned with those artists into ‘Wake-Up Call’, without diluting the essential “Petra-ness” of the project. Just before production began, Bannister said he hoped to rejuvenate the band by restoring live drum sounds to its albums and cajoling the group to work on its songwriting. Since Bannister’s name doesn’t appear on any of the tunes, one can only surmise exactly what his input was to the process; my guess would be that he helped instill some of the modern rock stylings of PFR and a bit of Bevill’s pop approach, though again, neither of those influences are overt on ‘Wake-Up Call’.

Indeed, the album opens with the serious rocker «Midnight Oil», which gives you the chance to hear just how talented a time-keeper Louie Weaver is without any electronic enhancement. The harmonies are slick, Schlitt is at full-throated wail, Ronny Cates underscores the arrangement with an insistent bass groove and John Lawry adds just a few keyboard shadings, as we’re challenged to keep our lamps trimmed and burning; except for the line “Will our lamps be full at perousia?” (how did that escape the editing process!?), it’s the perfect opening number. (That’s the last Greek lesson we get.) Petra revisits its blues roots on «Good News», which sports a chordal solo from Hartman, along with a hot lick or three between the verses and on the bridge. It’s been quite a while since Petra has sounded this contemporary and at the same time so in touch with its beginnings. «Good News» introduces a harmonic approach which surfaces on several other tracks; that’s one of the musical cues which points toward a pop, even slightly alternative sound – «Strong Convictions», with its off-kilter mix of acoustic and electric guitars, quirky vocal blend and skittering percussion may be the most prominent example of that approach.

«He’s Been in My Shoes» sports a semi-unplugged attack which, after three consecutive body punches, is a welcome change. Building on an acoustic guitar/electric slide/percussion base, the band follows Schlitt’s lead, as his soaring voice, mirrored by Hartman’s slide, lifts the song to a dramatic climax without unneeded bombast. Cates, Lawry and Weaver lead the way on «Praying Man», a Lawry original which inlcudes chanted background vocals (that occasionally veer into Beatle territory) and chiming 12-string guitars which distinguish the song from typical Petra fare. «Underneath the Blood» heads back in an Aerosmith-influenced direction, helmed by Weaver’s driving drums and Cates’ thundering bass licks. The special vocal effects and creative lyrical flow mark it as one of the album’s best songs.

«Sleeping Giant» (the nominal title track), is another tune which mixes and matches hard rock, pop and alternative shadings, partly due to the sung/chanted backing vocals. Schlitt reveals the varity of vocal subtleties of which he’s capable on «Believer in Deed»; he’s matched note for note by the band and a large chorus that almost pushes the song into praise and worship territory. Though more pop than rock in nature, «Marks of the Cross», with its folk melody feel and catchy chorus, also takes a worshipful tack; I’d expect to see it become a popular finale or encore tune on the ‘Wake-Up Call’ tour. Lyrically, Petra has always been about challenge and commitment; that’s the message which permeates the album’s closer, «Just Reach Out». Reminiscent of Foreigner’s «I Want to Know What Love Is» (someone even ad-libs that phrase in the chorus), it’s a fittingly “Petra-esque” ending to the band’s 19th album. Even in its third decade, Petra has proven it’s not above taking its own advice. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, December 1993]

Girder Music Promo, Remastered CD/LP, 2023

After a long and successful tour for UNSEEN POWER, the band took a year off before recording and touring for the follow-up album Wake-up call. With a changing musical climate in the mid-1990s, Petra decided to not work with the Elefante brothers for the first time in six records. Instead They worked with Brown Bannister, who at the time had won eight Grammy awards. Wake-up call stayed on Billboard’s Christian albums chart for more than five months and was the third consecutive Petra album to receive a Grammy for Best Rock Gospel Album. the band also won a Dove award for Rock Album of the Year.

Bob Hartman – guitars
John Schlitt – lead vocals
John Lawry – keyboards
Ronny Cates – bass
Louie Weaver – drums

Introducing “Wake Up Call,” the iconic album from the legendary Christian rock band Petra. With its captivating melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and powerful messages, this album is a must-have for fans of rock music with a spiritual touch.

“Wake Up Call” delivers a sonic experience that will energize your spirit and ignite your faith. From the opening track, «Midnight Oil», the album sets the stage for a musical journey that will leave you inspired and motivated. Petra’s signature sound shines through in each song, combining infectious guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and heartfelt vocals.

One of the standout tracks, «Praying Man», is a powerful anthem that encourages believers to embrace the transformative power of prayer. With its memorable chorus and passionate delivery, this song resonates with listeners on a profound level, reminding us of the importance of a deep and personal connection with God.

“Wake Up Call” also showcases Petra’s ability to deliver poignant and introspective ballads. Songs like «Just Reach Out» invite listeners to reflect on their faith, offering comfort and reassurance in times of doubt or struggle. These tracks highlight Petra’s lyrical depth and their ability to touch the hearts of listeners with their heartfelt expressions of devotion.

With its exceptional production quality and timeless appeal, “Wake Up Call” stands as a testament to Petra’s enduring legacy in Christian rock music. The album’s powerful combination of faith-filled lyrics and dynamic music creates an atmosphere that will uplift, inspire, and motivate listeners.

Immerse yourself in the musical brilliance of “Wake Up Call” and let Petra’s passionate performances and captivating melodies awaken your spirit. This album is a rallying cry to embrace your faith, live with purpose, and make a difference in the world around you. Experience the awakening that awaits you with “Wake Up Call” from Petra.

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/wake-up-call/1165976173)

CD tracklist:

01. Midnight Oil – 3:17
02. Good News – 4:29
03. Strong Convictions – 3:53
04. He’s Been In My Shoes – 4:22
05. Praying Man – 4:25
06. Underneath The Blood – 3:30
07. Sleeping Giant – 5:28
08. Believer In Deed – 4:06
09. Marks Of The Cross – 4:35
10. Just Reach Out – 4:28

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and CD by DaySpring Records. Remastered by Rob Colwell and re-issued on CD in 2023 through the combined efforts of Girder Music and Word/Curb Records (1500 copies only). Also released on 12-inch vinyl LP by Girder Music pressed on 180 Gram Yellow Vinyl.