Description

Live & Learn is the major label solo album debut by Paul Smith of The Imperials fame, released on DaySpring Records in 1986, a division of Word Records. Also manufactured and distributed by A&M Records. (Paul Smith had released two solo albums independently before joining the Imperials.) The album was recorded and mixed by Jeff Balding at Bullet Recording in Nashville, Tennessee; with Keith Thomas producing and arranging. This was Smith’s first release after leaving the Imperials, where he had replaced the former lead vocalist Russ Taff who left the group in February 1981 to establish his own solo career.

When Paul Smith replaced Russ Taff as The Imperials‘ lead singer, he faced a curious dilemma. Smith had to mimic Taff’s vocals enough to please old fans at the same time that he needed to keep his own musical personality intact. Now Smith’s solo debut finds him establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in Christian music.

«Everlasting Joy» kicks off the album with a danceable riff borrowed from Phil Collin’s «Who Said I Would?» – which was probably stolen from Motown anyway! Producer Keith Thomas is quite adept at capturing the insistent “big beat” mix prevalent in today’s Top 40. In a similar mode is the title track with its flashy horns and a gutsy vocal and «Let Love Happen to You», another R&B workout. Perhaps the hottest track in ‘Live and Learn’ is «Praisemaker», again based on Collins-type hook. (If you’re gonna swipe ideas, it might as well be from the Prodcuer of the Year!) If this groove doesn’t get you praising – and dancing – better check your pulse!

Lest you think Smith is all sizzle and no steak, listen to the several cuts which are of a slower nature, including the album’s lovely closer, «Beautiful the Dreamer», and a superlative David Martin tune, «Never Be Another». This gem displays the full range of Paul’s vocal prowess as he carries the track from minimal backing through to a full-blown chorus. All in all, Smith and Thomas are a potent combination, and ‘Live and Learn’ could surprise a lot of folks as one of the top vocal albums of the year. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, May 1986]

> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/live-learn/1167818888)

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Everlasting Joy” – 4:03
A2. “Live And Learn” – 4:32
A3. “Never Be Another” – 3:51
A4. “Keep The Light On” – 4:05
A5. “So Good To Know” – 4:11

Side Two
B1. “Let Love Happen To You” – 4:43
B2. “A Holy Nation” – 3:39
B3. “Praisemaker” – 3:49
B4. “Beautiful The Dreamer” – 4:00

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by DaySpring Records.

A full-page advertisement for the Paul Smith album Live & Learn was featured in the February 1986 issue of CCM Magazine.

CREDITS. Produced and arranged by Keith Thomas. Recorded and mixed by Jeff Balding at Bullet Recording in Nashville, TN. Mastered by Bernie Grundman at Bernie Grundman Mastering in Hollywood, CA. Art Direction by Buddy Jackson. Photography by Ron Keith and Scott Bonner. Executive-Producer: Neal Joseph.

Musicians: Paul Smith (Lead Vocals, BGV), Keith Thomas (Keyboards, Drum Programming track B4, BGV), Brett Perry (Additional Synthesizer Programming track A1), Jim Horn (Saxophone), Jon Goin (Guitar), Jimmie Lee Sloas (Bass), Mark Hammond (Drums, Drum Programming track B4), Terry McMillan (Percussion). Backing Vocals: David Martin (tracks: A3), Denny Henson (tracks: B1, A2), Greg Guidry (tracks: B1, A2), Keith Thomas (tracks: B1, A2, B3, A3), Lisa Bevill (tracks: A1, A4, B3), Patti Morris (tracks: A1, A4, B3), Paul Smith (tracks: A1, A4, A3).