Stand by the Power (1982)

Stand by the Power is the 27th studio album by the Christian music vocal group The Imperials, released in 1982 on DaySpring/Word Records. The album is produced by Bill Schnee.

This is the first album to feature vocalist Paul Smith as the new lead singer, replacing Russ Taff after being with the group since 1976. While promoting an Imperials concert at Baylor University in Waco, Texas where he was a student, Smith gave Armond Morales a tape of his music. When Morales learned that Taff was leaving, he called Smith. Prior to Smith joining the group, he released two albums independently in the late 1970s.

Smith co-wrote five songs on this album and the Imperials also covered the Kerry Livgren song "How Can You Live" from his 1980 album Seeds of Change (1980). Stand by the Power peaked at number two on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart. In 1983, The Imperials won Group of the Year at the 14th GMA Dove Awards. Stand by the Power has never been released on CD nor available digitally, although some selected songs like the title song and "Lord of the Harvest" are available in both formats. A YouTube link to listen to the album is posted below this article.

Track listing

1. Stand by the Power (Paul Smith, John Rosasco) -3:32

2. Somebody New (Paul Smith, Frank Previte, Blake Levinsohn) -3:50

3. Part Time Servant (Keith Thomas, Claire Cloninger) -3:44

4. This Heart (Keith Thomas) -4:23

5. Lord of the Harvest (Paul Smith, James Newton Howard) -4:36

6. Under His Reign (Bruce Hibbard) -3:23

7. I Never Get Enough of Your Love (Paul Smith, John Rosasco) -4:01

8. How Can You Live (Kerry Livgren) -3:45

9. All for the Asking (Paul Smith, James Newton Howard) -3:47

10. Because of Who You Are (Billy Smiley, Bob Farrell) -3:33

Personnel