7th HEAVEN - Pop Media (2011)
Since their start in 1985 (yes, that long ago), 7th HEAVEN has grown to one of the biggest indie bands of the world.
This is the premier Chicago festival act according to prominent talent buyers in Illinois. The critically acclaimed website 'Barstar' refers to 7th HEAVEN as one of the 3 best bands in Chicago.
Not that they sell albums by the truckload, but mainly because they have made a name for themselves as a very active live band.
Playing approximately 200 shows per year is indeed a number that would make many groups jealous.
Also known for being a prolific band, 7th Heaven is releasing an new all-original CD of 22 songs called "Pop Media".
After the rocking predecessor 'USA-UK' (2008), 7th Heaven now turns the dial to a more commercial set of tune, obviously more melodic rock&pop oriented, a feel-good summertime disc.
The line-up has changed since their 'Silver' album, with vocalist Keith Semple (South African born, raised in Ireland) taking up residence in the USA as the new lead vocalist. He is the perfect fit for the band and judging by the writing credits and the quality of the songs, has made an immediate impact with band founder, guitarist and principal songwriter Richie Hofherr.
"Pop Media" still retains the trademark 7th Heaven sound, that said; light Def Leppard style but this time mixed with a radiable approach.
As usual, we have here a lot of tracks, but all short (about 3 min.) and enjoyable.
Opener "Sing" is a commercial Def Leppard-esque light anthem featuring a great vibe in the intro and build by the chorus. It has a very nice melody in the verses too.
On "Go For A Ride" the whole song revolves around the guitar riff. This is a poppy catchy tune in the vein of Savage Garden.
"Beyond Beautiful" is a nice mid-tempo shuffle piano piece with soft vocals and syncopated drum beats. It's a very modern track for 7th Heaven standards.
"Turn Up The Radio" is one of the best tracks of the album. It pays some respect to the '80s when melody ruled the airwaves. A really catchy track with a great hook and an harmonic twin guitar solo played by Hofherr and Cox together.
As the name states "Dance Of A Lifetime" is a poppy-rock, almost danceable tune with tons of synths and a cool refrain.
"I Did Not Sign Up For This" has a nice change from the rest of the CD in terms of style and sound. This song is very different from most 7th Heaven songs with a shuffle kind of feel, very organic sounding. It's pretty british in its conception.
Thankfully, the band rocks a bit on "Love Or Hate" to give the album a balance. The 'whoa' chorus is welcomed as the reverbered guitars as well.
"Animals" is another favorite. This is one of the best crafted songs on the album, very Def Lepp with a catchy chorus and strong guitars.
There's also space for the ballads; the classy "Wouldn't Change A Thing" and the more modern and poppy "Beyond Beautiful".
To add more diversity, Richard Hofherr did lead vocals on a couple of tracks ("Living In A Mystery", "Life Goes On"), and second guitarist Nick Cox takes the mic on "Should I Stay".
"Pop Media" is a collection of fun, catchy Rock&Pop songs that can transcend numerous generations. A feel-good, easy listening CD.
I still prefer 7th Heaven's rocking side (which isn't absent here) but I respect how they're willing to try different styles, and on many songs here, they succeed.
The band's sound is a little programmed at times, but that's their high-tech style that has been constant since the start.
7th Heaven always delivers the goods and they always deliver great value.
One of the hardest working indie bands that deserves world recognition.
Good Stuff.
01 - Sing
02 - Go For A Ride
03 - She Shoud Have Been An Angel
04 - World Gone Mad
05 - Beyond Beautiful
06 - Turn Up The Radio
07 - Dance Of A Lifetime
08 - I Did Not Sign Up For This
09 - Get Up On The Floor
10 - Snapshots In Time At The Speed Of Light
11 - Love Or Hate
12 - Animals
13 - Wouldn't Change A Thing
14 - Photographs
15 - What's My Name
16 - Perfect Girl
17 - Change The World
18 - Should I Stay
19 - Stuck In A Moment
20 - Living In A Mistery
21 - Loving You
22 - Life Goes On
Lead Vocals, Piano, Guitars: Keith Semple
Guitars, Keys, Bass, Vocals: Richard Hofherr
Guitar: Nick Cox
Bass: Mark Kennetz
Drums: Michael Mooshey
Back-Up Vocals: Keith Semple, Nick Cox, Richard Hofherr
BUY IT !
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/pop-media/id450460483
