Melodic rock CD of the week: 7th Heaven

By Stephen Kasenda

7th HEAVEN “Pop Media” (2011)

7th Heaven is either too creative or too generous, but it seems every new package they have is always abundant with song numbers. After the record-breaking near 300 songs on their 15-discs boxset, 'Jukebox', and also 18 songs on their previous 'USA/UK' record back in 2008, now they're back again with a full set of 21 songs, convincing us they have no shortage of song ideas.

With no significant change to their formation, 7th Heaven brings us solid melodic hard rock with a modern power pop touch – and still referencing the 80s. As usual with too many songs on a single CD, you'll find it hard to separate which track is which - you'll get mixed up easily, especially since all the tempos and styles are very similar.

If you carefully pick the strongest tracks, I think there are at least 9-10 excellent songs while the rest are spread between fillers and so-so tracks. Among those big numbers are 'Sing' and 'Snapshots In Time At The Speed of Light', a cross of Savage Garden and late-80s Def Leppard; 'Go For A Ride' and 'Dance of A Lifetime' featuring a groovy rhythm and wonderful chorus; 'She Should Have Been An Angel', 'Animals', 'Photographs', 'Should I Stay', and 'Living In A Mystery' are other favorites of mine.

I still consider 'USA/UK' as a better release, but 'Pop Media' won't disappoint the old fans, in fact, 7th Heaven is one of the most consistent bands that keep delivering what their fans really want.

Read more of Stephen’s features at MetalMusicArchives.

Review: 7th Heaven "U.S.A.-U.K."

If the guys from Def Leppard mated with the gals from Vixen, the result would be 7th Heaven. Remarkably, this band has been around since 1985; even more remarkable is that their unmistakable late 80s pop rock sound did not make them famous back in the day of Bon Jovi, Europe, and Giant.

This Chicago band has evolved nicely over the years and now sound more like Def Leppard than Def Leppard, but with a twist. The new lead singer, Keith Semple, gives the band a modern feel, infusing sounds that also remind me of American Hi-Fi, SR-71, or the Marvelous 3. Keith Semple, for those who do not know, was a winner of "Pop Stars", the UK version of American Idol (incidentally, this is where the inspiration came from to title this 2008 release USA-UK).

7th Heaven is truly unique in today's musical landscape, fusing the best of pop rock from the 80s and early 90s with modern sounds that definitely keep it fresh. There isn't a dud in the bunch, but my favorites include "Better This Way", "Cellophane", "Gave You My Word", and "Oh So Really Old".

Like the good old days of "Hysteria", the record is over 70 minutes and there just seems to be no end to the number of singles that could be huge on radio...if only it were 1988 again. The production is generally outstanding, although the drums could sound better in spots. For those of us who still love anthem rock with a big and bold chorus that you can't help but shout along to, 7th Heaven is a dream come true. You should be gettin' it - Armageddon it!

iPOD-worthy: 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 17, 18

7th Heaven on MySpace. Official site.