The Erwins “Only Faith Can See” Album Review

Prime Cuts: Give It to God, The Same Grace, Only Faith Can See

Faith doesn't play a supporting role when it comes to the Erwins' "Only Faith Can See."  Rather, faith is the main character of this record where every song speaks of its impact and how it should be the cynosure of the Christian life.  In this regard, this StowTown Records release is indispensable.  Unlike many Southern Gospel acts who often harken back to past canons to bulk up their albums with tried and true numbers, all 11 songs here boast a 2015 or 2016 copyright. This gives the songs a more contemporary feel prociding for us fresh encounters with the Savior created by album's producer Wayne Haun and the genre's best scribes including worship leader Geron Davis, Kenna West, Joel Lindsey, Tony Wood, Joseph Habedank, and others.

The Erwins comprises of a quartet of four siblings. They started singing as soon as they were each able to talk.  Appearing over 270 dates a year with their mother and father, who have been in full-time evangelism for 40 years, they have been traveling full-time their entire life singing in concerts, revivals, and conferences all across the country. "Only Faith Can See" is the sophomore effort released under the StowTown imprint, following on the heels of last year's "Ready to Sail."

The title cut "Only Faith Can See" is more than a song.  It's a must-hear sermon that is bound to do spiritual renovations to a heart ravished by fear.  Continuing with the theme of having faith in Jesus despite the mountains we face is the gorgeous ballad "Give It to God," a song that transports us in bullet train speed from fear to faith. Geron Davis who wrote worship staples like "Holy Ground" and "It Took a Lamb" joins Wayne Haun in penning the cinematic ballad "The Same Grace."  Stringing together narratives from the New Testament and our lives, "The Same Grace" is an all-out crescendo building ballad that is bound to invite multiple standing ovations if it's performed live.

Unlike many of their peers who are willing to take a discount as far as melodies are concerned, this is not so with the Erwins.  The flowing mid-tempo "Everything to Me" trumps on its well-crafted melody flourished with lots of memorable lines and hooks.  Also, in the same lofty class is the Biblical-informed "He's Still Alive."  Perhaps the only exception to this rule is "Holding on to Me," a pretty nondescript country-pop entry co-written by Canadian country singer Jason Blaine and Wayne Haun.  On the propulsive side, the Cajun-ersatz "Chasing After You" and the banjo-heavy "Up and Out of the Valley" are mention-worthies.

In a genre full of older acts, the Erwins certainly bring in a reguvenated breath of fresh air.  Their vitality, their adventurousness, and their ear for great tunes have made this CD a tad above the average release.  And with the message of faith in Christ being presented so powerful, you would do your soul well to grab a hold of this album.

 

 

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