(Unclassifiable) Steve Vai - The 7th Song

sting-ray · 11-16-2003, 10:26 PM

Traditionally, vai made the 7th song on all his CDs the mellifluous guitar ballad that serves the melody on a "silver platter". In numerology, the number 7 is shrouded in mystique. Vai intentionally makes these songs more devotional than technical (according to vai himself). He also intends for the 7th songs in his records to be more spiritual than the rest.

the album features Stu Hamm on bass for most of the songs and Steve vai himself on other intruments such as keyboards. This album has a great sound; its perfect for relaxing, playing at work, in the car, even before going to bed. The balance of high-pitch guitars and the low end of the bass is near to perfect.

notable songs:

For the love of god: (6:02) this song is a classic, steve vai really demonstrates his skill throught the whole song, yet the song is still very relaxing.
Windows To The Soul: (6:24) a very spiritual song, great for working to. This is one of the few songs where there are lyrics (not very long); the vocals are perfect for the song (very appropriate).
Tender Surrender: (5:09) this is a nice melodic song that is really smooth and easy to listen to; this song is one of Vai's most well known and popular songs. Overall great song.
Hand on Heart: (5:26) another master-piece by Vai. A highly emotional song that really exercises all aspects of guitar playing. Creamy is a fitting description for the song, as the song maintains its molodic smoothness while steve shreds.
Christmas Time Is Here: (4:22) as christmas is approching quickly, it would be great to be eating your family dinner to some nice "christmas-sounding" steve vai.
Melissa's Garden: (7:54) its the 7th song. All the attention is pointed its way (because of the albums name). I dont really like the song though, its too "ordinary" compared to Vai's other stuff. The melody, on the other hand, is outstanding.
Boston Rain Melody: (4:39) one of my favourite songs on the album and one of its hidden treasures. Its a great way to end the album and your day (if you're going to bed). The end of the song has a little child say "bye bye" and its quite heart-warming.

Track Listing:

1. for the love of god
2. touching tongues
3. windows to the soul
4. burnin' down the mountain
5. tender surrender
6. hand on heart
7. melissa's garden (bonus track)
8. call it sleep
9. christmas is here
10. the wall of light (bonus track)
11. boston rain melody (bonus track)

I strongly suggest this CD to whomever enjoys listening to great guitarists because there is close to no vocals on this album. Steve Vai is currently on tour with the G3 (Joe Satriani and Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai) and going to one of the venues is also recommended.

On the other hand, this kind of music will/can drive you crazy if you're in the mood for some heavier stuff.

my rating: 4/5

Jimm · 01-01-2004, 11:53 PM

Is this album old work mixed some new work? Or is it an original?

I know other Vai CD's have the same tracks on them..

sting-ray · 01-02-2004, 02:47 AM

your observation is correct, this is his archives vol. 1 (he also added 3 new songs)

Maveryck · 01-02-2004, 07:29 AM

Cool review.

Interesting concept for an album. When I saw it described, my first thought was "I wonder what track seven's going to be like..."

JAStewart · 01-03-2004, 06:57 AM

Get Passion and warefare. Its the best.

master_of_decadence · 01-04-2004, 06:02 AM

I'm wondering about getting one of Vai's proper albums - I've got the G3 one with him, Satch and Johnson, but I was considering getting one of his own. The consensus most of the time seems to go to Passion and Warfare - should i get that or the 7th song, or any other album of his?
Nice review, stingray.

11-16-2003, 10:26 PM	#1
sting-ray sunset on Ibiza Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 11,875	(Unclassifiable) Steve Vai - The 7th Song Traditionally, vai made the 7th song on all his CDs the mellifluous guitar ballad that serves the melody on a "silver platter". In numerology, the number 7 is shrouded in mystique. Vai intentionally makes these songs more devotional than technical (according to vai himself). He also intends for the 7th songs in his records to be more spiritual than the rest. the album features Stu Hamm on bass for most of the songs and Steve vai himself on other intruments such as keyboards. This album has a great sound; its perfect for relaxing, playing at work, in the car, even before going to bed. The balance of high-pitch guitars and the low end of the bass is near to perfect. notable songs: For the love of god: (6:02) this song is a classic, steve vai really demonstrates his skill throught the whole song, yet the song is still very relaxing. Windows To The Soul: (6:24) a very spiritual song, great for working to. This is one of the few songs where there are lyrics (not very long); the vocals are perfect for the song (very appropriate). Tender Surrender: (5:09) this is a nice melodic song that is really smooth and easy to listen to; this song is one of Vai's most well known and popular songs. Overall great song. Hand on Heart: (5:26) another master-piece by Vai. A highly emotional song that really exercises all aspects of guitar playing. Creamy is a fitting description for the song, as the song maintains its molodic smoothness while steve shreds. Christmas Time Is Here: (4:22) as christmas is approching quickly, it would be great to be eating your family dinner to some nice "christmas-sounding" steve vai. Melissa's Garden: (7:54) its the 7th song. All the attention is pointed its way (because of the albums name). I dont really like the song though, its too "ordinary" compared to Vai's other stuff. The melody, on the other hand, is outstanding. Boston Rain Melody: (4:39) one of my favourite songs on the album and one of its hidden treasures. Its a great way to end the album and your day (if you're going to bed). The end of the song has a little child say "bye bye" and its quite heart-warming. Track Listing: 1. for the love of god 2. touching tongues 3. windows to the soul 4. burnin' down the mountain 5. tender surrender 6. hand on heart 7. melissa's garden (bonus track) 8. call it sleep 9. christmas is here 10. the wall of light (bonus track) 11. boston rain melody (bonus track) I strongly suggest this CD to whomever enjoys listening to great guitarists because there is close to no vocals on this album. Steve Vai is currently on tour with the G3 (Joe Satriani and Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai) and going to one of the venues is also recommended. On the other hand, this kind of music will/can drive you crazy if you're in the mood for some heavier stuff. my rating: 4/5

01-03-2004, 06:57 AM	#5
JAStewart Futurama Rocks! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Scotland. Posts: 5,531	Get Passion and warefare. Its the best. __________________ http://www.jastewart.co.uk

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01-01-2004, 11:53 PM	#2
Jimm '03 rocked. Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Australia Posts: 1,047	Is this album old work mixed some new work? Or is it an original? I know other Vai CD's have the same tracks on them..

01-02-2004, 02:47 AM	#3
sting-ray sunset on Ibiza Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Canada Posts: 11,875	your observation is correct, this is his archives vol. 1 (he also added 3 new songs)

01-02-2004, 07:29 AM	#4
Maveryck Sith happens. Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 13,929	Cool review. Interesting concept for an album. When I saw it described, my first thought was "I wonder what track seven's going to be like..."

01-04-2004, 06:02 AM	#6
master_of_decadence Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Gloucestershire, England Posts: 51	I'm wondering about getting one of Vai's proper albums - I've got the G3 one with him, Satch and Johnson, but I was considering getting one of his own. The consensus most of the time seems to go to Passion and Warfare - should i get that or the 7th song, or any other album of his? Nice review, stingray.