Reviewed by Tony Cummings

In 2000 I heard an independent album 'Thoughts Of You' by the worship pastor at Ecclesia Church in Houston, Robbie Seay, and was greatly impressed. Now this fine album lifts things to the next level. With a tremendous band - Robbie Seay (vocals, acoustic guitar), Chase Jenkins (keys), Ryan Owens (bass) and Dan Hamilton (drums), a mighty set of productions with some from Jay Joyce (Nichole Nordeman, Patty Griffin) and a selection of magnificent songs, this is a worship-orientated album for the 21st century. Listen to the unexpected, rhythmic breakdown on the anthemic "Faith Of The Fathers", catch the unexpected bits of pump organ on "Better Days", sway to the eerie, poignant vibe of "You Have Stirred My Soul". Robbie's voice has a huskily haunting quality while his lyrics consistently bring new insights into the age old longing of mankind to draw close to the lover of our souls (eg, "Rescued Ones": "So we stand in line with the poor and the blind/We sing and we cry to you/Our mouths are full/But our souls are starved for you," or "Breathing Air Again": "And we would breathe again/Step outside our front door/And gaze upon the stars/And know we are not alone"). Powerful, eloquent pop rock with the potential to touch many lives.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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