The Louvin Brothers: Satan is Real (1959)

Charlie Louvin died yesterday morning from pancreatic cancer. I had heard Louvin Brothers songs here and there throughout my life but I had never listened to any of their actual albums until a few months ago. I'm by no means a big country fan and can't stand almost all contemporary radio country but a lot of classic country music is really good. The Louvin Brothers definitely qualify as being very good. While I'm not familiar with a large amount of their work there are two albums I've listened to multiple times now. This and it's accompanying review will be my tribute to a very important act in country music history.

With one look at the cover of Satan is Real you'll know you're either in for some serious spiritual guidance or a really cheesy bygone of days of yore. I guess it's really up to the individual listener to determine that for themselves, as Satan is Real could easily qualify as both. This is a straight country gospel album from start to finish. The Louvin's version of gospel music is far from the joyous celebration of God that is generally associated with the genre. The Louvin's focus much more on the existence of Satan and how all levels of drink, women and various other sins will send you to hell.

Fortunately all the things that make the Louvin Brothers music great are still there. The harmonies are as beautiful as ever and while there's little of Ira's mandolin work on display here, it isn't really missed as an electric guitar plays a more prominent role. The upbeat numbers ("There's a Higher Power" and "River of Jordan") approach a level of fun that is rare for the Louvin Brothers work. While those upbeat songs are a nice change of pace, it's ballads that the Louvin's were known for and that's the focus on most of the albums.

Obviously an album of songs about Satan coming to get you is not going to appeal to everyone but it's obvious that Charlie and Ira really believe in what they're singing. I don't think a person has to believe in the same things they do to get enjoyment from Satan is Real. I do prefer their secular work more but Satan is Real is still a classic album full of faith, sin, and Satan. It's hard not to be impressed with the commitment they show and besides who wouldn't want to own a piece of music with that album cover.


Rating: 4.5/5


Track Listing:


1. "Satan Is Real" (3:00)
2. "There's a Higher Power" (2:21)
3. "The Christian Life" (2:16)
4. "The River of Jordan" (2:17)
5. "The Kneeling Drunkard's Plea" (2:51)
6. "Are You Afraid to Die" (2:33)
7. "He Can Be Found" (2:14)
8. "Dying from Home, And Lost" (2:46)
9. "The Drunkard's Doom" (3:14)
10. "Satan's Jeweled Crown" (2:56)
11. "The Angels Rejoiced Last Night" (2:18)
12. "I'm Ready to Go Home" (3:08)