In the dimly lit corridors of rock history, few bands have left footprints as deep and lasting as Petra. Now, as they mark their momentous 50th anniversary, the pioneers of Christian rock are giving their faithful followers one final gift: "Best For Last" – a carefully curated vinyl collection that serves as both a celebration and a farewell.
The announcement of this limited-edition release isn't just another merchandise drop; it's a profound statement of legacy. Petra, the world's most commercially successful Christian rock band, has spent five decades demolishing the barriers between faith and rock 'n' roll, proving that you can praise with power chords and worship with wailing guitars.
The new release, pressed in stunning Gold Marble Swirl vinyl and limited to just 500 copies, is more than just a greatest hits compilation. It's a carefully orchestrated journey through time, featuring studio recordings of the exact setlist from their "Best For Last Tour." Each track has been specifically chosen to represent different eras of the band's evolution, from their raw, pioneering days in the '70s to their arena-rock triumph of the '90s.
Throughout the 1980s and into the early 1990s, Petra was one of the world's most popular Christian rock bands, selling hundreds of thousands of albums and packing arenas across the globe. This new collection captures that magic in twelve perfectly selected tracks, each remastered to deliver the punch and clarity that modern vinyl enthusiasts demand.
When John Schlitt joined Petra in 1986, nobody could have predicted the seismic impact this former Head East vocalist would have on the band's trajectory. With his powerful vocal range and remarkable abilities, Schlitt didn't just fill a vacancy – he helped catapult Petra into their most successful era.
The inclusion of his handwritten setlist with each copy of "Best For Last" adds a deeply personal touch to this release. Complete with a crossed-out song, it offers fans a glimpse into the human side of rock stardom – the last-minute decisions, the spontaneity, and the organic nature of live performance.
In more than three decades, Petra released 20 studio albums, two Spanish-language albums, and two live albums, selling nearly 10 million copies worldwide. Their trophy case boasts four Grammy Awards (from 13 nominations) and 10 Dove Awards – statistics that would make any mainstream rock band envious.
But numbers only tell part of the story. Petra influenced numerous other artists at a time when Christian rock experienced strong opposition from many conservative circles. They didn't just create music; they created possibilities, showing subsequent generations that rock music could be a vehicle for faith without compromising either artistic integrity or spiritual sincerity.
The album's track listing reads like a roadmap through Christian rock history. From the thunderous opening of "Destiny" to the triumphant closer "All Fired Up," each song represents a different chapter in Petra's evolution. "Beyond Belief," "Jekyll & Hyde," and "Dance" showcase the band's ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes while maintaining their core message.
What makes this collection special is how it weaves together different eras seamlessly. The early raw energy of songs like "Somebody's Gonna Praise His Name" sits comfortably alongside the polished production of later hits like "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High," creating a musical tapestry that spans generations.
In an age of digital streaming and disposable content, there's something profoundly appropriate about Petra choosing vinyl for this farewell release. The format demands intention – you can't simply skip tracks with a click. It requires the listener to engage with the music the way it was meant to be experienced: as a complete journey.
The Gold Marble Swirl pressing isn't just aesthetically pleasing; it's symbolic of Petra's enduring influence – the way their music has marbled through the bedrock of Christian rock, creating patterns that continue to influence and inspire.
Petra's journey is one of faith, perseverance, and groundbreaking music. They didn't just define Christian rock; they redefined what was possible within the genre. When they were inducted as the first rock band in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, it wasn't just an honor for Petra – it was a validation for every Christian musician who dared to turn their amp up to eleven.
The inclusion of the autographed setlist with "Best For Last" is particularly significant. In an era where digital signatures and NFTs threaten to replace physical memorabilia, this tangible piece of history connects fans directly to the band's legacy. The fact that one song is crossed out adds an element of authenticity – this isn't a pristine, sanitized piece of merchandise, but a real artifact from a living, breathing tour.
As Petra prepares to release this limited-edition treasure on May 16, 2025, through Girder Records, they're doing more than just putting out another album. They're providing a bookend to a story that began in 1972 when a group of college students in Fort Wayne, Indiana, dared to believe that rock music could be a vehicle for their faith.
This release isn't just for the die-hard Petheads who've been there since the beginning. It's for every musician who's ever been told their style was too loud for church. It's for every fan who's found their faith strengthened through power chords and drum solos. It's for everyone who believes that music can be both holy and heavy.
Limited to 500 copies, "Best For Last" is certain to become a collector's item. But more than that, it's a testament to a band that never compromised, never backed down, and always kept their faith at the forefront of their rock 'n' roll mission.
For those lucky enough to secure a copy, this isn't just an album – it's a piece of rock history, a spiritual artifact, and a final love letter to the fans who've supported Petra's ministry through music for half a century.
Pre-orders are available now at GirderMusic.com. And as any Pethead will tell you, this is one piece of vinyl that truly lives up to its name – they really did save the best for last.