In 1984, Petra was riding a wave of success, thanks to a trio of hit albums and a string of hit singles. However, change was in the air for the Christian rock act. Keyboardist John Slick bowed out, and lead vocalist Greg X. Volz was leaning toward the exit, too. On top of this, producer Jonathan David Brown wanted to continue the synth experimentation that began on Not of This World, leaning even harder into electronic music. This led to bassist Mark Kelly and drummer Louie Weaver getting benched while their instruments' parts were programmed on a synthesizer. Blowing in on these winds of change was Petra's most unique album yet: Beat the System.

Despite the fact that Volz and guitarist Bob Hartman provide the only "real" performances for the record, Beat the System continues the same energy level from their previous album. You get the sense from listening that at least some of the people in the studio were having fun trying out all the fancy synth equipment. Songs like "Computer Brains" and "Witch Hunt" have a little flair to them that isn't often heard in a Petra tune. That said, with a synth-heavy album called Beat the System, one would think the sound would lean more into that computer feel. However, outside of the first two tracks (and a little on the opening of "Hollow Eyes"), that electronic sound fades into a typical '80s synth that washes over each song. The sound can grow on the listener after a while, but the album still feels incredibly dated (even by modern synth-revival standards). I'm sure, for its time, it was a cutting edge album in the CCM scene, but today it doesn't hold up as well.

Aside from the sonic experiments, Beat the System feels like a continuation of what Petra had been doing up to this point. The title track encourages Christians to break away from the world (kind of like the last album's title track). "Computer Brains" offers a more unique, computerized flair to holy living. "It is Finished" is the perfect '80s Easter song, and pairs well with "Clean." "Hollow Eyes" takes the American listener outside of comfort for four minutes, focusing on the poor and needy in other countries. This song contains a great twist in the bridge that I won't spoil here. Although not penned by Volz, "Adonai" is a worthy addition to Petra's growing catalogue of original worship songs. Petra's version of "God Gave Rock and Roll to You" makes another appearance here as well, though (for this reviewer) it is the lesser version. Other tracks, like "Voice in the Wind" and "Speak to the Sky," can easily become dark horse favorites with their unique twists on the usual Petra sound.

Of the Greg X. Volz/Jonathan David Brown era of Petra, Beat the System is usually considered the weakest outing by fans. Viewed from a historical perspective, it is a bold experiment that boasts slick production for its time. However, the balance of synth with the other instruments will be found as Petra moves on with new keyboardist John Lawry and new producers. Taken on its own, though, Beat the System is a special entry in Petra's discography. It may not be everyone's favorite, but it showed the band experimenting and trying something new. Maybe it doesn't stick the landing, but it sets the stage for the band's next decade -- and arguably their golden age.

- Review date: 3/11/26, written by John Underdown of Jesusfreakhideout.com