Prime Cuts: Faithful, As Sure as the Lord Builds this House, If You Ever Wonder If He Loves You
Overall Grade: 4.5/5
With Steadfast Love, family group The Craguns steps confidently into a new chapter through their partnership with StowTown Records, delivering a collection that blends classic Southern Gospel warmth with polished, contemporary production. The album highlights the qualities that have endeared the group to audiences over the past decade - tight family harmonies, sincere storytelling, and an unwavering focus on faith.
Produced by Dove Award-winning producer Wayne Haun, the project opens with "Faithful," a tender worship-driven track that gradually builds into rich vocal layers. It establishes the album's central theme: trust in God's reliability through every season of life.
One of the album's most memorable moments is the smooth waltz "If I Wait on the Lord." Its gentle three-quarter-time rhythm gives the song a graceful, almost hymn-like flow, allowing the lyrics' message of patience and dependence on God to settle deeply with the listener. The restrained arrangement lets the family's harmonies shine, creating a reflective pause in the album's pacing.
In contrast, "We Have a Refuge" introduces a subtle country flavor that broadens the project's sonic palette. Acoustic textures and a relaxed groove give the track a warm, rootsy appeal without straying from the group's gospel foundation. The country influence adds freshness and accessibility, reinforcing the song's message of security and hope.
Other standout moments include "As Sure as the Lord Builds this House," which carries confident mid-tempo momentum, and "If You Ever Wonder If He Loves You," a heartfelt reminder of God's unwavering affection delivered with emotional sincerity. The album's closing highlight comes with the classic "My Faith Still Holds," originally made famous by Bill Gaither and Gloria Gaither. The Craguns' rendition is both respectful and fresh, featuring lush harmonies and thoughtful orchestration that make it a fitting and powerful conclusion to the record's overarching message of steadfast trust.
Vocally, the family blend remains the album's greatest strength. There is an organic unity that comes only from years of singing together, and Haun's production wisely keeps the arrangements supportive rather than overpowering. While some tracks lean toward traditional genre conventions, the sincerity and quality of performance keep the listening experience engaging throughout.
For listeners seeking uplifting, faith-centered music grounded in authentic ministry, Steadfast Love offers both comfort and inspiration - a promising debut for The Craguns' new season with StowTown Records.
