Jekyll And Hyde (Petra Album)

''Jekyll & Hyde'' is the twentieth studio album released by Christian rock band Petra. It was released in 2003 by Inpop Records. It is the most recent studio album released by Petra to date (excluding the Spanish version, released the following year). The music features a progressive metal sound that drew comparison to Dio and Queensrÿche.

The title of the album is based on Robert Louis Stevenson's 1886 novella ''The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'' due to the similar issues of sin and temptation it deals with.

Album background

Concept and songwriting

After the release of ''Revival'', Petra's third praise album and their first album with Inpop Records, John Schlitt says fans started sending e-mails to the record company asking them for a more straightforward rock album. Inpop agreed to the idea and they started working on a second album together.

Schlitt has said that the record company encouraged Petra founder, guitarist and main songwriter Bob Hartman to "write those songs that you're used to writing. Don't try to write like this or try to be like that. Just be you" which motivated Hartman. New bassist Greg Bailey also collaborated in the writing of the song "Would'a, Could'a, Should'a", along with Hartman.

The concept of the album, and its title track, is a reference to Robert Louis Stevenson novella ''The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde''. According to Hartman, it "is an intriguing look at the internal battle between right and wrong. It's about the fighting that goes on inside of us. It's like when Paul said, 'The things I want to do are the things I don't do, and the things I don't want to do are the things that I do.'"

According to Brent Handy, an industry insider that worked with singer John Schlitt on Project Damage Control, "the band thought that ''Jekyll & Hyde'' was a make-or-break album".Bob Hartman confirms that Petra plans to retire
on PetraRocksMyWorld; Renaud, Josh

Recording

With Schlitt and Hartman as the only remaining members, Greg Bailey was hired as bassist. Bailey collaborated in the songwriting of one song and recorded background vocals. However, producer Peter Furler, one of Inpop's founders, decided to use session musicians Wade Jaynes and Phil Joel to play bass.

The album also features Furler on drums replacing long-time member Louie Weaver for the recording. However, temporary drummer Justin Johnson is partially featured on the album booklet. He would tour with the band until permanent drummer Paul Simmons was hired.

Track listing

All songs written by Bob Hartman, except where noted.
# "Jekyll & Hyde" – 3:04
# "All About Who You Know" – 2:35
# "Stand" – 3:19
# "Would'a, Should'a, Could'a" (words & music by Hartman and Greg Bailey) – 2:58
# "Perfect World" – 3:13
# "Test of Time" – 3:00
# "I Will Seek You" – 2:34
# "Life As We Know It" – 3:27
# "Till Everything I Do" – 3:03
# "Sacred Trust" – 3:52

Awards

* Nominated for Grammy Award for Best Rock Gospel Album in 2003.

Personnel

Petra
* John Schlitt – lead vocals
* Bob Hartman – guitars
* Greg Bailey – backing vocals

Guest musicians
* Jeff Frankenstein – programming
* Wade Jaynes – bass
* Phil Joel – bass, backing vocals
* Peter Furler – drums, backing vocals
* Jamie Rowe – backing vocals

Production
* Peter Furler – producer
* Dan Rudin – engineer at Bridge St. Studios
* Bob Hartman – additional engineer at House of Bob Studios
* Tony Palacios – mixing at The Sound Kitchen, Franklin, Tennessee
* Kevin Pickle – mix assistant
* Richard Dodd – mastering at Vital Recordings, Nashville, Tennessee
* Clark Hook – cover art and design
* Jennie Rollings – cover art and design
* Allen Clark – photography

References

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2003 albums
Petra (band) albums
Inpop Records albums
Works based on Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Music based on works by Robert Louis Stevenson