This is the CCM group “The Imperials.” The song (which was a hard choice) is “Water Grave.” They recorded a lot of music in the 70s and 80s. They were regarded as “golden,” with a substantial presence in the CCM scene.
From Wikipedia– “The Imperials are an American Christian music group that has been around for over 45 years. Originating as a southern gospel quartet, the innovative group would become pioneers of contemporary Christian music in the 1960s. There have been many changes for the band in membership and musical styles over the years. They would go on to win four Grammys, and be inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.”
They are unquestionably one of the leaders in early CCM. I guess if I was to choose a second song it would be “Sail On” which musically and lyrically is a tremendous song. You’ll have to look for it on YouTube yourself, but it will be worth it, I guarantee it.
Brokenbeliever’s Index of Selected Christian Music can be accessed at:
GLAD is one of the pioneers of Christian pop/rock and a cappella music, having formed as a progressive rock group in 1972 and discovered a large audience for their a cappella music in 1988.
Today, with over 1.5 million albums sold, they continue to perform concerts and release occasional recordings. As Contemporary Christian Music (CCM Magazine) described it, “GLAD’s elegant vocals helped set them apart from other pioneers of Contemporary Christian music. That vocal sound has since evolved into a complex, self-sustaining life form of its own…” The GLAD sound is known for its tight harmonies and intricate arrangements with classical and jazz overtones. Some of their hits over the years have included “Be Ye Glad,” “Maker of My Heart,” “God is My Rock,” “The Easter Song,” “You Put This Love in My Heart,” and “Color Outside the Lines.
In these days of confused situations.
In these nights of a restless remorse,
When the heart and the soul of the nation,
lay wounded and cold as a corpse.
From the grave of the innocent Adam,
comes a song bringing joy to the sad.
Oh your cry has been heard and the ransom,
has been paid up in full, Be Ye Glad.
(Chorus)
Oh, Be Ye Glad, Be Ye Glad,
Every debt that you ever had
Has been paid up in full by the grace of the Lord,
Be Ye Glad, Be Ye Glad, Be Ye Glad.
From the dungeon a rumor is stirring.
You have heard it again and again.
But this time the cell keys are turning,
and outside there are faces of friends.
And though your body lay weary from wasting,
and your eyes show the sorrow they’ve had.
Oh the love that your heart is now tasting
has opened the gate, Be Ye Glad.
(Chorus)
So be like lights on the rim of the water,
giving hope in a storm sea of night.
Be a refuge amidst the slaughter,
for these fugitives in their flight.
For you are timeless and part of a puzzle.
You are winsome and young as a lad.
And there is no disease or no struggle,
that can pull you from God, Be Ye Glad.
“The Battle Belongs to the Lord” by Jamie Owens Collins
Jamie Owens Collins carried a neat anointing whenever she sang. Furthermore she had a strong influence on later generation female vocalists, like Amy Grant and Twila Paris.
Unfortunately, few if any any videos of her ministering can be found. I chose this song as its her voice (which was stellar) and the lyrics can be read while you listen in.
“No one will be able to oppose you successfully as long as you live. I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will never neglect you or abandon you.”
One of the early and blessed CCM duets was Wendy & Mary. They were together just 5-6 years but cranked out 5 or 6 albums. Their music operated off of relatively simple melodies, but their lyrics were often quite piercing and evocative. They very quickly became one of my personal favorites.
I chose this song, even though 3 or 4 could fit in this post quite adequately. I only hope that this selection would inspire you, and give you hope. If this connects with your heart, check out iTunes for more. The early albums are very good and each song is solid and hopeful. You can’t go wrong.
