Back to the Street

Back to the Street is the ninth release 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.

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.

1. "Back to the Street" – 4:14
2. "You Are I Am" – 3:08
3. "Shakin the House" (Words by Hartman and John Lawry) – 4:28
4. "King's Ransom" – 4:18
5. "Whole World" – 4:50
6. "Another Crossroad" – 3:50
7. "Run for Cover" – 3:15
8. "Fool's Gold" – 4:48
9. "Altar Ego" – 4:43
10. "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 - Guitar
• John Schlitt - Lead Vocals
• John Lawry - Keyboards, vocals
• Mark Kelly - Bass, vocals
• Louie Weaver - Drums

Additional musicians

• John Elefante - Additional keyboards, vocals

Production

• John & Dino Elefante - Producer

Recording

• Recorded and Mixed at Pakaderm Studio, Long Beach, California
• Engineered by Dino Elefante, John Elefante and Mike Mireau