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. It is the first time that The Imperials track is a rock tune, even pre-dating their 1987 release This Year's Model. Stand By the Power peaked at number two on the Billboard Top Inspirational 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 but as of 2025, it is available for streaming and for digital download purchasing.

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

The Imperials:

Armond Morales -bass, vocals

Jim Murrary -tenor, vocals

Paul Smith -lead vocals

David Will -baritone, vocals

Accolades

Dove Award -Group of the Year

Radio singles

1982 "Lord of the Harvest" -#3 Christian AC/CHR

1983 "Somebody New" -#9 Christian AC/CHR

1983 "Because of Who You Are" -#37 Christian AC/CHR

Previous release: The Very Best of The Imperials (1981) (compilation album)

Next release: Side by Side (1983)