Seventh Key - I will Survive

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Taking you back to how Rock used to be!

Seventh Key’s newest album release comes in the shape of 'I will Survive'. It’s taken nine years for this album to materialize, and is the bands third and probably their most strong. They will no doubt be likened to Kansas, seeing as Billy Greer takes centre stage with his comfortably familiar vocals and bass sound, however, this album has a life of its own.

To be honest with you opening track and title song 'I will Survive' sounds more like an early Styx song to me, with it’s awesome Hammond opening and beautifully crafted instrumental, before building up to the full on catchy chorus. In fact, the more I hear the album, the more comparisons I could come up with including Rainbow’s  Joe Lynn Turner era? This was especially the case for the Rainbow Esq. 'Lay in on the Line'. Also the track 'I want it All' has elements of Prog mixed with the classic sound, it's stop starts and it's epic choruses really stand out and you could quite happily play this a dozen or more times and not get bored.

The classic sounding ballad 'I see you There” has hit record written all over it, and wouldn’t be out of place on any Power Ballad compilation album. Another great ballad on the album 'Sea of Dreams', follows the same classic soft rock ballad sound, and contains some incredible backing vocals and harmonies. I guess by this stage I’m painting a picture of sickly sweet 80’s Soft Rock tracks, but this isn’t the case, in fact there are some fantastic AOR sounding numbers such as 'Time and time Again' and Melodic Rock number 'When love sets you Free' which has embedded itself firmly in my mind with its brilliant hook and awesome melody.

'The Only One' is a real feel good number and would definitely get you up on the dance floor if it were played at a Rock disco. Penultimate track 'What love’s supposed to Be' takes on a slightly more solemn mood to start, but builds up into what I’d say is one of the best sounding slower numbers on the CD, again taking on a Styx vibe, it’s beautifully produced and screams quality. Final track sounds slightly more Prog Rock, but still works well as a closing number. All in all another great Christmas stocking filler for the AOR / Melodic Rock fans amongst us.

Review by: Helen Westby

​Listen! to the Track 'I want it All' Below...