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.

On 05/10/2026 at 15:22, J00prstar said:

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.

I think it's a little like whiplash in parts! Love Train in between All in Love Is Fair and Cross My Heart stands out in particular, though the injection of energy as Nina says is really appreciated.

Also worth noting that Stand By You and Spiritual Love are UK bonus tracks which probably explains their placement at the end of the tracklist! (but to me the album isn't complete without them)