So, I loaded the album into my computer and downloaded it to my Sansa Express. I placed the earphones in my ears and hit play...
... and immediately remembered why I didn't spend much time on this album.
Nevertheless, I was committed for the week. Otherwise, I probably would have replayed my kneejerk reaction from a few years ago, when I listened to the CD (maybe) once, hated it, and put it away, never to be played again.
Until this past week.
Since I was stuck with the album, I tried to make the best of it. The problem is that I'm a HUGE Petra fan. I love so many of their songs, and it was almost a personal affront to me to hear these rearranged versions.
I decided to think of this album very much as an "unplugged" album. I tried not to focus too much on how different the songs were from the original versions, but, instead, to focus on the aspects of each of the songs that I enjoyed in this form.
First off, let me just say, once I got past my "that's not right!" feelings, I really was amazed at aspects of this album.
Most obviously, the acoustic factor that was so jarring when I first started listening, soon became the aspect that I warmed to fastest. As I listened during my Bible study one day, I was shocked to find how much these softer versions of great songs added to my personal worship experience.
Along that same line, I realized that, while I love the traditional sound of Petra, these arrangements allowed the music to be far more accessible to the general populous. I could very much see these arrangements being used in any church, during any service.
As the week progressed, I also became more and more aware of the background orchestration, which added depth and strength to these arrangements. To hear such a variety of instruments on a Petra album became a real treat for me.
Generally speaking, I came to appreciate many of the new arrangements on their own merits. While I still prefer the originals on some of these, I was genuinely shocked as I began to realize that I was actually enjoying some of the songs on this album more than the originals.
The version of Judas Kiss on this album is one of those. I appreciated the use of the harmonica (HARMONICA! ON A PETRA ALBUM!) as well as the orchestra.
The most successful remake on this album, in my eyes, in terms of an updated "voice" to the the song has to be Beat the System. The original, while a classic, is very dated sounding. This update is a very strong way to usher the song to a new generation.
Far and away, though, my favorite new arrangement has to be for Praying Man. I love the original, but I have to say, I love this version even more. It is a very blue-sy version, and, yes, it has the harmonica that I'm enamored with on this album.
There are stumbling points on the album, though. Most of the songs are not improvements on the originals. I found myself often thinking, even after repeated plays, yeah, it is okay, but the original is still better.
The worst offender on the entire album, though, is The Coloring Song. The update is nowhere near as amazing as the original. It is a darker, plodding version of that great original. This is the one song on the entire album that I'm thankful that I don't have to listen to again.
On the original song front, there is The Longing and Breathe In. The Longing is a decent song, with a good message, but nothing spectacular. On the other hand, Breathe In is a fantastic song, with only one problem - it isn't a Petra song.
It is great, don't get me wrong, but it isn't a Petra tune at all. As a result, it seems an odd inclusion on this album (especially when you factor in that John Schlitt doesn't sing lead on this song - unlike every other song on the album). I could very much imagine it being done by one of the former members of DC Talk, or the Newsboys.
Overall, I've really come to enjoy the album and its different take on some classics. By giving the album a chance, I learned that my initial reaction was merely an over reaction to a new way of looking at things. Yeah, there was some stumbling, but there was also a homerun or two. On a scale from 1 to 10, I'd give the album about a 7.5.
And what is being loading into my Sansa for this next week? It is the Jars of Clay album, Who We Are Instead.
As always, if you have a suggestion of something you think I should be listening to, let me know.
Type at you later!
(Another request - Magneto.)
Comments