Today marks 25 years of '7'!!

Here's my review for S Club 7's second studio album "7". (Note that I left off 'Never Had a Dream Come True' and will review that on the 'Sunshine' album).

1. Reach – 10/10

This is the definitive S Club 7 anthem, an ultimate pop anthem of empowerment and self-belief. Boasting a Motown infused bassline, blaring horns, uplifting production and a euphoric chorus that soars across the track. A flawless and timeless album opener that perfectly sets the tone.

2. Natural – 10/10

A bold, smooth and sultry R&B pop number that shows a more mature and sophisticated side to the group. Driven by a slick bassline, smooth production and breathy lead vocals from Rachel Stevens. A firm highlight on here and stands as one of the coolest numbers they’ve ever recorded.

3. I’ll Keep Waiting – 7/10

This solid little number experiments heavily with a fusion of R&B pop beats and light reggae inflections that gives the track a nice calming groove. The rhythms and flow is decent, but the melody doesn’t quite stand out in the way that the previous tracks do.

4. Bring the House Down – 10/10

Bringing the party vibe back up with this fun, upbeat and infectious pop track. This perfectly showcases the album’s slicker production and leans into a heavy disco funk groove, catchy beats, driving bassline and of course an explosive chorus. This should have been a single.

5. Best Friend – 5/10

This is a rather middling mid-tempo filler track with cheesy lyrics and bland bubblegum pop production that makes it feel dated and a step back for the group. This perhaps would have better served as a B-side.

6. All in Love is Fair – 6/10

A nice enough effort that sees the group delve into 90’s American contemporary R&B pop complete with syncopated beats but feels too dated and cheesy for it to fully standout. Thankfully Jo’s lead vocals hold it together.

7. Love Train – 9/10

A fun, vibrant fast paced Motown flavoured pop track with live brass, horns and a great driving rhythm. Paul’s vocals sound fantastic here and the soaring arrangements injects some much-needed life back into this album.

8. Cross My Heart – 8/10

Another stunning track. Backed by an impressive live string arrangement. gorgeous melodies and excellent vocals that breathes life into the production.

9. The Colour of Blue – 7/10

A glittering, upbeat synth pop track that sounds heavily inspired by the 1980’s. It does feel a little lightweight and doesn’t quite stand out amongst the killer tracks on here, but it’s harmless and catchy enough to not skip past it.

10. I’ll Be There – 8/10

A pleasant and breezy mid-tempo track with a nice laid-back groove and tight vocal harmonies. A solid album track.

11. Stand By You – 9/10

A sweet, sincere mid-tempo pop anthem with a simple yet effective structure that shows a lighter side to the group. Hannah and Tina’s vocals sound great here, and the chorus has a wholesome yet undeniably vibe to it.

12. Spiritual Love – 8/10

A slick and sophisticated mid-tempo R&B pop track with steady drumbeats, elegant grooves and gorgeous vocals that gives the track a nice romantic vibe. An underrated gem on here that along with the previous track was wrongfully taken off.

Edited October 5Oct 5 by Nina West

Great review Nina. I think the track listing isn't quite the optimal order. I would probably put Spiritual Love higher up & move Love Train & Colour of Blue toward the end.