Atmosphere
Seven's Travels

4.0
excellent

Review

by Jakeitwasaghost USER (1 Reviews)
April 6th, 2010 | 133 replies

Release Date: 2003 | Tracklist

Review Summary: An album that isn't highly regarded compared to their older releases, but stands the test of the time just as well.

First off: I cannot believe there hasn't been a proper review of this album. While many see this as their most "mainstream" effort, I believe it to be their best. Sure, there are some fillers (what Hip-hop album that has 19 songs is fill-free?) but even the lackluster songs on "Seven's Travels" would be most group's shining moment. With that said, let us delve into what makes this album is so captivating, shall we?

The album starts off with "History". The beat hints at the overall feeling of what is to come; A bit happy, somewhat sad, and extremely melancholy. Not a standout track by any means, but I certainly don't skip it on account of it being a prelude to the machine that is "Seven's Travels". Next, we're onto the main single of the album, "Trying To Find A Balance". Now, this is not particuliarly one of my favorite songs on the disc, but Slug's pissed off lyrical prowess is certainly reason enough to keep one's ears glued to the speakers. It even provides a chuckle, when hearing the line "Now I'm too ***ed up to dance, so I'mma (sp?) sit with my hand down the front of my pants". Come on, who hasn't been too drunk at a friends house and found themselves pulling the proverbial "Al Bundy"?

The 3rd through 9th songs on here are decent, but certainly dont represent the meat of "Seven's Travels" greatness. You'll find some cute phrases, a couple catchy one-liners, and of course (as with the rest of the album) damn good beats. The 10th track, aptly titled "Cats Van Bag" features the hardest beat on the record. Perhaps the only downfall of this song is Brother Ali's cheesy lyrics (Sabertooth tiger???) and inadvertent disruption of the flow. Nevertheless, this is not a detraction from the rest of the album. After that, we find ourselves listening to "Los Angeles". Probably as close to a filler track as "Seven's Travels" has to offer, but at least the minute of Slug's lyrics accurately portray the feeling of L.A.

Tracks 12 through 19: Ah, now we're getting into the center of what makes this album so brilliant. "Lifter Her Pull Her" is actually my favorite song from them, and I'll try to adequately elaborate. From the soothing piano measures, to the heartfelt sample ("You don't know me, you just love me") to the GREAT lyrics... this song has it all. In my opinion, this song truly encompasses what this album set out to do: Which is make an overall melancholy album that makes you happy to hear. A contradiction, right? There is no other way to properly describe it. I suppose this song hits close to home for me because of the intimate lyrics, but I won't get too much further into that because that would make me biased, right?

"Shoes" is a song with a simple drum beat, without samples and glamour. The lyrics really stand out on this track, and not just because of the stripped down drums he's spitting to. "National Disgrace" has a very upbeat rhythm, as well as snarky lyrics that delve into (what I see as) the politics of music. "Denvermolorado" happens to feature my favorite musical section on the record, and my personal favorite lyric "Is the sound of emotion enough to make me want to hang myself from the rafter that's over my bed? But when I stop to climb the Ladder that's embedded in my heart I start to question all the emotion in my head". Deep stuff, courtesy of Slug.

The general message of the next few songs is right in line with the theme of the album; Friends, women, and of course... traveling. The final track is likely the most different. Acoustic guitar, mellow flow, and great storytelling. "Always Coming Back Home To You" is definitely a highlight of "Seven's". I almost wish there weren't a hidden track ("Say Shh") so that I could without a doubt say that this record ended on an epic note. Either way, I believe it's a great end, and a fitting song title to a record that gives the feeling of lonely traveler who would like nothing more than to make do with what he has at home. Perhaps this constant touring and pouring of his heart is all that Sean Daley (Slug) knows... but damn it makes for an amazing Hip-hop album.

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