Come and Join Us
Come and Join Us is the second studio album of the Christian rock band Petra. It was released in 1977. The album continues with a style similar to the one of their previous album, which is something between country and Southern rock. However, the music is more rock-oriented, and the lyrics show more depth. Also - like their previous album - there is no lead singer per se. Instead, the lead vocals are handled by guitarists Bob Hartman and Greg Hough, and some guest singers. One of the guest singers is Greg X. Volz who later became  the band's full-time singer. Producing. Bob Hartman wanted to title the album "God Gave Rock and Roll to You", after one of the songs. This song was written by Russ Ballard for his band Argent, and later became a rock music anthem, covered by other bands like KISS (1991) and Bride (1993). However, Myrrh Records deemed it to be inappropriate and forced Hartman to change the title. Petra would cover that song again in 1984 on their seventh album, "Beat the System". Another drawback for Hartman was the exclusion of the song "Killing My Old Man". It was  recorded for this album, but was dropped by Myrrh before the album was released. The song remained a staple in concert, though, and was eventually recorded for the 1981 album, "Never Say Die". Track listing. All songs written by Bob Hartman, except where noted. Vinyl. Side one Side two CD. Note: The 2011 reissue on Wounded Bird Records (on one disc with "Petra") restores the original (i.e. vinyl) running order. Cover art. The cover art was done by Dennis Bellile while the band's logo was designed by Craig Yoe (Yoe-Yoe Studio). Personnel. Petra Guest musicians Production Come and