Priority (1980)
Priority is the 26th studio album by the Christian music vocal group The Imperials, released in late 1980 on DaySpring/Word Records.
It is the second album that the group has collaborated with musician/producer Michael Omartian, their first being their previous album One More Song for You. Priority gave The Imperials their second number-one album on Billboard's Top Christian Albums chart. Priority would also be the final album featuring lead singer Russ Taff, as he left to pursue a solo career and started work on his debut solo album Walls of Glass (1983) before being replaced by Paul Smith.
In 1982, The Imperials won their fourth and final Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary or Inspirational for Priority at the 24th Grammy Awards and at the 13th GMA Dove Awards, they won Group of the Year and the album was named Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year. Russ Taff won his second Male Vocalist of the Year title winning back-to-back.
Track listing
All songs were written by Michael and Stormie Omartian, except where noted.
1. The Trumpet of Jesus -3:47
2. Finish What You Started (Russ Taff, Tori Taff, Michael Omartian) -4:06
3. I'd Rather Believe in You -3:38
4. Any Good Time At All -4:06
5. Be Still My Soul (Russ Taff, Tori Taff) -3:52
6. There's No Time Till You Take It -4:12
7. Pieces -4:08
8. Into My Life (Beeb Birtles) -4:45
9. Seek Ye First -5:01
Personnel
The Imperials:
Armond Morales -bass, vocals
Jim Murrary -tenor, vocals
Russ Taff -lead vocals
David Will -baritone, vocals
Accolades
Grammy Award -Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary or Inspirational (Priority)
Dove Award -Group of the Year
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year (Priority)
Male Vocalist of the Year (Russ Taff)
Radio singles
"I'd Rather Believe in You" -#5 Christian CHR, #3 Christian AC
"Finish What You Started" -#2 Christian CHR, #2 Christian AC
"The Trumpet of Jesus" -#1 Christian CHR, #1 Christian AC
"Be Still My Soul" -#19 Christian CHR, #7 Christian AC
Previous release: Christmas with The Imperials (1980)
Next release: The Very Best of The Imperials (1981) (compilation)