Petra - Hope - 2026

Overall, Hope isn't bad. At first, I'll be honest and say it: I was disappointed. I felt like it left a lot to be desired. But, I'm clearly in the minority since the album is getting rave reviews from Petheads all over facebook and youtube, so I will defer to them. I just wish some of the solos were longer and they stayed away from the auto-tune. It's not overly used, but when it is, you can notice it clearly. And like Jekyll and Hyde, it's just too short at only 35 minutes. That being said, it has grown on me quite a bit since I first heard it. It almost sounds like it could be a continuation of John Schlitt's solo music mixed with Jekyll and Hyde (except the solos on John's solo work is far superior in my humble opinion). The mixing is pretty good though and there are plenty of hooks, so I can see why people give this such a high rating. I appreciate the bass is prominent but not overpowering and the drums sound great and "pop" just like Petra is known for.

Here are my thoughts on each song:

Filthy Lucre - To be expected, Petra starts off with a "rocker", which is great. And I like the concept and the use of old English (KJV). That being said, that's really all I like about it. Ironically, this is my least favorite song on the album. It has weak songwriting, an okay hook and disappointingly basic guitar solo. Sadly, I will likely skip this if it was in my playlist.

Kiss the Coals - This starts off with another simple guitar riff, but the songwriting is far better. It has a very good hook. I love Lowry keyboards in the background. John sounds great on this song. Bob Hartman has what sounds like would be the best solo on the album but it's only about 5 seconds and then another 2 seconds towards the end. Despite that, this is probably one of my fave songs on the album.

Oxygen - Like "All over Me", "Friends", and "Hand on My Heart", Petra sometimes likes to try something a little different than a straightforward rock song or heartfelt ballad. Oxygen has a reggae/Caribbean vibe, and it actually sounds very good. Very good songwriting. I especially appreciate the bass, Caribbean-style drums and keyboards. And Hartman's songwriting shines here.

Skin in the Game - Probably the heaviest song on the album. I enjoy the guitar tone on this track and it has a very good and catchy chorus. I appreciate the overall mix as well. I was glad to hear that Bob was able to shine a bit here, with the exception that he didn't get a solo. This song sounds like something that could have made it onto Unseen Power if it was written 20 years later.

We Rejoice in Hope - This is probably the best song on the album overall. It's upbeat and gives me a Boston or Styx vibe with the keyboards. This was Lowry's time to shine for sure. The lyrics are great and the both the verses and choruses are memorable. My only complaint is the auto-tune is very apparent on the verses. This song features the longest guitar solo Bob had a chance to play at the end of the song.

Miracle Maker - Here's another rockin' song that has a very catchy chorus. I appreciate that Bob's hard rock tone was yet again allowed to shine, and while the solo is short, it's probably the best one on the record. John's voice sounds the strong on this track as well.

There Will Still be a Dawn - The first ballad of album, sounds similar to something you'd hear on Wake-Up Call or No Doubt. The guitar is still there but clean with a little edge and fills in the track with the keyboards quite well. I don't really hear any auto-tune either, likely due to the fact the song is a lower energy. The lyrics and very encouraging and the chorus will get stuck in your head for sure. The backing vocals help fill things out and there's even a 2 measure guitar solo towards the end!

Thorns - Starts slow but turns into a rocker. Lowry's keyboards shine at the start, then you hear Bob's great guitar tone kick in. The drums and bass fill things out nicely. The song is catchy though the chorus is a little awkward. Not quite a B side as overall I appreciate this song.

Looking Back - One of the better ballads that Petra has written in a while. It sounds like a cross between Casting Crowns and something off WhiteHeart's "Redemption" album. This song is about Bob looking back on his life and how God has used him and led his destiny. I really love the lyrics and the chorus is amazing. I love the violin that is heard throughout the song. It has a almost a country-esque sound to it but still clearly a "soft-rock" song. John's "Woah!" is the highlight of the entire album for me. Overall, it's in the top 3 songs on the album for me.

Deliver Us - Overall this song is pretty good and sounds like it could have fit nicely among the last 2 songs on Jekyll and Hyde. The intro clean-guitar riff and keyboards make the song. A little too much auto-tune and another short guitar solo, but the lyrics and strong chorus, and catchy bridge make up for it. I love the Styx/Boston-esque interlude before the guitar solo.

Overall rating 6/10