Customer Reviews

7 Deadly Zens

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

For the life of me I can't imagine why this CD went unnoticed when it was released. Probably because today's hit music has no substance, and that is not the case with this CD. Shaw is best known as guitarist and vocalist for Styx and Damn Yankees. While his other solo projects have left a lot to be desired, this is a great reflection of his true talent. His songs are uplifting, but never trite. He enlisted the help of Ted Nugent, Jack Blades, (Night Ranger) and Allison Krauss, and the result is an attention-getting, complex album that ranges from sounds reminiscent of Sgt. Pepper's to down-home American rock 'n' roll. Give this more than one listen before deciding. It grows on you quickly. This has become a mainstay of my CD collection, and is frequently played. In my opinion, this was easily worthy of at least a Grammy nomination, but everyone was too busy drooling over the new wave of flimsily-talented (and flimsily clad) teen aged, adolescently-minded performers. It's too bad that gems like this album were drowned out by such garbage.

This cd is awesome. I'm a Styx fan from way back. Unfortunatley when the band disbursed I moved on to whatever else I could find. (Nothing compares). When the "Brave New World" tour came thru Dallas I was the first one in line for tickets. Well needless to say I am once again completely hooked. The music is unsurpassed. Now on to TS. My hats off to Tommy for going the route he did on 7DZ. Why do people expect the music from a solo artist to be the same as the music from the group they also belong to. I LOVE 7DZ. The music is different from track to track and the lyrics are profound and meaningful. And it rocks ! :) TOMMY, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK !

I didn't want to say much because I don't tend to review these things; However, I am blown away that this particular cd has remained a piece of work that I am still moved by (I bought it the week it came out). Normally, cd's can represent a certain point in your life and then they become nostalgic bits (i.e. for me -"styx, pieces of eight"). This isn't to say that that nostalgia isn't great or even important, but finding that feeling that you had the first day you heard a song or album is rare.

This cd sticks with me. It's got the Tommy Shaw optimism, but with an unusual focus on the world that surrounds him and the place which he occupies in it. Secondly, the amount of different guitar tones is a real plus for those of us that want the guitar to remain a vital instument in this modern recording world.

To those that don't get this album, thank you. I get tired of good stuff losing its impact becase everybody and their grandmother jumps on it. To those that get it, we get the satisfaction of knowing a secret and getting to keep it with us for a very long time.

Tommy brings it on this one. Whether you are a Styx fan or not does not matter. The music is great from beginning to end. Tommy gets help from the likes of Kevin Cronin and Alison Kraus in putting together this catchy CD. For some, it may take more than one listen to get hooked, but it is definitely worth the investment. I was skeptical based upon his previous solo stuff, but this one Rocks! Buy it! You'll be glad you did.

Without a doubt, Tommy Shaw's best solo work to date. Unlike his previous efforts, there isn't a single track on this CD that makes me want to reach for the skip button. With guest performances from Alison Krauss, Kevin Cronin and Ted Nugent, this CD is diverse with well-rounded appeal. I don't believe this CD received much, if any, radio play - it's a shame. The guitar work alone is worth the price of admission.

Tommy is such an awesome performer. This is one of the best albums he has produced on his own. This shows the true "Nature of the Beast" in regards to Tommy's writing style. And with a little help from friends like Ted Nugent, he has got one heck of a great album!

This CD will stand the test of time. Tommy has wrote, sung, and produced a masterpiece. You do not even have to like Styx to love this CD. CMC should have broke the bank to promote this CD. Thank you for the truly GREAT work Tommy. If you like classic Great Rock ( Styx fan or non Styx fan) purchase this CD. You will not be dissappointed. You won't take it out of your CD player.

I've owned this CD since it came out. I've noticed that for the most part, reviewers either love this album or completely hate it. Suggestion for you 1 star reviewers.....Give it a few more listens!!! This album REALLY grows on you. I think the song Who I Am is the most musical tune TS has ever written, and is worth the purchase price alone. There are some other gems here too.

This is by far better than anything Styx or Damn Yankees had produced. Shaw has written some masterpieces here. If it were a perfect world, All In How You Say It would have been released as a single and reached number one.

And Nugent's guitar solo on A Place To Call My Own is incredible. An exceptional album!

We all knew that Tommy was a great songwriter and performer, but now we're seeing his experimental and raw side.

The first single, _Ocean_, is really good. I also love _Straight Down the Line_, featuring the vocals of Kevin Cronin (REO Speedwagon). It's wonderful to hear them harmonizing. It reminds me of the first time I heard Tommy and Jack Blades sing together in Damn Yankees. Beautiful.

If you're a guitar fan, there's some very nice work on this album. Ted Nugent plays on two songs. He takes a more reserved approach, but he still blazes at the appropriate moments. Of course, Tommy's playing is great too. He's more bluesy or folksy than he is with Styx.

The enhanced portion of the CD is cool! It has great photos, neat video clips, and the lyrics. (If you don't have a CD-ROM, you may have been wondering where the lyrics were. Well, they're _on_ the CD!)

_Seven Deadly Zens_ reflects what's going on in rock music now, with sound effects before and ! during a couple of songs, and some interesting layering. Once or twice, it sounds kinda odd, but I'm sure I just need to listen to it a few more times to get what he was really trying to do in those spots.

Overall, it's an accessible album with plenty of songs to fall in love with on the first listen, but enough "meat" to keep me listening to it for a long time!