The Imperials - The Imperials
CMP Records
Produced by: Jeffrey Teague and Steve Dady
http://www.theimperials.com
The long awaited Imperials release is finally here! The Imperials have been a name synonymous with SG since the sixties. Always providing high quality progressive music, the group has been through more than its share of changes. I was more than a little excited to review this project. I had heard a couple of tunes that the group had pre-released and had reason to anticipate the finished project. The crisp tight harmonies and progressive edge had impressed me. I felt they were picking up where the last Imperials left off, by staying true to the harmonies and message that SG is founded upon, but they were also trying to stretch the genre, by incorporating some fresh new sounds and perspectives. To my surprise, the tunes I was already familiar with, “Beautiful Day,” now the opening cut of the new record, had been re-recorded. Though still having high quality sound, I felt this version lacked something in spirit that the previous recording possessed.
The second cut, “Closer Still” was more of what I expected to hear. Though a more contemporary sound was evident, so was the sound of four distinct parts and powerful vocals. “Forgive Me,” fell a little flat for me. As many times as I listened to it, I could never get used to the melody and vocal arrangement. Because of the powerful message, I can see how others might enjoy it, even though it was not one of my personal favorites. “Big God,” a song most Imperial fans are familiar with was a bit shocking. This has always been a unique one, but this version is even more so. It has heavy power rock guitar and other elements that are simply unheard of in Southern Gospel. In fact, I could not classify this song as SG at all. I’m not sure if they were trying to bring the song into the new millennium or recreate a sound from years past, but either way it was disappointing.
Jason Morales sings “Wrap my Arms around the World.” It’s probably his best vocal on the record, and I enjoyed it. “True,” a love song dedicated to the Imperial wives, is sweet and smooth, and an interesting addition. The other song that had been previously released, “Holy and Acceptable” had also been re-recorded. Though I still prefer the original, this recording is still a nice offering. This is something that will be appreciated by SG fans, and it’s one of my favorites on the record. You find yourself worshiping along with the group. Things all change when the rockin’ guitar comes back in on “Everything I Am.” If not for the guitar riffs, this might be counted among my favorites as well. “Arise My Love” made popular by CCM artist New Song, was a good fit for the Imperials. Ian Owens, the fabulous bass, opens the song and then all the guys get a turn. Tenor, Jeremie Hudson is more than impressive with his strong soaring range, and Shannon Smith is an amazing high lead. There is real power in these voices. This song frames the pure vocal talent of the group. I’ve heard them do this song live, and it is quite a powerful experience. The project ends on a very traditional SG tune called, “All that Matters to the Lord.” You won’t even believe it’s the same group!
Despite the musical ping-pong game that is played on this recording, these guys can sing! The quality of the recording is excellent, and though only true Imperial fans may appreciate the entire album, SG fans of all ages will find something they like. I had more of a problem with fitting this cd into the SG genre musically, than I did vocally or lyrically, but whether its SG or CCM, it still lifts up the name of Jesus, and its still done with excellence.
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Does the new group sound as good as the old group?
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Written: 03/15/2007 
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