Seventh Tree (studio album) by Goldfrapp

From bcmandude 10/14/2019 16:43

Seventh Tree is perfect for early autumn, when the animals are still around but the leaves are starting to fall.

Warm, fleeting folktronica soundscapes form a pastoral backdrop to art pop lyrics that primarily deal with the strangeness of humans and the many methods of achieving temporary happiness in a world that is ultimately sad. Alison Goldfrapp sings about joining cults in "Happiness", getting breast implants in "Clowns", and waking up in a hospital after over-dosing in "A&E", weaving tales of an unending quest for inner-peace. But she offers a glimmer of hope with the romantic closing track "Monster Love".

Aesthetically, Seventh Tree is largely inspired by 1960s/70s turn-of-the-decade culture like hippie cults, nomadic caravanners, psychedelic rock, and baroque pop. The album is a brilliant precursor to the dreamy retro art pop sound that we've heard from artists like Weyes Blood, Japanese Breakfast and Lana Del Rey this decade.

Altogether, Goldfrapp's best album and one of my all-time favourites.

In all honesty, this one has never gelled with me in comparison to all their other records and the audacity to call it their best record reeks of rockism. "Seventh Tree" has its moments, and I understand the need to switch things up after the electronics of black cherry / supernature , but you know, just because they're doing some folky guitar balladeering here, doesn't mean it's automatically superior to their electropop. Mixed opinions really, but there are some good tracks here.

From ExTeaSea 09/03/2018 05:36

Very very good! Was pleasantly surprised with this one.

Another great Goldfrapp album. Doesn't quite have the sparkle of Felt Mountain but comes in at quite a close second with some beautiful musicianship and haunting vocals.

From Boltzmann 03/16/2018 21:59

"Clowns" is one of two songs of which my initial thought was: "are you allowed to just do that?", like I didn't even see it as an option. The other song being "Black Dog" of Led Zeppelin. It is so simple, anyone could make it, yet it still baffles me.
Furthermore, the album is very good for when you're stressed out, because of the calm atmosphere and the subjects of the songs: I view "Road to Somewhere" as an ode to living in the moment.

A lovely record, although I have this nagging feeling that with each album Goldfrapp released from 2000 to 2010, the quality and the amount of innovation declined, and with the pastoral "Seventh Tree", they seemed to lose some of that sparkle that made them stand out. Nonetheless it's still an impressive piece of work.

From Eastwood 12/19/2016 10:00

Good album. Best 10 songs average is 85,2/100 and the album can get good 85/100. Best song is "Caravan girl" very good. All other song good to ok.
Genre: Dream Pop, Art Pop, Chamber Folk

Goldfrapp's best album since, felt mountain. Gone is the electro pop and replaced with something more folky. Some lovely sounds with hints of the Beach boys on some tracks. A lovely album.

Although I love my synth pop, particularly 80's, this is my favourite Goldfrapp album, the one I played most and longest after purchase. More of an acoustic sound to it after the previous two albums, but still with the unmistakeable Goldfrapp vocals. Class album. My favourite track: Some People - it builds into something quite beautiful...

From Boggleward 09/14/2014 01:48

A completely beautiful & melodic album. One of the real classics of the last 10 years. Tales of Us has continued & developed the style.