Priority cover

Priority

The Imperials · 1980

37 min · 9 tracks · gospel music

Uplifting harmonies and gospel-infused melodies create a vibrant atmosphere of faith and hope throughout the album.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    The Trumpet of Jesus — This opening track sets the tone with its powerful lyrics about proclaiming faith, establishing the album's uplifting spirit right from the start.
  • →
    Seek Ye First — A standout cover that emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spiritual pursuits, its melodic simplicity resonates deeply with listeners seeking solace.
  • →
    I'd Rather Believe in You — This track encapsulates a personal declaration of faith, combining heartfelt lyrics with harmonious vocals that exemplify The Imperials' signature style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100
Foothills
Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album blends contemporary pop influences with gospel elements, creating a vibrant yet familiar sound.

What we noticed

  • The first three tracks feature upbeat tempos and strong vocal harmonies, while the subsequent tracks shift to more reflective themes with slower tempos.
  • Several songs incorporate a call-and-response structure, engaging listeners and inviting participation.
  • The album closes with a track that features a gradual build-up of instrumentation, culminating in a powerful vocal climax.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
5/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo uplifting vibes
  • spiritual reflection during quiet moments
  • invigorating melodies for group settings
  • background warmth for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • seek instant gratification
  • prefer high-energy beats

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 1980, 'Priority' marked The Imperials' transition into a more contemporary sound after their previous albums rooted in traditional gospel. At this point in their career, they were already established figures in the Christian music scene, having formed in the late 1960s and gained popularity through their dynamic vocal arrangements and energetic performances.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Trumpet of Jesus 3:46
  • 2 Finish What You Started 4:05
  • 3 I'd Rather Believe in You 3:37
  • 4 Any Good Time at All 4:02
  • 5 Be Still My Soul 3:51
  • 6 There's No Time Till You Take It 4:09
  • 7 Pieces 4:06
  • 8 Into My Life 4:42
  • 9 Seek Ye First 5:00

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata