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Steve Vai
The 7th Song


4.0
excellent

Review

by sting-ray USER (4 Reviews)
January 16th, 2005 | 10 replies


Release Date: 2000 | Tracklist


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.

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


user ratings (35)
3.9
excellent


Comments:Add a Comment 
Jimm
January 2nd 2004


2 Comments


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
January 2nd 2004


92 Comments


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

Maveryck
January 2nd 2004


12 Comments


Cool review. :thumb:

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

JAStewart
January 3rd 2004


180 Comments


Get Passion and warefare. Its the best.

master_of_decadence
January 4th 2004


2 Comments


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.

sting-ray
March 6th 2005


92 Comments


well this album has a wider range of his songs.. I would recommend any of his archive discs including this one first.

Esp Griffyn
April 2nd 2006


28 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

As with anything Vai, this is incredible, it might not show his more rocking side, which might turn some people off, but the heartfelt playing and amazing composition is just unmissable.

spameister
April 16th 2006


26 Comments


I dont think Vai is up to much... he's just so cheesy. Ive seen him on live videos with a fan in front of him to blow his hair back while he plays some stupid solo with two other guitarists- who are all evidently loving themselves. He makes me cringe. Having said that, he's good entertainment, if only to laugh at..

Hatshepsut
April 22nd 2006


1997 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5 | Sound Off

This album is stunning.

Hatshepsut
May 29th 2006


1997 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5 | Sound Off

Double post over a month later.

In the middle of reviewing this.



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