The 77s – Seven -music review

Overview

Seven by The 77s (CD version) is a strong album, distinguished by excellent production, thoughtful songwriting, skilled musicianship, and expressive vocals. Since the release of the album Tom Tom Blues in 1995, the band’s writing has grown steadily more reflective and introspective, and Seven continues that progression.

The album is easy and enjoyable to listen to, though it does not feel as energetic as some of the band’s earlier work. Aside from the song “Weedzlers”, a bonus track not included on the vinyl edition, the record seldom comes across as especially spontaneous.

Perhaps this reflects the band is not writing primarily with live performance in mind. The songs feel less outwardly projected and more personally reflective. There is nothing wrong with that; like many listeners in my age bracket, the band seems to be in a more contemplative stage of life. As someone once said, “No one wants to see a 50-year-old Fonzie picking up women” or in this case, listen to a band still trying to sing from that perspective.

Song Assessments:

Opening Rockers

The first two tracks, “Clouds” and “Saddle Up,” are guitar-driven and represent the album’s most energetic and rock-oriented moments. “Clouds” is the hardest-rocking song on the release, with something of a Rolling Stones feel. Lyrically, it could be read as an interventionist tale (James 5:19–20), while “Saddle Up” reads more cautionary (Prov. 21:5). Although similar to “Clouds” in tempo, “Saddle Up” has a different character, almost a rocking Southwestern shuffle, à la ZZ Top.

Saddle up, let go
Lose your reigns, follow
Never mind what’s to come
You will know when you get there
No one complains
Till the moment they feel the pain
You’ll wish you had learned how
To walk away when you get there
It’s too late when you get there
When you get there

The Album Shifts Inward

“Heart Back” marks a noticeable shift in feel for the rest of the album. It has a slow to moderate tempo reminiscent of “The Rain Kept Falling Love” from Pray Naked, and lyrically it seems to explore a strained relationship or lost love (Prov. 19:19; Matt. 5:23–24).

If I wait till all the stars are aligned
It might be a long -long time
And if faith is all it takes
To change your mind…
Then I know that I’ll have to pray
You’ll return to me one day in the light.

“Shiloah” slows the tempo even further and has a lighter feel than the previous track. It carries a Tom Petty-like tone, building towards the end with a strong guitar solo. Lyrically, encouragement appears to be the main theme (2 Tim. 1:7).

Mid-Album Highlights

The next two songs, “Hand to God” and “Silence,” are both moderate in tempo. “Hand to God” may be my favorite track and is probably the most classic-sounding 77s song on the album. It is gentle and upbeat, gradually becoming fuller as it progresses, and lyrically it highlights love and commitment (1 Cor. 13; Eph. 5:24–26).

Your love I’ll not forsake
I’ll keep you in my heart
And I’ll never go away
I won’t tell your secrets
I’ll never sell you out
I’ll keep you close to me
And I’ll never let you down
I’ll cross my heart
They’ll never break us down
Hold on to me
When the cold of the darkness comes
I’ll be the one
To keep us safe and sound
My hand to God

“Silence” features a steady beat, anthem-like background vocals, and another strong guitar performance from Mike. Lyrically, it may point toward repentance and redemption (Luke 15:7; Eph. 1:7).

“Be Still” has a slower tempo, similar to “For Crying Out Loud” from DWLIS, and may be the album’s most radio-friendly song. It is catchy and likely to get stuck in your head. Lyrically, it may be the band’s most political, or perhaps apolitical song to date (Proverbs 14:12, Amos 3:3; Matt. 12:30)

Bonus Material

“Forbidden Fruit” is the first bonus track, it’s slower in tempo and ominous in mood. Once again, Mike’s guitar soloing does not disappoint. Lyrically, as the title suggests, the song can be taken as either a warning or an expression of deep regret (Gen. 3:4, 21).

“Weedzlers” is my favorite track lyrically and the album’s most energetic moment. It is also the song that most recalls the classic 77s rock sound. Musically, it reminds me of the song “Sneakers” from DWLIS. The lyrics are hard to pin down, but I interpret them as being about sanctification and/or awakening from a prodigal lifestyle (Luke 15:17).

Jesus
Know this
It’s personal and I confess
Oh my mind, yeh
It’s been madness
Lead me out of the wilderness
Blow my mind
Jesus
Save this man from another mess
Save my soul

The final track, “Sonata,” is an instrumental and the slowest song on the album, though it is one I especially enjoy. To my ears, it has a Spaghetti Western feel and could work well as an introduction to “Love Without Dreams” from Sticks and Stones.

Concluding Thoughts

Overall, Seven offers an eclectic selection of seven core tracks, hence the title, plus three bonus tracks. There is not a bad song on the album, and it may be one of the band’s most listenable releases.

The album feels polished and refined, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Depending on the listener, the production either helps bring the album across the finish line or holds it back slightly. The slower tracks can be deceptive: many begin quietly but gradually build, growing richer instrumentally and showcasing the strong musicianship of these three players, who have been together since the mid-1990s.

Seven rewards repetitive listens. Its reflective mood recalls the band’s later releases from 1996–2002, while its overall sound leans less toward modern alternative rock and more toward classic rock, somewhere between Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty.

The album stands on its own, but it also feels like an amalgam of The 77s, 7&7is, and Michael Roe’s solo work. Those sounds merge into something familiar but distinct. As usual, The 77s remain hard to pin down, since each album has taken a different shape and their sound has continued to evolve. Some of that may reflect changes in membership over the years, though this lineup has now been together for roughly 30 years.

If the album had been mixed differently and included all three bonus tracks in the main sequence, might it have had a little more edge? Maybe. But that thought may be premature, since a second album of new material, to be titled Seven’s or 7’s, may provide more of the spontaneity and energy I am looking forward to hearing.

All forms of Seven album can be purchased from the following site: https://the77srock.bandcamp.com/album/7

Note: The comments about the songs and scripture selections are my own and are not affiliated with the band members. The 77s have been around since 1978 and have released numerous albums, with Seven being their first release in almost 23 years.

The 77s are Mike Roe on guitar, Mark Harmon on bass, and Bruce Spencer on drums.