CD Review: This Is Love (The Erwins)

I guess I've been on a bit of a StowTown Records streak lately! Signature Sound a couple times over and then Triumphant. Well, keeping up with that theme, today's review is of a CD by the Erwins, a quartet of siblings who have made quite a mark in Southern Gospel over the past few years. The oldest brother, Keith, is 28 and sings lead. The middle brother, Kody, is 27 and sings bass. The youngest brother, Kris, is 25 and sings baritone. The only sister, Katie, is 20 and sings soprano. So, now that you are acquainted with this incredibly talented family, I think I'd best get on with this review.

1: All Of My Help—The opening track is a fun, mid-tempo song that talks about how God helps us when we need him to. No one is exactly featured on this song, but Katie has some solo lines throughout the verses, and Kody has some on the second verse. Keith also has a solo line on the bridge. What a great song to open this CD. This song's message recurs as a common theme throughout this album, which you'll see in the rest of the review.

2: Already On His Way God—Continuing in a similar theme to that of the last song, this mid-tempo, contemporary-style song features Katie and talks about how, when we face trials and call out to God for help, he's already on his way, he always wants to help his children when they need him to, is always on time, and never makes mistakes. This one is really cool too.

3: The Blood of Jesus—If you've heard a song with this title by the Collingsworth Family, this is a different song. This one is a slower tune that easily sounds like it could be a CCM hit, except that it's from SG writers. This one features Keith and its message is probably self-explanatory, given the title, but it's an AWESOME song!

4: The God I Know—Speaking of songs that share a title with another one that was recorded by a different artist, this is not the one the Old Paths recorded in 2019. This one has a similar message to that song, though, and in my opinion, it's equally as good. This particular song says that God is holding us through trials we face and can make a way. The first verse features Kody, and the second one features Keith, which creates a really nice contrast. I know I've said some variation of this about all the songs so far, but this song is really incredible.

5: The Story Ends—Let's take a minute and talk about the crazy cool intro on this song! Seriously, it sounds like it could be the score for a chase scene in a Kendrick Brothers movie or something! Whoa. Anyway, the first verse is about the fall of Adam and Eve, but how that wasn't the end of the story as redemption did come later. The second verse is about how that fall affected the entire earth but how God has protected his people as we all have felt these effects. The third verse is about the crucifixion and how it looked like hope was lost, but it ultimately wasn't. The bridge brings the message home by introducing the theme of Jesus' return. The verses are in a minor key and the choruses change to a major key before going back to a minor key just before each verse starts. It's a very cool effect that also reinforces the message. But then, this song is really cool in general.

6: Mountain in the Sea—Speaking of cool effects, this one starts with wave sound effects! Appropriate, given the message of the song. Kody sings the verses, which discuss how we can't face life's problems in our own strength even when we think we can, but God can help us and he will, in his own time. I guess that's a common theme throughout this album. This one's a really interesting twist on the idea of faith that moves mountains.

7: This Is Love—This one, the title cut, is special because the Erwin siblings teamed up with some SG songwriters to write this song. It's an upbeat, contemporary-style song which Katie is featured on. The first verse talks about a man who has a ministry spreading the Gospel to the homeless and, therefore, he shows love to them. The second verse discusses the ultimate act of love, which was Jesus' crucifixion. The bridge reiterates the message of the verses: that we are to reciprocate Jesus' love to others. Well done on this one, both the singing and the writing.

8: When My Scars Touch Yours—The closing song, Kris's solo, definitely keeps up the CD's theme of amazing songs. This one talks about how God is with us even when we suffer and how we don't have to pretend that everything's perfect when we go to Jesus because he suffered too, when he was on the cross. This is an INCREDIBLE perspective and a great way to end this equally great CD.

I've never doubted the Erwins' ability to put together an incredible CD, but I would venture to say that this one is their best yet! Every single song in this collection is simply amazing and sure to encourage you and reach you where you're at. The cover artwork is pretty cool, too, but I guess that's a whole other thing... Anyway, be sure to check this album out if you haven't already. You will NOT regret it.