Front man Robbie Seay croons to a crowd of fans with his Houston-based band.

Christian rock goes contemporary

By: Lauren Weiner

Posted: 8/28/07

Christian music often gets a bad rap, as people tend to write the entire genre off as sappy, overly preachy and musically weak. However, in recent years, many Christian artists have taken strides to become more universally appealing, with some even getting airtime on mainstream radio.

While it's unlikely Houston's own Robbie Seay Band will ever be heard on the Buzz, the band's sophomore label release, "Give Yourself Away," takes a leap beyond the stereotypical pop-like praise-and-worship music and into the territory of energetic, acoustic rock.

The title comes from a line in the album's premier track, "Rise," which calls its listeners to "give all [they] are, to give love away." The track is piano-driven and beautifully complemented by Seay's uniquely raspy voice.

Some songs on the album are well suited for Christian radio play, such as the first single "Song of Hope (Heaven Come Down)," an instantly catchy tune with an infectious hook. Other songs are more worshipful and seem more intended for church services, such as "Beautiful, Scandalous Night" or "Go Outside." The songs are simple enough to be remembered, but strong enough to be worth remembering.

Another song that has a worship-service feel is "Shine Your Light On Us," which Seay cites as the most personally meaningful song on the album. "We've been playing that song for a while now," Seay said. "We have had a really personal response from people - folks really claiming the song and the lyrics as a part of their own struggle and story. It means a lot to me."

Many Christian artists tend to bury their message under vague lyrics that almost sound like songs written to a lover as opposed to worship songs, while others are so doctrine-infused they tend to alienate audiences both inside and outside the church. Robbie Seay Band manages to find a happy medium. While the lyrics do not shy away from mentioning of God, Jesus and other clearly religious images, Seay incorporates references to nature and everyday experiences: "Go outside and praise the God who mapped the stars out in the sky" or "It's you and me dancing in the kitchen at 2 a.m."

It is apparent, after just a few tracks, that the prevailing message of the album is one of hope. In fact, I am not sure a track goes by without the word being mentioned. It is a theme that can be universally appreciated by people of all faiths. Lyrically it feels not as though the band is attempting to shove a message down any throats, but rather share their personal experiences with God and spread hope.

The message was not accidental. "Jesus came to the earth and didn't worry himself with the social classes or what was relevant," Seay said. "He hung out with the outcasts and the dying of society. He served, and in that service, offered great hope. We're hoping to follow that example."

Most of the album was written in Houston's Hyde Park Studio, but a few songs were written with producer Tedd T. (Mutemath, Delerious) at his studio in Nashville, Tenn. "Writing these songs was one of the highlights of my career," Seay said. "I've made a lot of albums… but none compare to the process of writing this one. This record was a journey, in a lot of ways." Seay and the band spent an entire year writing and recording "Give Yourself Away."

"Give Yourself Away" has a planned release date of Aug. 28. Robbie Seay Band consists of Robbie Seay (guitar, vocals), Ryan Owens (bass), Dan Hamilton (drums), Chase Jenkins (keyboard) and Jerry Nettles (guitar), and was originally formed as the Houston-based Ecclesia Church worship band eight years ago.

The band is offering two free downloads from the new album at freeRSB.com, and yes, they really are free. "Give Yourself Away" offers its listeners energetic and meaningful music with a promise of a new day. "As we serve others and give of ourselves, the hope that all of us are longing for is in clear sight," said Seay. The band's message comes across loud and clear without being forceful, and in the world of contemporary Christian music, this is quite the accomplishment.