As part of the really good PETRA iconic albums remastered reissue series done by Girder Records, here’s the 1986 Dino and John Elefante produced “Back to the Street“. These limited run melodic hard rock classics are back in remastered deluxe editions on both vinyl and CD so fans can rediscover just what made these albums so pivotal in the history of US CCM melodic hard rock, as well as introduce them to those who may have missed these iconic releases the first time around.
Very few bands have had more than one lead singer in which the later singers saw as much, if not more, success than the previous. Those exceptions would be Sammy Hagar of Van Halen, Brian Johnson of AC/DC, Dio with Black Sabbath and John Schlitt with Petra.
“Back to the Street”, Schlitt’s first album with the band and their 8th overall album, gave PETRA new life and even more success than they could have dreamed of garnering a Grammy Nomination with this album.
Take a look a the year of release; 1986. Take a look at the producers. Yeah, “Back to the Street” is catchy melodic rock / AOR with that American flavor from the era.
When you start this strong you are either doomed for failure or as in John Schlitt’s situation, you have something to prove. The band was stronger and tighter thanks to the work of producers John and Dino Elefante, who demanded excellence if they were going to stamp their name on it.
Petra fans were delighted. Melodic Rock with guitar hooks, catchy lyrics, soaring vocals, AOR ear-candy like no other. The new vocalist fit like a hand in a glove.
“Back to the Street” was strong musically and sonically. Everything about this album just works, and manages to sound surprisingly relevant today.
Remastered from original sources by Rob Colwell, “Back to the Street” never sounded this fuller. Mid-Eighties melodic Rock / AOR aficionados rejoice.
HIGHLY Recommended
TRACKS
Back To The Street (4:12)
You Are I Am (3:08)
Shakin’ The House (4:28)
King’s Ransom (4:18)
Whole World (4:50)
Another Crossroad (3:50)
Run For Cover (3:15)
Fool’s Gold (4:48)
Altar Ego (4:43)
Thankful Heart (3:17)
Bob Hartman – Guitar
Mark Kelly – Bass
Louie Weaver – Drums
John Lawry – Keyboards
John Schlitt – Lead vocals