Album Review: Seven by Winger

Winger are back for the first time in nine years with their seventh studio album titled, Seven. One of few hard rock bands hailing from the 80s that is still made up of all the original members (John Roth joining in 1992), Winger are an incredibly tight unit and have yet again produced an album that is solid from start to finish. From the heavier edge of Winger that we were first introduced to with their 1993 release Pull, and their unique approach on a ballad, to the classic melodic Winger sound, Seven is worth listening to from start to finish and does not disappoint. 

Kicking off the album is the first single released, “Proud Desperado”, Seven starts off with a punch. Melodic with an edge, “Proud Desperado” grips your attention right off the bat. A gritty guitar riff you can sink your teeth in, powerful lyrics and a classic Reb Beach solo, this track is the perfect way to open the album and a new chapter in Winger’s career. Up next is “Heaven’s Falling”, a melodic track that is very reminiscent of Winger’s early releases. Nostalgic in the best way, “Heaven’s Falling” contains the best part of the 80s. Layered vocals, a driven drum beat and a melodic guitar solo filled with the perfect amount of tremolo use and bends.

From the haunting tone of “Tears of Blood”, and the anthemic qualities of “Resurrect Me”, to the heavier edge of “Voodoo Fire”, Winger has created an album that is diverse while staying consistent in its quality. It has something everyone can love. Shifting gears into ballad territory, “Broken Glass” introduces piano and acoustic guitars to the album. K. Winger’s vocal abilities shine through on this track, delivering a powerful performance that gives you goosebumps, and when paired with a fantastic melodic solo played by Beach, it has everything you could ask for in a Winger ballad.

Opening with the use of a talk box, “It’s Okay” has an utterly sexy groove to it. One of my personal favorite tracks off the album, “It’s Okay” is the perfect mix of classic Winger and modern influences. K. Winger and Beach’s vocals pair seamlessly in the chorus, adding a sense of uniqueness to the song. It’s upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics will have you singing along after only a few listens. 

“Stick the Knife in and Twist”, “One Light to Burn”, “Do or Die” and “Time Bomb” finish off the second half of the album, closing out with the second single “It All Comes Back Around”. A seven and half minute ballad is a bold way to close out an album, however Winger have made it work perfectly. Lasting a minute and half, Beach’s solo dominates the song. The guitar work on Seven is nothing short of phenomenal, staying consistent from track to track.

Seven is some of Winger’s best work to date, solidifying just how talented this group of musicians are. Creating an album of highest standards, it makes up for the nine-year gap between Better Days Comin’ and Seven. The musicianship within this band in the studio and on the stage is impeccable and it shines through on this record.