Back to the Street is the eighth studio album of the Christian rock band, Petra. It was released in 1986 and is the first album to be produced by John and Dino Elefante.
The album is also the first to feature new lead singer John Schlitt, former lead singer of Head East, and the last to feature a guitar-shaped space ship on its cover.
While the sound of the album is rather transitional and unlike anything that would be heard by the group for another seven years, it did mark a movement toward the style that would become Petra's most identifiable sound: prominent keyboards backing up hard-edged guitar tones and raspy, near-screaming vocals.
Track listing All songs written by Bob Hartman, except where noted. "Back to the Street" – 4:14 "You Are I Am" – 3:08 "Shakin the House" (words by Hartman and John Lawry) – 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" (words by Hartman and Dino Elefante) – 3:17
Awards Nominated for Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance in 1986.
Personnel Petra Bob Hartman – guitars, arrangements John Schlitt – lead vocals, backing vocals John Lawry – keyboards, Fairlight programming, background vocals Mark Kelly – bass guitar, background vocals Louie Weaver – drums
Additional personnel John Elefante – keyboards, backing vocals, arrangements Dino Elefante – arrangements
Production John Elefante – producer, engineer, mixing at Pakaderm Studio, Long Beach, California Dino Elefante – producer, engineer, mixing Mike Mireau – engineer Dave Rogers – art direction, cover design, concept Randy Rogers – art direction, cover design, concept, illustration Bill Brunt – art direction, photography Scott Bonner – photography Ron Keith – photography
References