This is the Imperials 2nd Christmas album. While their first one was very very popular, this one, not so much. In part it is because they self released it so it probably only sold through their mail order program. This was a period that the Imperials were struggling with record labels. The album is traditional Christmas songs done in a very traditional quartet style. It’s not even in the same ballpark as their first album but I don’t think they wanted it to be.
Tracklist 1 – Sleigh Ride 2 – White Christmas 3 – Silent Night 4 – O Come, O Come Emmanuel 5 – I Have Seen The Light 6 – The Christmas Song 7 – Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas 8 – Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee 9 – What Child Is This 10 – Hark The Herald Angels Sing
This is an album from the Imperials that seemed to slip under the radar. I don’t even remember this one and we listened to the Imperials back in this era. Maybe we did hear it and just ignored it as it’s pretty worship oriented. This was the last album with Sherman Andrus and Terry Blackwood before they went on to their own duo act. Strangely Andrus is not credited on the album but he’s rather obviously there. It’s a little hard to believe this was done in error so there’s a story there for sure. As for the album it’s pretty standard fare for an early 70’s Imperials album. Nothing really stood out on it for me but if you like the Imperials form this era this album will satisfy your ears.
Tracklist 1 – Just Because He Loves You – 4:08 2 – Jesus Came Into My Life – 2:45 3 – Love, It Comes In All Colors – 2:47 4 – Sweet Jesus – 4:10 5 – He Made My Life Come Together – 5:10 6 – He’s Coming Back – 3:23 7 – He Loves Me So – 4:09 8 – David’s Psalm – 4:17 9 – Sunny Day – 4:02 10 – Sometimes Alleluia – 3:55
Credits Arranged By – Jack Williams Arranged By [Orchestral Arrangements By] – Buddy Skipper Arranged By [Track Arrangements] – Gary S. Paxton Arranged By [Vocal Arrangements] – Terry Blackwood Art Direction – Bob McConnell Bass – Jack Williams, Steve Schaffer Design [Cover Design], Illustration – Michael Harris Drums – Kenny Malone, Larri London Engineer – Bob Clark Guitar – Bobby Thompson, Steve Gibson Keyboards – Buddy Skipper, Pig Robbins, Ron Oates, Shane Keister Percussion – Farrell Morris Photography [Cover Photography] – Dill Beaty Producer – Phil Johnson
The previous Imperials album to this one, “Side By Side”, was one of the Imperials least popular albums as it was just a little too Worship oriented. The Imperials returned with this album of far more pop oriented songs. Obviously they were going after a more youthful audience. The album succeeds relatively well in that regard with a few songs I would almost classify as pop, especially the first three tracks. After that the album dissolves into a normal Imperials album. Two of those first three tracks actually singled. “Let The Wind Blow” made it to #1 and “In The Promised Land” peaked at #3 on the charts. Also charting were “Jericho” at #12 and “Taking the Time” at #27. The people in charge should have noticed the success of this pop sound but alas on most albums we were only treated to one of two songs that had that sound. My final thoughts on this release is that it is probably one of their best albums from a youthful perspective. That said it never made it’s way into our collections at the time so maybe I’m completely wrong.
Tracklist
1 – In The Promised Land – 4:18
2 – Bread Of Life – 3:53
3 – Let The Wind Blow – 5:03
4 – Jericho – 4:54
5 – The Deeper Meaning – 4:08
6 – Sing For Joy – 3:31
7 – Today – 3:43
8 – Taking The Time – 3:56
9 – Miracles – 4:17
10 – Not To Us, O Lord – 4:18
Credits Arranged By – Brown Bannister, Imperials Arranged By [Horns] – Jerry Hey Art Direction – Kent Hunter, Thomas Ryan Design Bass – Mike Brignardello, Nathan East CGI Artist – Daniel Buehler Design – Kent Hunter, Thomas Ryan Design Drums – Paul Leim Electric Piano, Synthesizer – John Schriner, Michael W. Smith, Robbie Buchanan, Shane Keister Engineer, Mixed By – Jack Joseph Puig Executive-Producer – Dan Harrel, Michael Blanton Guitar – Dann Huff Horns – Berwyn Linton, William F. Reichenbach, Charles B. Findley, Doug Dana, Gary E. Grant, Jerry Hey, Lawrence L. Williams Keyboards, Piano – Bill Purse, Keith Thomas, Michael W. Smith Percussion – Paulinho Da Costa Photography By – Mark Tucker (7) Producer – Brown Bannister Programmed By [Fairlight] – Rhett Lawrence Vocals Lead – Paul Smith Vocals Tenor – Jim Murray Vocals Baritone – David Will Vocals Bass – Armond Morales
Companies, etc. Record Company – Word, Inc. Recorded At – Santa Barbara Sound Design Recorded At – Bullet Recording Recorded At – The Bennett House Recorded At – Bill Schnee Studios Recorded At – Mama Jo’s Mixed At – Mama Jo’s Mastered At – The Mastering Lab Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc. Copyright (c) – Word, Inc.
This album was the start of the Russ Taff era of the Imperials. I was going to say this this is was unarguably their most successful era but in retrospect they had so many era’s that I”m not sure I can say which is their most successful. I think my favourite era was the Paul Smith era but I think this was due to timing as opposed to quality. My actual only criticism of this album is the cover. I think they were going for the singers in a spotlight on a dark stage but instead it just came out all dark and boring. Not the best artwork in my opinion. The album was produced by Chris Christian who was just really coming into his own at this point and this is a very well produced album.
Tracklist 1 – Water Grave – 3:56 2 – Satisfaction Guaranteed – 3:50 3 – Gotta Watch, Gotta Pray – 3:08 4 – More Each Day – 3:28 5 – There Will Never Be Any Peace – 2:59 6 – Sail On – 3:30 7 – Keep On Walking – 2:52 8 – Sonlight – 3:03 9 – Bread On The Water – 3:08 10 – Try Again – 2:59
Credits Lanny Avery – Engineer Brown Bannister – Engineer, Bells Peter Bordonali – Guitars Jerry Carrigan – Drums Annie Chapman – Songwriter Steve Chapman – Songwriter Chris Christian – Producer, Arranger, Songwriter, Keyboards, Guitars, Banjo Steve Gibson – Guitars Janny Grein – Songwriter Bill Grine – Songwriter James Hollihan – Songwriter Archie Jordan – Arranger Shane Keister – Keyboards Kenny Malone – Drums Armond Morales – Vocals Farrell Morris – Percussion Jim Murray – Songwriter, Vocals Bobby Ogdin – Keyboards Joe Osborn – Bass Billy Puett – Horns Eugene Record – Songwriter Terry Robinson – Songwriter Steve Schaeffer – Bass Don Sheffield – Horns Sheldon Kurland – Strings Tim Sheppard – Songwriter Buddy Skipper – Horns Shanon Smith – Engineer Denis Solee – Saxophone Russ Taff – Songwriter, Vocals Travis Turk – Engineer D. Bergen White – Arranger David Will – Vocals Jack Williams – Bass Bobby Wood – Keyboards Reggie Young – Guitars
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Word, Inc. Produced For – Home Sweet Home Productions Recorded At – Gold Mine Studio Mixed At – Gold Mine Studio Mastered At – Masterfonics Overdubbed At – Sound Stage Studios Overdubbed At – Jack Clement Recording Studios Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co.
The Imperials entered the 90’s with some big changes. They left Myrrh records for Star Song records who actually had a distribution deal with Sparrow. This was a surprise in the industry as Star Song wasn’t considered a big dollar label but here’s the proof they were. Lineup changes continued with this album. David Robertson replaced Jimmie Lee Sloas who left for a solo career that never took off. David promptly left the band after this album also for a rather non spectacular solo career. They simply weren’t Russ Taff but I think that’s what they envisioned. Anyway drama aside the album was successful as usual. “It’s Raining Again” made it to #1, “I Will Follow You” to #3, “Come Into My Life” to #5, and “Original Love” made it to #9. Personally however I think the best track on the album is “It’s Gonna Be Alright” which personally I could have heard on a Blues Brothers album. Shout out to the horn section. Yes it’s that good a track and is in my regular rotation.
Tracklist 1 – Big Ball Turning – 5:17 2 – Love Can Make It Happen – 4:37 3 – Come Into My Life – 4:33 4 – Original Love – 4:36 5 – I Will Follow You – 4:51 6 – It’s Raining Again – 4:45 7 – It’s Gonna Be Alright – 4:47 8 – Love’s Still Changing Hearts – 4:26 9 – Come Let Us Worship – 4:40 10 – Goin’ Away – 3:40 11 – Platinum Medley – 8:46
Credits Acoustic Guitar – Billy Panda, David Barrett Alto Saxophone – James A. Perkins, Jr. Arranged By – Morris “Butch” Stewart Arranged By [Original] – Diane Louie Art Direction, Design – Jackson Design Backing Vocals – Jason Morales, Kim Fleming, Morris “Butch” Stewart, Tanya Goodman-Sykes, Vicky Hampton Baritone Saxophone – Steve Eisen Bass – Ronald Hall Drums – Wayne Stewart Electric Guitar – Peter Lerner, Richard Davis Engineer [2nd] – John David Parker, Scott Ahaus, Tom Russo Engineer [3rd] – Graham Lewis Executive-Producer – Armond Morales, Jeff Moseley Mixed By – Nick Froome Photography By – Russ Harrington Producer – Morris “Butch” Stewart Recorded By – Larry Millas, Paul Klingberg Sequenced By – “Kuk” Harrell, Morris “Butch” Stewart Synth, Organ [Hammond B-3] – Chris “Hambone” Cameron Synthesizer – Morris “Butch” Stewart, Neil Artwick Tenor Saxophone – James A. Perkins, Jr., Steve Eisen Trombone – Michael Halpin Trumpet – Grant Cramer, Mark Ohlsen Vocals [Guest] – Kim Fleming Vocals [The Imperials] – Armond Morales, David Robertson, David Will, Ron Hemby
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Star Song Copyright (c) – Star Song Distributed By – Sparrow/Star Song Distribution Glass Mastered At – Nimbus, Virginia Recorded At – River North Studios Recorded At – Home Boy Studios, Evanston, IL Recorded At – Reflections Studio, Nashville, TN Mixed At – 16th Avenue Sound Mastered At – Georgetown Masters
This was the Imperials album for 1988. They didn’t put out an album every year but almost. They toured so heavy that they missed the occasional year. After the shock of their previous album, “This Year’s Model”, this one wasn’t quite as rock and leaned back to Pop. Not that that album was rock but it was Rock for them. This is a solid Pop album and the vocals are even better than “This Years Model” in my opinion. This album is probably my second most liked from them and it’s a solid Pop effort. The album had an awesome 2 #2 singles, “Free The Fire”, and “The Boss”. “You” also made it to #24. I really like Dann Huff’s guitar work on the intro to “Higher Things” though that’s where I end liking the song. The intro doesn’t fit the song and they did one of those stupid abrupt ends. Not a producing masterpiece that one. That said this is a pretty good album and one of their best in my opinion.
Tracklist 1 – Free The Fire – 5:11 2 – Wild Geese – 4:08 3 – City In The Sky – 4:56 4 – You – 4:55 5 – The Boss – 5:17 6 – Higher Things – 5:11 7 – Rest In Your Arms – 4:16 8 – Let It Go – 4:15 9 – Better Than I Know Myself – 4:08 10 – Touchin’ Me – 4:03 11 – I Just Came To Praise The Lord – 1:59
Credits A&R – Lynn Nichols, Mark Maxwell Art Direction, Design – Roland Young Band [The Imperials Are] – Armond Morales, David Will, Jimmie Lee, Ron Hemby Engineer – Bart Stevens, Wade Jaynes Mastered By – Doug Sax Bass – Jimmie Lee Sloas Drums – Paul Leim Guitar – Dann Huff Keyboards – Robbie Buchanan Percussion – Lenny Castro Piano, Synthesizer – Michael Omartian Photography By – Howard Rosenberg Producer, Engineer – Bill Schnee Producer – Deborah Klein
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc. Copyright (c) – Word, Inc. Manufactured By – Word, Inc. Pressed By – Discovery Systems Recorded At – Bill Schnee Studios Recorded At – The Bunny Hop Recorded At – 41B Studios Recorded At – O’Henry Sound Studios Mixed At – Bill Schnee Studios Mastered At – The Mastering Lab Published By – See This House Music Published By – Swot Patch Music Published By – Marquis III Published By – Word Music Published By – Martin Noyes Publishing Published By – Todah Music Published By – Nanacub Music Published By – California Phase Music Published By – Whitney Katherine Music, Inc. Published By – Birdwing Music Published By – Waif Productions Ltd. Published By – ATV Music Ltd. Published By – Paragon Music Corp.
At this point in time the Imperials had the whole hit album thing down to a fine art and Dayspring/Word Records was in full profit mode even getting 2 albums out in 1979. The Russ Taff legacy was taking a strong foothold and they were churning out the radio hits. This album had 3 singles. The big one was “I’m Forgiven” which got stuck at #1 for an amazing 13 weeks. “What I Can Do For You” and “One More Song For You” peaked at #12 and #10 respectively. Of real note on this album is Michael Omartian coming on as producer and song writer. Personally this album just wasn’t that impressive to me. I really shouldn’t argue with radio success but at this point the guys could have put out an album of them all snoring and it would have been a #1 hit. CCM radio was only interested in playing tried and true performers and no one was more tried and true than the Imperials. That said I admit there was some good stuff coming on future albums when luckily they had to compete with up and coming acts that turned the electric guitar up past 3. That said to the normal Imperials fan this is a good album and I am sure they quite enjoyed it.
Tracklist 1 – What I Can Do For You – 2:59 2 – I’m Forgiven – 3:54 3 – All My Life – 3:24 4 – Living Without Your Love – 3:27 5 – Eagle Song – 3:14 6 – Closer Than Ever – 4:23 7 – One More Song For You – 4:38 8 – Higher Power – 4:20 9 – More Like You – 3:30
Credits Backing Vocals [Additional] – Marti McCall, Myrna Matthews, Stormie Omartian Bass – Abraham Laboriel Concertmaster – Assa Drori Congas – Victor Feldman Design [Album Design], Photography By – Bob Anderson Drums – Paul Leim Engineer [Additional] – Jack Lees, John Banuelos Engineer, Remix – John Guess Guitar – Marty Walsh Horns – Chuck Findley, Dick Hyde, Jackie Kelso, Steve Madaio Horns, Soloist [Saxophone] – Kim Hutchcroft Mastered By – Bernie Grundman Performer – Armond Morales, David Will, Jim Murray, Russell Taff Producer, Arranged By, Keyboards, Percussion – Michael Omartian
Companies, etc. Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc. Copyright (c) – Word, Inc. Published By – See This House Music Published By – Word Music, Inc. Published By – Norman Clayton Publishing Published By – I.A.M. Music Recorded At – Jennifudy Studios Recorded At – Hollywood Central Recorders Mastered At – A&M Mastering Studios Pressed By – Monarch Record Mfg. Co.
Heed The Call is perhaps the Imperials most iconic album. You can see them decked out in suits that would make the Oak Ridge Boys envious on the back cover. Some memorable songs here like “Oh Buddha” and “Old Man’s Rubble” make this album the one that really represents their body of work well. The Imperials started out in 1964 and their lineup changed many times over the years, but this version of them in 1979 was when they were in their stride. These songs were a slightly modern take on some traditional styles and were very popular as contemporary music in churches in the 80s.
Tracklist
1 – Overcomer – 3:37
2 – Praise The Lord – 3:35
3 – Oh Buddha – 3:28
4 – Old Man’s Rubble – 3:15
5 – Heed The Call – 3:01
6 – Let Jesus Do It – 3:27
7 – Growing Stronger – 3:29
8 – First Morning In Heaven – 2:41
9 – Whenever I Speak His Name – 4:33
10 – My Mind Forgets A Million Things – 3:48
11 – He Didn’t Lift Us Up To Let Us Down – 3:21
Credits
Cover, Illustration – Dave Gaadt
Engineer – Brown Bannister
Executive-Producer – Buddy Huey
Mastered By – Glenn Meadows
Photography By [Back Cover] – Goss Photography
Producer – Chris Christian
Companies, etc.
Record Company – Word, Inc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – Gold Mine Studio
Remixed At – Gold Mine Studio
Mastered At – Masterfonics
Designed At – The Graphic Truth
Manufactured By – Prim
Distributed By – Prim
This was The Imperials first album after the departure of long time tenor Jim Murray and lead singer Paul Smith. Apparently their departure made for a rather odd decision for this album. It is much more youth oriented, and in fact you could argue it was a total pop album. This caused all sorts of consternation from their regular fans who were expecting another worship oriented album. I actually snicker at how they would have reacted on their first listen to this album. The album is well done and actually quite enjoyable. Let’s face it these guys knew what they were doing and probably could have put out a top notch heavy metal album. Try envisioning that for a minute. But alas the new pop sound must not have sold well as the next album they were right back to their worship oriented sound. Pity actually, this was a good album.
Tracklist
1 – Holding On (First Love) – 5:22
2 – Fallin’ – 4:03
3 – Warriors – 4:54
4 – How Do I Get You? – 5:38
5 – Wings Of Love – 4:38
6 – Power Of God – 4:07
7 – Outlander – 6:47
8 – Get Ready – 4:38
9 – Devoted To You – 3:44
Credits
Arranged By [Rhythm Track] – Keith Thomas (tracks: A1, A2, B1)
Art Direction – Joan Tankersley
Artwork [Jacket Concept] – Joan Tankersley, Lynn Nichols
Bass – Jimmie Lee* (tracks: A2, B4)
Drum Programming – Keith Thomas (tracks: A1, A2, B1)
Drums – Paul Leim (tracks: B4, B5)
Engineer [Second] – Bill Whittington, Danny Johnston, J.T., Spence Chrislu, Wade Jaynes
Executive Producer – Lynn Nichols
Guitar – Mark Grendel (tracks: A2 to A4), Tom Hemby (tracks: B2, B4, B5)
Keyboards – Keith Thomas (tracks: A1, A2, B1, B4, B5), Shane Keister (tracks: A4, B4)
Lyrics By – Chris Eaton (tracks: A3, B3), Jimmie Lee (tracks: A2, B4), Ron Hemby (tracks: B2, B5)
Mastered By – Doug Sax
Mixed By – Nick Froome
Mixed By [Assistant] – Ed Goodreau, Rob Jaczko
Music By – Chris Eaton (tracks: A3, B3), Jimmie Lee (tracks: A2, B4), Keith Thomas (tracks: A1, B1)
Photography By [Back Cover] – Aaron Rapoport
Photography By [Front Cover] – Ellen Schuster
Producer – Brown Bannister
Programmed By [Fairlight] – Carl Marsh, Peter Kaye, Rhett Lawrence, Shane Keister
Programmed By [Synclavier] – Steve Schaffer
Recorded By [Overdubs] – J.B., Jeff Balding
Recorded By [Rhythm Tracks, Assistant] – Joe Schiff
Recorded By [Rhythm Tracks] – Steve McMillan
Synthesizer [Fairlight Iii] – Carl Marsh (tracks: A1, A3)
Album #29 from the Imperials is a little more uptempo at times than their previous work. I attribute this to producer Bill Schnee stepping in for this album. This was the first album without Russ Taff and instead we got to hear Paul Smith who stepped in to the group starting on this album. The album spawned 3 singles with “Lord Of The Harvest” peaking at #3 with 28 weeks on the charts. “Somebody New” also did well peaking at #9. and “Because Of Who You Are” peaking at just #37. For a change they did not win their usual Dove award for this album being beaten out by Amy Grant’s “Age to Age”.
Tracklist
1 – Stand By The Power – 3:33
2 – Somebody New – 3:52
3 – Part Time Servant – 3:44
4 – This Heart – 4:26
5 – Lord Of The Harvest – 4:37
6 – Under His Reign – 3:26
7 – I Never Get Enough Of Your Love – 4:07
8 – How Can You Live – 3:46
9 – All For The Asking – 3:49
10 – Because Of Who You Are – 3:31
Credits
Arranged By [Horns Arranged By] – Bob Wilson (tracks: B4)
Arranged By [Strings Arranged By], Piano, Synthesizer – James Newton Howard
Bass – Nathan East, Neil Stubenhaus
Drums – Carlos Vega, Jeff Porcaro
Engineer [Assisted By] – David Schober, Scott Hendricks, Skip Moon
Engineer [Engineered By], Producer [Produced By] – Bill Schnee
Guitar – Carlos Rios (2), Dann Huff, Hadley Hockensmith, Steve Lukather
Percussion – Lenny Castro
Photography By [Album Back Photo] – Allan Messer
Photography By [Album Front Photo] – Michael Borum
Production Manager [Production Coordinator] – Susan Pyron
Companies, etc.
Phonographic Copyright (p) – Word, Inc.
Copyright (c) – Word, Inc.
Recorded At – Bill Schnee Studios
Recorded At – Bullet Recording
Mastered At – The Mastering Lab
