Released 20 years ago
Laps in Seven
Sam Bush · 2006
55 min · 12 tracks · world music
A vibrant tapestry of bluegrass and world music influences woven together with virtuosic instrumentation and heartfelt melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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The River's Gonna Run — This opening track sets the tone with its infectious energy and showcases Bush's signature mandolin work, drawing listeners into the album's rich soundscape.
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Ballad for a Soldier — A poignant tribute, this track stands out with its emotional depth and storytelling, highlighting Bush's ability to convey complex narratives through music.
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Where There's a Road — This song blends traditional and contemporary elements seamlessly, illustrating Bush's knack for crafting accessible yet sophisticated arrangements that resonate with diverse audiences.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends bluegrass with world influences, showcasing strong musicianship but with some uneven pacing.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong bluegrass track that features rapid banjo picking and fiddle solos, establishing a lively tempo.
- Several tracks incorporate world music elements, such as the use of non-traditional instruments like the mandolin and percussion from various cultures.
- The final track is an extended instrumental piece that gradually builds in intensity before fading out, creating a reflective conclusion.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- heartfelt storytelling through song
- vibrant energy for road trips
- intricate instrumentation detail hunting
- uplifting sound for gatherings
- patient melodies that unfold gradually
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer short standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 2006, Sam Bush was already a renowned figure in bluegrass music, having released several albums since his debut in 1971. 'Laps in Seven' marked his return to the studio after a five-year hiatus, showcasing his evolution as an artist while maintaining the traditional roots of bluegrass.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Jerry Douglas· Nickel Creek· Yonder Mountain String Band
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 The River's Gonna Run 4:01
- 2 Bringin' in the Georgia Mail 3:57
- 3 The Dolphin Dance 3:14
- 4 On the Road 5:00
- 5 Riding That Bluegrass Train 3:46
- 6 I Wanna Do Right 4:34
- 7 Where There's a Road 3:53
- 8 New Country 4:09
- 9 Ballad for a Soldier 4:35
- 10 River Take Me 7:11
- 11 White Bird 6:00
- 12 Laps in Seven 5:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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