Not of This World

Petra | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Starsong
• ASIN: B000008U90
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,272 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #41 in Music > Christian > Rock & Alternative

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best Petra album with Greg X Volz, February 11, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Not of This World (Audio CD)

This is one of my all-time favorite Christian rock albums. It still holds up well. I just listened to it again recently.

"Not of This World" begins with a heavily layered synthesizer version of the "Doxology," called "Visions," which flows into the title track, "Not of This World." These two songs are reminiscent in style to Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" album--mysteriously slow tempo, acoustic guitar, multi-layered synthesizers, and straight-up bass and drums. The melody and vocal harmonies are hauntingly beautiful.

The next track, "Bema Seat," is an exciting, up-tempo rocker that really draws no comparisons to mind. It is uniquely Petra's style.

The fourth track is "Grave Robber." This is a beautiful acoustic-rock song that has very powerful lyrics, especially for anyone who has lost a loved one.

The fifth track is "Blinded Eyes." Great medium tempo rock riffs along with interesting high-hat rhythm on the drums. During a tasteful bass solo break the background sounds remind one of old '70's R&B (e.g. "Papa Was A Rolling Stone"). Incredibly, vocalist Greg X Volz stretches his tenor voice to soprano range(again)!

Track number 6 is a catchy gospel message to walk by faith, "Not By Sight." It makes effective use of stop time, not normally heard in rock. Good medium rock tune.

The next track, "Lift Him Up," is a mediocre pop tune, but works in the context of the rest of the record.

Track 8, "Pied Piper," is another good fast-paced rocker. To anyone familiar with Petra's "Never Say Die Album," it sounds similar to the song, "Chamelion." It is difficult to draw a comparison to this song with anything in the pop/rock genre, since it has a distinct Petra sound.

Track 9, "Godpleaser," is a nice, medium-tempo with a happy sounding melody and spiritually uplifting lyrics and a motivational message. It works well on this disc especially near the end.

Track 10 is a reprise of the "Visions/Doxology."

This is definitely worth having in your collection. It takes one on a mystical musical journey from start to finish. Buy it.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Possibly the best Christian rock album ever, April 23, 2004

By 

Brian Hulett "okierazorbacker2" (Oinklahoma) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Not of This World (Audio CD)

Well, that's a heady statement to make, I realize. And I must admit I've not followed the genre closely for a few years. Still, I would easily rank this up there with anything by Degarmo & Key, Larry Norman, Carman, etc.

Petra's style at the time of this release (1983) was straight-on mainstream rock'n'roll, and you could possibly make a case for comparing their style to Kansas, Styx, Foreigner, etc., of the same era. But it's not quite fair to say "they sound like so-and-so," because Petra clearly had an original sound that keeps them from being so easily pigeonholed. My wife, the lucky bird, got to see them in concert when this recording was brand new. I could have too, but was far from God at the time and was totally uninterested. Such is life.

There is not a weak track on this CD, either lyrically or musically. I just relistened a few days ago and currently "Blinded Eyes" is looping through my head. Very nice. The tunes are all full of memorable hooks and inspiring lyrics, including possibly my favorite Petra track, "Graverobber," a song about the Lord's return when he'll open the graves and reunite the bodies of the saints with their souls and raise them up to meet Him in the air.

If you like your rock solid with a pop edge, and are always happy to hear such a sound being presented with a clear gospel intent, this is a must-own CD.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best petra album before John Schlitt, September 23, 2006

By 

Michael Jones "avid music fan and book reader" (Cambridge, MD) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Not of This World (Audio CD)

This in my humble opinion is the best Petra album of the Greg x voltz era. His vocal talent really shines on this one. This is a must have for any petra fans.

The only thing I did not like was the fact that it was really not a band effort.

Louie Weaver did not play on this one. I dont know who else didn't, but I do know that not everybody in the band was apart of this. Or had very little to do with it.

Bob did tell me though that since Louie was a live drummer he played relativly few albums. But dont let that stop you from buying this album in anyway