Let the Wind Blow is the 30th studio album by the Christian music vocal group The Imperials. Released in 1985, it was their first album on the Myrrh Records label, after switching from Word Records' other label DaySpring.
The group saw their biggest turnover since Sherman Andrus and Terry Blackwood's departure in 1976 when both lead singer Paul Smith and tenor Jim Murray decided to leave. Smith opted to return to his solo career and continue on contemporary Christian music (Smith previously released two independent albums in the late 1970s before joining The Imperials in 1982) and Murray sought to perform more traditionally styled gospel music again. Smith was replaced by Danny Ward on tour to promote Let the Wind Blow, but he left before recording an album with the group.
Let the Wind Blow peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart. The Imperials were nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance by a Duo or Group for the album at the 28th Grammy Awards. Brown Bannister produced the album giving them a more uptempo feel and a more pop sound than in previous albums.
Track listing
1. In the Promised Land (Chris Eaton) -4:18
2. Bread of Life (Billy Smiley, Mark Gersmehl, Scott Douglas) -3:53
3. Let the Wind Blow (David Martin) -5:03
4. Jericho (Paul Smith, Michael W. Smith, Mike Hudson) -4:54
5. The Deeper Meaning (Teri DeSario, Bill Purse) -4:08
6. Sing for Joy (Paul Smith, Denise Smith, Keith Thomas) -3:31
7. Today (Teri DeSario, Bill Purse) -3:43
8. Taking the Time (Paul Smith, Pam Mark Hall, Keith Thomas) -3:56
9. Miracles (Paul Smith, Keith Thomas, Mike Hudson) -4:17
10. Not to Us, Oh Lord (Paul Smith, Michael W. Smith) -4:18
Personnel
The Imperials:
Armond Morales -bass, vocals
Jim Murrary -tenor, vocals
Paul Smith -lead singer, vocals
David Will -baritone, vocals
Radio singles
1985 "Let the Wind Blow" -#1 Christian CHR for 4 weeks, #1 Christian AC for 9 weeks
1985 "In the Promised Land" -#9 Christian CHR, #3 Christian AC
1986 "Jericho" -#12 Christian AC
1986 "Taking the Time" -#27 Christian AC
Previous release: The Imperials Sing the Classics (1984)
Next release: This Year's Model (1987)
Comments