DOUBLE TAKE

Yes, this is the album that came out in Y2K. Yes, this is the one that won a Grammy for “Best Rock Gospel Album.” Yes, this is the one that the industry (and the band’s label) pretty much ignored. I kept hearing about this album, but never saw a copy until this summer. My calls for a review copy went ignored. But the band’s manager hooked me up at the Sonshine Festival.
. . .My first discovery was that “this isn’t an acoustic album of Petra hits…” It’s a re-invented look at several of their classics. Granted, the acoustic guitars and a string section are featured on about all these tunes, but a full band accompanies these re-works. While the overall feel is more modern and a much more consistent listen than a chronological compilation would be, you have to get past the familiarity of these songs to enjoy them in their new surroundings. In this light, these stripped-down rockers sound pretty good. Taking a Grammy over Southtown or Speakeasy? I dunno. Fans of Creed, Shaded Red, or 3rd Day will want to give this a listen. [Word/ Doug Van Pelt]