Artist(s): The Imperials

Venue: Heritage Baptist Church, Lynchburg, VA

This was my first opportunity to see The Imperials live. I have both their self-titled release and their Back To The Roots, which won the SoGospelNews Fan Awards Album Of The Year not too long ago. For any skeptics as to how well the “younger Imperials” are carrying the torch for the Imperials name, I encourage you to catch a concert with these guys. You won’t be disappointed!

A rough songlist:

It’s A Beautiful Day (Great way to open up the concert.)
No Shortage
First Day In Heaven
He Touched Me
We’ve Got A Great Big Wonderful God (The guys’ current radio single, and a very catchy tune!)
He’s Everything To Me
Water Grave (This song went over tremendously well. Baritone Jason Morales and bass Ian Owens played electric guitar and bass guitar, respectively, along with the track, and it was awesome! I believe it was David Bruce Murray who reported that when the guys did this song at the SGN awards, it got an even better response. It’s definitely some edgy Southern Gospel music, which I guess can only be described as “Southern Gospel Rock!”)
Wrap My Arms Around The World
Because He Lives
Praise The Lord
Arise My Love (One of my personal favorite songs by this group, and a great way to close the concert, leaving the crowd wanting more.)

Final Thoughts: The Imperials have always been on the cutting edge of SG, and even though the crowd seemed nervous/surprised (perhaps they were expecting a different Imperials?), they warmed up after a while. Awesome concert, and definitely on my “must-see” list next time they’re around.
Also, props to the guys for having their hearts in the right place. Many groups are all about the show, but these guys are very ministry-minded, and the night focused around a theme of God’s love and redeeming grace.