If you got to produce Petras next album....

[Auspet]

I thought it would be interesting to hear others' thoughts on what direction you would go if you were given the awesome priviledge and responsibility of producing Petras next album.

I have a feeling most of you would push the "ROCK" feel, as I definately would. As much as I absolutely adore each of the praise albums, it's time to stick with rock.

Personally I would bring back the keyboards for maybe half of the songs to give the album a bit more variety in sound. With Jekyll and Hyde, their were too many blank spaces to be filled for my liking (just my opinion). The keys don't necessarily need to go on tour, but for the studio album, I think it's a must.

I would be advising on the songs to have a bit more length about them than Jekyll & Hyde with some, no, lots of Bobs' guitar solos with a couple of songs containing instumental interludes like on Last Daze and the Medley at the end of Petra Praise 2.

I would bring back the "old" formula of having 2 or 3 ballads (at least one with a praise emphasis and one with Bobs' acoustic guitar genuis as shown in Grave Robber and Fools Gold etc) on the album as we all can say that we have been blessed by them in the past no matter how much of a head-banger we claim we are. The rest would be pure rock with a real hard edge, with styles along the lines of Midnight Oil, Jekyll and Hyde, Hit you where you live etc, apart from one, which would have a rock/praise feel like Somebody's Gonna Praise His Name or Creed.

For the album cover I would push for a new millenium style flying guitar incorporated with the band members to be on the front in one of those cool group photos like ones from the This means war! and On fire era (that point could be on a thread of it's own - I know many fans have different opinions on the old flying guitars and band members being on the cover ).

By the way, there have been reports that Petra might be doing a live album next. Any thoughts on what you would do with it? Some new material released live maybe??

Have fun with your ideas .

Remember, this being only hypothetical, we are sharing what we would desire in our hearts, not trying to dictate to Petra what they should do. Who knows, it may be your ideas that inspire them to go in a certain direction.

God Bless!

[LexingtonPethead]

Wayne, I think you nailed it, brother. I think this would be taking the next step. I see J&H as a transitional CD for them since they were technically down to just 2 members when it was put together (Greg wasn't a full-fledged member then was he?). I can understand the lack of "filling-in" as a result of their desire for their sound to be true to form. But now it's time for the next step.

[Jonathan]

Where are the reports of them doing another live album?

[Auspet]

Where are the reports of them doing another live album?

Jonathan,

In the "Petra to retire?" thread, Arni of Braquet says "About a new album, I spoke to John several times and he kept mentioning a live cd they have been wanting to do for years. They want to do it this year. They wanted to do a live album, but were forced to do Double Take by the label when that one came out (don't remember the year)."

I wasn't trying to imply that their next album was definately going to be a live album. Just repeating what I read. If it came across that way, I do apologize. I wasn't trying to start any rumors.

[executioner]

I would be suprised if there was a live album and also if there were any keys in the mix. Bob said(during Shoutfest '04) that Petra had a commitment from Inpop for a full length new material album for '05, and also that it would be along the same sound as JAH. I think JAH broke some ground for Petra with the youth. At Shoutfest the youth were really into the Petra sound more from them than any other artist(including Tait), and after Petra had played alot of youth went over and bought JAH and other merchandise. Later in the evening the guys came out to meet the fans at the table and the was a overwhelming response from the fans.
I'm not saying they should not have keys, but I think they have caught a glimpse of what the market (not radio) wants. In my heart I believe the touring aspect of the band would change for the better if managment was changed. There is NO commitment from managment with Petra.

[Shell]

I do pretty much agree with everything that has been said about management. But you know, the Petra guys are the ones who did the hiring, and you can't tell me they don't have an idea of how management is. You would have to be a complete idiot to be totally in the dark about what the people you work with are like. They're not dummies, and they're not helpless victims. It would have to be up to them to make any changes that might be necessary.

[ctwomn]

They have not done a live album w/ JS and I think that is about 'Dang" time! I remember thinking back in the early 90's how awesome it would be if they would just do a live album and video!
Maybe the fact that they are thinking about a live album is the reason we have not heard much new news. They really would not have to come up w/ any new material. So maybe your suspicions are correct! If they are....that would be GREAT!;)

[brent]

They have not done a live album w/ JS and I think that is about 'Dang" time! I remember thinking back in the early 90's how awesome it would be if they would just do a live album and video!
Maybe the fact that they are thinking about a live album is the reason we have not heard much new news. They really would not have to come up w/ any new material. So maybe your suspicions are correct! If they are....that would be GREAT!;)

Usually Live records do not sell well compared to new releases with fresh material. The record company's hate them. The die hard fans will buy them, but most people see the same songs listed and have no desire to buy a record twice. That in effect is what it is to them. DVD sales are down for this reason. They like new material.

I doubt that there will be a live DVD, atleast not in the USA. Maybe in Europe or someplace where they can sell out a stadium or large venue.

[epdc]

i would do my best to make it the best in the world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

am I not cute???

[LexingtonPethead]

Usually Live records do not sell well compared to new releases with fresh material. The record company's hate them. The die hard fans will buy them, but most people see the same songs listed and have no desire to buy a record twice. That in effect is what it is to them. DVD sales are down for this reason. They like new material.

As much as I would like to see a live album, Brent is right. This describes how I am with other bands that I don't like as much as Petra. I see the same titles and think of how I don't want to buy the same CD twice. Or, if I don't have those songs, I think about how much better the studio recording would be over the live version and I buy the studio recording instead of the live one. This has happened to me numerous times.

Maybe they will come out with new material as well as a live CD. Getting a live CD instead of new material I think would be a mistake. Getting both would be great.

[executioner]

I know Inpop was very happy with the sales of JAH, so I think they have sold more than people realize; That is why another new material album was requested, also I think it would be a HUGE mistake for a live album right now. They have some momentum with JAH and I think all new material would be great.

[nacman]

I would have to agree. With a limited amount of money to spend on CDs I would be much more inclined to buy a CD with all new stuff than a live one. It would also be nice to see them continue to develop the JAH sound some more.

[Auspet]

While I might be at risk of sounding like a certain bot roaming around the zone at the moment, I totally agree with most of you who don't think it would be a good idea to do a live album. Especially comming off Jekyll and Hyde. They have won a lot of the younger generation over with that album. I thought, if I loved it (and me being 35) then the teenagers probably wouldn't, but I was wrong. At our Aussie concert, a huge number of the crowd were young kids. Petra nearly totally emptied the tents of the performing bands that were next to the bigtop that Petra was performing in. I felt a bit sorry for the other bands actually. Bit deflating when your half way through a gig and most of your audience all of a sudden gets up and runs out the door !!

In a way, live albums seem to me to be another best of album with a bit of a different angle put on it. I don't really want to buy another album with songs on it that I already have. Mind you, if they did put one out, I probably would buy it, but would prefer to hear something new. It is more exiting for the fans that way . They (we) don't know what sounds to expect; new lyrics that speak to us in a different way than the words on previous albums, and new beats, rhythms and melodys. Like a kid, the night before Christmas, ya know!

[Jonathan]

If I was perducin' it, I'd say, "You're the artists...you know what you can do, you know what you want to do, how can I help you do it?"

[BriGuyPEI]

If Petra is seriously contemplating retiring, then here's how I'd like things to play out:

Fall 2005 - New studio album with all new material. Similar style to Jekyll & Hyde, only don't be scared of guitar solos/musical interludes. Also don't be slaves to the 10 song form.

Spring 2006 - Announce a farewell tour. During some big shows in Europe, record material for a live album. Possibly even a live DVD as well. During these shows, use different setlists at each one. Showcase the great songs through all of Petra's history, not just the new ones. Bring back the mini acoustic set as well.

January 2007 - Petra's 35th anniversary. Farewell tour concludes. Petra leaves with their heads held high.

Spring 2007 - 2-disc live album (and DVD?) released. As mentioned, song list should cover Petra's ENTIRE history.
As for the title? That's a whole new subject for debate. Some possibilities:
One For The Road
It Is Finished
Into The Sunset
Rockin' On With Jesus