Not Of This World is the sixth studio album by the Christian rock band Petra, released in 1983 on Star Song Records. The album is produced and arranged by Jonathan David Brown. It is very similar to its predecessor More Power to Ya, and Bob Hartman has stated that he considers it to be the musical equivalent of a sequel.
This album includes some of the group's most popular recordings from the 1980s including the title song, "Grave Rubber," "Not by Sight," "Blinded Eyes" and "Bema Seat." The use of keyboards is featured prominently in this album compared to its predecessor, but not nearly to the level as featured on Beat the System. Petra also made their very first music video for the song "Blinded Eyes."
Petra earned their first Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Performance by a Duo or Group for Not Of This World at the 27th Grammy Awards. In 1984, Not Of This World peaked at number 1 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart for one week, knocking out Amy Grant's Age to Age album after spending 82 weeks, only to be knocked down by Grant's next album Straight Ahead.
Track listing
All songs were written by Bob Hartman, except where noted.
1. Visions (Doxology) (arranged by John Slick) -2:02
2. Not Of This World -4:52
3. Bema Seat -3:57
4. Grave Robber -4:20
5. Blinded Eyes -5:33
6. Not by Sight (John Slick) -3:22
7. Lift Him Up -3:27
8. Pied Piper -4:01
9. Occupy -3:31
10. Godpleaser -4:37
11. Visions (Doxology) (reprise) (arranged by John Slick) -2:26
Personnel
Petra:
Bob Hartman -lead guitar, acoustic guitar, backing vocals
Greg X. Volz -lead vocals, rhythm guitar, percussion
Mark Kelly -bass guitar, backing vocals
John Slick -keyboards, synthesizer arrangement, backing vocals
Louie Weaver -drums, backing vocals
Radio singles
1983 -1984 "Not Of This World" -#3 Christian AC/CHR
1984 "Grave Robber" -#22 Christian AC/CHR
Previous release: More Power to Ya (1982)
Next release: Beat the System (1985)
Watch the music video of "Blinded Eyes" here: