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Writer's pictureJoel Caballero

Beyond Belief (1990)

Updated: Jan 5


Beyond Belief is the twelfth studio album by the Christian rock band Petra, released in the summer of 1990 on DaySpring/Word Records. Produced by John and Dino Elefante.


In this album, the band continues to polish their hard rock/arena rock sound the band had been working on their previous albums This Means War! and On Fire! before their praise album Petra Praise. As of late 2011, this is the band's most successful album both critically and commercially, and it is considered by most to be the peak of their discography.


Beyond Belief is listed at number 71 by CCM Magazine on their 2001 book The 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music. In 1991, Petra would win accolades starting with this album winning their first Grammy Award for Best Rock Gospel Album after five previous nominations and won Dove Awards for Group of the Year, Rock Album of the Year for Beyond Belief and the title song winning Rock Recorded Song of the Year. The album cover won a Dove Award for Best Recorded Music Packaging given to Mark Tucker and Buddy Jackson. Beyond Belief topped the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart and in 1995, the album was certified Gold by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) for sales of 500,000 copies.


Prior to the release of the album, Petra released a short film also called Beyond Belief. The film is produced and directed by Stephen Yake and written by Yake,

Tom Newman, Andrea Jobe, and Jeff Bates. Six music video were made: "Creed,"

"Armed and Dangerous," "Love," "Beyond Belief," Seen and Not Heard" and "I Am On The Rock." The film follows Chad Warren, a young senior in high school, who must face the illness of his brother, David during the summer. While David is diagnosed with cancer, Chad must compete in a huge track and field competition to get a scholarship at Angelo State. David also insists on Chad mending his relationship with their father, who recently walked out on their family. The short film was nominated for a Dove Award for Long Form Music Video.


Track listing

All songs were written by Bob Hartman, except where noted.


1. Armed and Dangerous -4:07

2. I Am On The Rock (Bob Hartman, John Elefante) -4:38

3. Creed -4:37

4. Beyond Belief -5:07

5. Love -4:11

6. Underground (Bob Hartman, John Elefante) -4:34

7. Seen and Not Heard -3:55

8. Last Daze -5:05

9. What's in a Name -3:35

10. Prayer -4:16


Personnel


Petra:

Bob Hartman -lead guitar, arrangements

John Schlitt -lead vocals, backing vocals

Ronny Cates -bass guitar

John Lawry -keyboards

Louie Weaver -drums


Gold certified in 1995.


Accolades

Grammy Award -Best Rock Gospel Album (Beyond Belief)

Dove Award -Group of the Year

Rock Album of the Year (Beyond Belief)

Rock Recorded Song of the Year ("Beyond Belief")


Radio singles

"Prayer" -#1 Christian CHR, #1 Christian AC

"Love" -#3 Christian CHR, #1 Christian AC

"Beyond Belief" -#6 Christian CHR, #3 Christian AC


Next release: Unseen Power (1991)

Watch the Petra long form video Beyond Belief here:


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