Seven Is the Number cover

Released 20 years ago

Seven Is the Number

Dave Carter and Tracy Grammer · 2006

46 min · 11 tracks · folk music

A tapestry of intricate melodies and poignant storytelling woven through folk roots and heartfelt harmonies.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Seven Is the Number — This title track encapsulates the album's essence with its reflective lyrics and enchanting melody, establishing a thematic foundation that reverberates throughout the record.
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    Snake-Handlin' Man — With its lively tempo and witty storytelling, this track offers a glimpse into Carter's sharp songwriting, blending humor with social commentary in a captivating manner.
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    Red (Elegy) — An introspective and haunting piece, it showcases emotional vulnerability through rich imagery and haunting instrumentation, marking a poignant moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and craftsmanship but remains within familiar folk structures.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of dual harmonies throughout, with both vocalists often intertwining their lines rather than taking distinct verses.
  • Several tracks incorporate intricate fingerpicking guitar patterns that serve as the backbone for the melodies, particularly evident in 'Seven Is the Number' and 'Red (Elegy)'.
  • The lyrical themes explore personal and social narratives, with storytelling elements that are prominent in songs like 'Gas Station Girl' and 'Workin' for Jesus'.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Seven Is the Number 2:40
  • 2 Snake-Handlin' Man 3:35
  • 3 Red (Elegy) 3:31
  • 4 The Promised Land 3:27
  • 5 Hey Tonya 3:50
  • 6 Texas Underground 3:51
  • 7 Gas Station Girl 4:00
  • 8 Long, Black Road in to Tulsa Town 5:30
  • 9 Workin' for Jesus 4:58
  • 10 Gun-Metal Eyes 5:49
  • 11 Sarah Turn 'Round 4:51

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata