Seventh Tree

This is the dreamy kind of music that sounds pleasant while it's playing, but it doesn't really go anywhere and you forget what each song sounded like as soon as it's ended.

Pleasant but very samey. I've listened to it multiple times, and though the sound is nicely atmospheric, i am not really drawn to any track in particular.

Of the albums I’m listening to for the first time on this list, this might be the best so far. I had only really known Goldfrapp from ‘Ooh La La’ being in commercials in the 2000s. This was fairly different from what I would have expected given what I knew of her (and upon listening to some of their other top songs, this was a different direction for them). I was so surprised though on this that every song hit. I was expecting eventually there was one that didn’t work but right up until the end it was still working. This album is going to stay in the rotation.

Pleasant. Mild. Nice. Pretty. Wears a cardigan and hides behind fringes.

Reminds me of Cocteau Twins and I'm a big fan of this genre in general. Dreamy, chill.. a great album to listen to on a cold and rainy Saturday morning. "Happiness" was beautiful. One of the best new songs I've found through this so far (300 albums in, time flies dude!)

Would make great background music for a cottagecore instagram post

Solid album. I enjoy this type of laid back music. The vocals match it perfectly. Nice way to slide into the weekend.

Matched my drive to work: Sunny and chill.

A dreamy sound and a departure from the future electronica sound Goldfrapp usually bring, Alison’s vocals soar over lush arrangements. Occasionally straying into CocoRosie territory but nevertheless still a perfectly relaxing album.

A very interesting album. It has a vaguely ethereal feeling to all the songs, many of which have honestly fairly depressing themes. That being said, all the songs in the album were great to listen to, if you happen to be in the right mood for this sort of music. Standouts in the album for me are "Happiness" and "A&E", both of which hit very good instrumental and lyrical themes that honestly keep you paying attention to the music.

This is a soothing sweet nothing to me.

Seriously, two albums from this duo on consecutive days?! I'm still sleeping from yesterday's set! Seriously, though, this is music with a range so narrow an anorexic pencil wouldn't fit. Not annoying, just all the same - and much too wispy and soft for me.

What a strange suggestion. Given that I'm not even sure to include *Felt Mountain*, Goldfrapp's debut, in my own list, I have a lot of trouble considering this later album of theirs seriously. *Felt Mountain* was already a patchy effort, some great moments mixed with quite a few snoozefests, especially those dreary instrumentals on side two. *Seventh Tree* is more cohesive in comparison, it's true. But replacing valleys and peaks with flatlands does not necessarily mean your band has improved overall. Besides, I've always found this project quite opportunistic, as great a vocalist as Alisson Godfrapp is. *Felt Mountain* was already like an afterthought of the trip-hop wave, never really reaching the heights of a Portishead in its neo-noir aesthetics. It was too late AND not enough. The 180-degree turn towards dance music in the following LPs also looked suspicious, like a money grab. And the quieter, smoother *Seventh Tree* released after this dance music period tried a little too hard to capitalize on a glossy version of the psychedelic wave that was surging again by the late naughts. A lot of acoustic textures, especially on the first side, allowed the band to do so while keeping their cool. But those textures, as nice as they are, can't make up for what's missing in this record... And what's missing in it? Well, memorable songs, for starters--or at least more than a couple of them. Striking melodies and unforgettable harmonies... And along with that: clear intents, a strong identity, genuine risks, heartfelt or witty lyrics... Pandering to the trends of the day doesn't necessarily give you those types of assets. I have nothing against "followers" (some of them did write essential albums once in a while), but for those, the songwriting needs to be top-notch. And well, said songwriting is just *OK* here. "Clowns" is the understated opening statement that's to be expected in that sort of *quote-unquote*, "more-authentic-album-aimed-at-a-more-mature-audience". "Little Bird" is the missing link between the Beatles' "Strawberry Fields Forever" and Beach House's "Zebra" or "Silver Soul"... but sadly, it is doomed to remain a passing footnote whenever someone has to mention those other legendary songs. "Happiness" seems to recycle the lessons of Feist's hits "My Moon, My Man" and "1234", released the year before, but without anything approaching (or even approximating) the soaring hooks and emotional choruses of the latter, unfortunately. Less lively but equally tedious--in spite of an interesting lo-fi guitar sound and the Billie Holiday overtones in its introduction--"Road to Somewhere" leads to nowhere fast. And "Eat Yourself" applies its piece of advice so well that the song instantly fades out of your memory as soon as it is over. Up to this point, only "Some People" does have anything ressembling a proper chorus, even though it's still lacking something that would bring the song to yet another level. Don't get me wrong, Goldfrapp doesn't write and perform bad music per se, and more power to you if you can appreciate what they do. It's just that "decent" is not the sort of thing that can keep you awake at night, is it? A couple of more straightforward songs towards the very end of this album--incidentally leaving aside the acoustic-psychedelic flourishes so prevalent in the rest of the tracks--show that Goldfrapp could still be a little more convincing when their heart was into it. The problem is that before those two tracks, the pop-rock diamond-in-the-rough "Caravan Girl", and the part-angsty, part-dreamy "Monster Love" (sounding like a proto-Lana Del Rey torch song about Hollywood and its many dangers), you also have the chatty MOR FM borefest "A&E", along with that very awkward "Cologne Cerrone Houdini". In those two other unfortunate cuts, Godfrapp even commits the crime of confusing style with substance, either through their excessive reliance in pop's hackneyed formulae for the first example, or through their heavy-handed borrowing of Serge Gainsbourg/Andrew Loog Oldham-like strings to painstakingly try to disguise how vacuous the second song actually is. To put it in a nutshell, successes and duds even things out at the end of this LP. And before that, there's nothing too lively happening anyway, in one direction or another. So if you wish to single out genuinely *essential records*, I'm not sure this innocuous LP filled with a lot of forcibly understated / *actually very naive* cuts--well-suited to be played as background music in a Starbucks--is what you're really looking for. Your call. 2/5 for the purposes of this list. Which translates to a 7/10 grade for more general purposes (5+2). Next, please. Number of albums left to review: 512 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 232 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 113 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 142 (including this one)

Goldfrapp’s airy voice just doesn’t do it for me

What a boring album. It was only 45 minutes, but half way through I thought to myself it needed to be over. It was not. The lyrics remind me of indie music, but there is more electronica to the music. Uninspiring and unmemorable.

Being honest, I like this Goldfrapp album because it’s not much like a Goldfrapp album. The duo of Allison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory, known for electronica, strip it back and go acoustic on this dreamy, whimsical, lush and very beautiful album. There’s more than a hint of Kate Bush in Goldfrapp’s voice. The choice to make a record like this, in defiance of expectations, is brave and they have the skill and creativity to pull it off.

I really enjoyed the ethereal, electronic vibes of this album

This was a great pick today, as it introduced me to an artist that is right up my alley in music style. While the description of the album said it was an electronic duo, it came off more as a singer-songwriter album with Alison’s singing than it did electronic. I was completely hooked from start to finish and immediately went to seek out other albums to check out later. When I get stuck with bad albums as the daily picks, it’s ones like this that make me happy I do this challenge.

I thought this was brilliant. Lush and ethereal at the same time

Loved this one very unusual. Clow is such a great song.

Goldfrapp's *Seventh Tree*, released in 2008, marked a dramatic departure from the duo's previous albums, *Black Cherry* and *Supernature*. Known for their glam-pop and electronic dance soundscapes, Goldfrapp shifted toward a more introspective, pastoral, and folktronica style. This album is a deeply atmospheric work that combines acoustic instrumentation with ethereal vocals, exploring themes of nature, introspection, and surrealism. Below is an in-depth review of the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence, along with its pros and cons. ## **Lyrics** The lyrical content of *Seventh Tree* is poetic and introspective, often drawing on surreal imagery and personal reflection. Alison Goldfrapp weaves themes of nature, paganism, and human vulnerability into the songs. For instance: - **"Clowns"** critiques societal obsession with plastic surgery in a whimsical yet melancholic manner: "Only clowns would play with those balloons." - **"A&E"** juxtaposes heartbreak with the sterile environment of a hospital ward, creating a poignant narrative about emotional recovery. - **"Happiness"** explores the darker side of the pursuit of joy, hinting at cultish overtones beneath its upbeat exterior. - **"Cologne Cerrone Houdini"** employs cryptic lyrics to evoke a dreamlike atmosphere. The lyrics are less direct than in Goldfrapp's earlier work, leaning heavily on metaphor and abstraction. While this adds depth and intrigue for some listeners, others may find them overly opaque or difficult to connect with. ## **Music** Musically, *Seventh Tree* is lush and organic. It abandons the electronic beats and glam influences of previous albums in favor of acoustic guitars, strings, harpsichords, and subtle electronic textures. The sound is influenced by artists such as Nick Drake, Kate Bush, and the Cocteau Twins. Highlights include: - **"Clowns"**: A gentle opener featuring acoustic guitar and soft harmonies that evoke a serene summer day. - **"Little Bird"**: Swirling psychedelia with layered vocals and dreamy instrumentation. - **"Happiness"**: A deceptively cheerful track with bouncy rhythms reminiscent of 1960s pop. - **"A&E"**: A standout track blending melancholy strings with an infectious melody. - **"Caravan Girl"**: An upbeat ode to escapism with euphoric energy. The arrangements are intricate yet understated. Will Gregory’s production complements Alison’s vocals perfectly, creating a cohesive sonic landscape that feels both intimate and expansive. ## **Production** The production on *Seventh Tree* is immaculate. Goldfrapp recorded the album in a rural setting, which is reflected in its earthy tones and naturalistic soundscapes. The use of analog instruments alongside subtle electronic elements gives the album a timeless quality. The mixing emphasizes warmth and clarity, allowing each instrument to shine without overpowering the others. However, some critics have argued that the production occasionally veers into "coffee table music" territory—pleasant but lacking edge or risk. ## **Themes** Thematically, *Seventh Tree* delves into: - **Nature and Paganism**: Many tracks are imbued with references to the English countryside and pagan rituals. This connection to nature provides a grounding element throughout the album. - **Surrealism**: Inspired by surreal children's literature and folklore (e.g., *The Wicker Man*), the album often feels like stepping into a dreamlike world. - **Introspection**: The lyrics frequently explore personal emotions such as heartbreak (*A&E*) or existential musings (*Eat Yourself*). - **Escapism**: Songs like "Caravan Girl" celebrate freedom and breaking away from societal constraints. This thematic shift from hedonistic glam-pop to reflective folktronica was bold but polarizing for fans accustomed to Goldfrapp's earlier work. ## **Influence** *Seventh Tree* was critically acclaimed for its bravery in reinventing Goldfrapp’s sound. It demonstrated their versatility as artists capable of moving beyond genre constraints. The album influenced subsequent folktronica acts by showing how electronic music could integrate acoustic elements seamlessly. However, its commercial impact was more subdued compared to *Supernature*, reflecting its niche appeal. ## **Pros** 1. **Artistic Evolution**: Goldfrapp’s willingness to take risks paid off creatively. The album showcases their ability to reinvent themselves while maintaining their core artistry. 2. **Lush Production**: The organic instrumentation and meticulous arrangements create an immersive listening experience. 3. **Standout Tracks**: Songs like "A&E," "Happiness," and "Caravan Girl" are memorable both musically and lyrically. 4. **Cohesive Atmosphere**: The pastoral aesthetic ties the album together thematically and sonically. 5. **Critical Acclaim**: Many critics praised it as one of Goldfrapp’s most accomplished works since their debut album *Felt Mountain*. ## **Cons** 1. **Pacing Issues**: Some tracks can feel slow or meandering ("Some People," "Eat Yourself"), which might test listeners’ patience. 2. **Ambiguity in Lyrics**: While poetic, the abstract nature of some lyrics may alienate those seeking more direct storytelling. 3. **Polarizing Style Shift**: Fans of Goldfrapp’s earlier electronic dance sound may find this folk-inspired direction less engaging. 4. **Limited Commercial Appeal**: Despite critical success, the subdued tone made it less accessible for mainstream audiences compared to their previous albums. ## **Conclusion** *Seventh Tree* is an ambitious and beautifully crafted album that highlights Goldfrapp’s versatility as musicians. Its introspective lyrics, lush production, and thematic depth make it a standout entry in their discography. However, its slower pace and abstract approach may not appeal to all listeners. For those willing to embrace its pastoral charm and subtle complexities, *Seventh Tree* offers a rewarding listening experience that stands as a testament to Goldfrapp’s artistic integrity.

dejligt

Great voice and occasional glimpses of beauty but otherwise very bland and forgettable - a marked departure from earlier Goldfrapp records

I really liked the first track, but everything after that turned into a blur of songs that I could not separate out, and that left no lasting impression of anything. Perfectly fine for background music, but don't expect to remember that you had it on.

Quite pleasant but entirely unremarkable. Given how this list works I anticipate there will be 2-3 more from these folk, which I will address with opportune scorn.

Album starts with "Clowns," a dreamy lilting sound with an ethereal voice singing unclear words. I looked up the lyrics while listening and realized to my horror that she's singing about fake breasts. Discordant like that awful version of My Humps that Alanis Morissette did but that might have been a joke and this isn't. "Happiness" is better but not good enough to make up for that. The rest of the album lilts along in its sweet way, making much of airy stuff.

Really, really dull. It's kinda pleasant in small doses I guess but this kind of music isn't really my thing. There was one song that stuck out (Happiness? I don't even care enough to look it up) that was pretty good and stood out but this was a "it's just there" album. Ultimately I have no clue why it was included, but I can see some people really liking it

Another case where I do not understand what this album has of extraordinary.

BORING!!!!! Who decides this is one of the 1001 albums I must hear before I die? Only a second star cause the girl on the cover looks like Goldie Hawn

cool

I was feeling pretty rundown and just needed a chill album i could lay in bed and turn out the lights to. This album fit just right for that. I liked the songwriting. They do a great job at shaping and building some interesting songs with cool rises, swells, and melodic twists. Vocals were great. Strong melodies with nice layers of harmonies & lots of trippy sounds bubbling around. Highly transportive vibes. I think this album cleansed my chi.

This is a cool one in the context of Goldfrapp's career but I'm not sure how important this is to the larger musical landscape. Regardless, Goldfrapp can do no wrong in my eyes. Nothing will beat Felt Mountain, that's one of my favorites of all time. I still enjoy all the songs on here, very consistent. It doesn't have the highs of some of the other albums. Rating: 4.6

Great late night listening. I could've listened to another hour of this

This is a lovely, fairy-like album; it has inspired me to check out more of the artist's work. This kind of dreamy electronic music is very appealing to me. I'm definitely coming back for more. Favorite track: "Caravan Girl"

I think this is a high 4 rounded up to a 5, very little rounding needed, but just listen to how much more is going on with the production, performance and songwriting compared to all the 3 star English punk on here. I can completely sympathise with people who complain English music is over represented on the list, but to me Goldfrapp more than earns at least one slot on here. Incidentally, this was taken off later revisions of the list but personally it does more for me than Felt Montain... and where's Black Cherry at?

Нежненько, мелодично, понравилось как девочка поёт.

I had no idea what to expect with this one. Track one - I'm initially skeptical. "What am I listening to?" (but I'm not skipping ahead). Track two - OK, I'm softening and still listening Track three - this is kind of a bop and has a really fun video Track four on - this album is really growing on me! I loved the vocals, especially when she would move into her upper register. The background vocals (her too?) were a perfect blend. I loved the strings and the orchestrations and I loved the overall vibe. This album was a grower for me, the more I listened the more it grew on me. More often than not I can't wait for most of the albums in this project to be over. For this one I was disappointed that it was over. A very pleasant surprise!

This is the dreamy, ethereal, atmospheric kind of music that sounds really pleasant while you're listening to it. But it's also the kind of music where it does slightly merge together at times and you forget what each song sounded like by the time the album is finished. That's not to say it's bad, but this type of music doesn't really lend itself to catchy melodies and singalong choruses. I just know that I really like what I'm listening to. The airy vocals match the carefree laid back music perfectly. I'd describe it as folk vibes combined with electronic pop. Bearing in mind I only get time for one, maybe two listens if I'm lucky enough to find the time (I carved out another 45 minutes to give it another listen today), it may seem strange I'm going to give it top marks considering what I've just written, but this album was an absolute delight to sit through and I know for a fact that the more familiar it becomes to me, the more I'd enjoy it.

sublimely beautiful. Incredibly harmonious and uplifting.

Memories …

I love Goldfrapp so this is an instant like for me. The music just speaks to me unlike other albums in the similar genre.

Очень лёгкая и приятная музыка. Светлая и спокойная, хотя есть драйвовые треки. Считается электронной, но она воспринимается хорошей поп-музыкой с примесью инди.

Made me sad. This is the kind of music I’d like to make, only…shit voice. 🙁

Just like the accompanying video, the music ebbs and flows, dappled in sunshine and shadow. It's warm, evocative, tender and moving. The wispy vocals, hazy production and shimmering arrangements sparkle. A flawless, perfectly gorgeous album. This is now on my vinyl want list!

As a long-time Goldfrapp fan, it feels unfair to the other bands when I rate this. Nevertheless, very good album. You definitely need to be in a specific mood for it, but the first 10 seconds of the first song already put me in it.

How have I never heard of this before?! This should have been all over the place during college! I don’t know if this is because of getting two 1-star albums in a row or a testament to how good this is (probably a combination of both), but this really vibed with me. One of the best discoveries of this project for me so far.

So pleased this featured on my list - an absolute peach of an album! I'd associated Goldfrappe with the 'Oooh la la' track and discounted them for so long on that basis, then this album came along. Changed my mind forever. Beautiful.

Another delightful album from Goldfrapp! I love them. A happy day.

That was really nice to listen to!

An absolute breath of fresh air. Really nice!

I very much enjoyed Goldfrapp’s Felt Mountain. This had a different feel but if anything I enjoyed it more! Just an really excellent album that was a pleasure to hear.

She's one to pick songs for my playlist. Check the lyrics for below. 5/5 A&E Eat yourself. Some People Monster Love Little Bird (listen to it again).

yaaaass #bellasara #rhiannonneedshertroughcleanedout!

Based on other reviews, I was expecting a dreary, almost ambient affair, but Seventh Tree really surprised me. It’s a gorgeous sounding, often folky affair with often great lyrics often full of bits of great observation. It may have been enhanced by the setting. I listened to this on a walk along a windy beach front, checking the windows of the shops and hotels for help wanted signs. I’ve recently moved house, and am looking for a job, and so the melancholy existentialism fit my mood and the setting perfectly. But I’m otherwise a sucker for this sort of depressing dreamy Folk Pop, I think I’d have enjoyed this regardless of my circumstances. I will 100% come back to this, so I’m tempted to give it a five, cos I’m sure I’ll fall more in love with it. Screw it, listening to Caravan Girl again clinched it for me

Es un disco que me gustó mucho, crea una atmósfera particular, relajada. También me inspiró a componer.

Un excelente disco de música "alternativa" liderado por una voz femenina. En mi opinión, este LP de Goldfrapp se adelantó bastante a las tendencias sonoras que dominaron los tabloides mainstream e indie, pudiendo incluso considerarse como un precursor del ya característico sonido de la segunda década de los 2000s. Muy recomendado, me enamoré del proyecto con este trabajo.

Wonderful album I would have never found on my own. Reflective and poignant, chill but meaningful. Great album

outstanding

Awesome album, I thought this was great, it really surprised me. The kind of albums I’m doing this challenge to find! The first track was just absolutely incredible and set the tone for the whole thing.

Virkelig overrasket over hvor fedt jeg synes det er. Helt vildt smukt, vokalen ligger så godt sammen med sparsom men meget elegant instrumentering, både digitalt, men også f.eks. mange strygere og meget rumklang. Ikke en genre jeg normalt rater da det er langsomt og stort fokus på vokal men hold da kæft det er smukt.

As heart warming lo-fi goes, its one of the best. Tight too

Nice and calm, just the way I like it

Used to listen to this album regularly. Excited to get back into it. 5/5

Astonishingly good. From earthy pagan psychedelia to glacial disco via pure pop. I don't know how they did it but they did. Outstanding.

Love this sound, so beautiful and varied and great

9/10 wonderful production absolutely loved the creativity here

Ahh, so dreamy. Fave tracks, Little Bird, A&E, Cologne Cerrone Houdini, and Caravan Girl

Seven out of five trees agree, this is Gold(frapp)

beautiful

Beautiful album, played this on repeat when it came out, and I was delighted to see it appear for me today. A detour from the previous two synth pop albums, and an expansion of the sound. If you like this, try 2017's Tales Of Us.

I think I really enjoyed this sort of folksy 2000s stuff. I know that this was a departure, but I would hazard a guess that it was a departure in the correct direction.

Oh boy. They're so much fun.

Why was this so good I really liked it

Amazing!

Should’ve listen to it a long time ago

Great album!

beautiful!

Awesome!

Smooth sound. Pleasantly surprised.

I did not expect this gorgeous melodic treat. I loved this album. Added, with pleasure.

Bra greier, dette blir med videre.

Beautiful album. Sat listening on a soggy February day and it took me to a warm sunny summer's afternoon.

3.5/5

I really like Goldfrapp, it's creative and chill and I like the energy. I just wish she was easier to understand. Rating: 4

I liked it, she had a nice haunting voice and it was different but enjoyable

This album felt like a throwback to sunny pop from the 60’s and 70’s. I enjoyed this record immensely.

Sometimes I really like an album and it’s hard to articulate exactly why. This was one of those. It just felt real and heartfelt and lovely.

I really liked this

Damn, now I know what "folktronica" sounds like, I guess.

Immaculate vibes throughout this album. The smooth singing, the range of instruments in different songs. It feels perfect having playing on a lazy warm day. The band is totally new for me but definitely something I will listen to again.

When I started this album, it felt like a nice and relaxing album, but to a fault. The vocals were neat and airy while the music itself was calming. However, I felt it was going to just stay stagnant for the whole duration and the whole album would be one-note and bland. However, as the album went on, it started to click with me. It felt less boring as more of the electronic and pop elements snuck in. By the time Caravan Girl came on (amazing song by the way), I was pretty much sold. I wouldn’t say that it blew me away and left me awestruck, but it rose past my low expectations. Chill, but not aggressively mellow. I dig it. Favorite track: Caravan Girl Other hits: Happiness, Road to Somewhere, A&E, Cologne Cerrone Houdini, Some People

The guitar work is really peaceful and the vocals are phenomenal. The orchestral accompaniment also does a great job of adding to the arrangement without over stepping it's place. The effects thrown in are interesting and add depth to the songs without being distracting. I think there is beauty in simplicity and this is a great example of that. The drums on Road to Somewhere felt a bit unnecessary and didn't fit in my opinion. I think the song would have been better without the drums, or at least a very simplified version of them.

Good

This was not what I was expecting, but I really enjoyed this! Very 2000s indie, which will always have a soft spot in my heart. It sounds like a lot of music that I listened to in high school. I enjoyed the building and flowing songs on this album, I didn't love the electronic pop songs as much. But overall I really liked this!

I liked. Would re listen

Liked this a lot.

I like this. Listened to a but from some of their newer albums which i didnt like as much, they got kore elctronic/poppy i feel? but i like this soft alt

If I didn’t already have a female singer guilty pleasure (clue - the biggest star of the 2020’s) Goldfrapp might achieve that accolade. I made a mental note some years ago, probably as a result of hearing one of the tracks on this album, that I should investigate Goldfrapp later. Unfortunately never got around to it until a few months ago when I took a punt on one of her albums (Ohh La La) which I bought cheap from a charity shop. I didn’t like this as it was too dance oriented, but no damage done financially but it did make me wonder how that seed was planted in my brain years ago. Now thanks to the 1001 God’s serving up this album today, my musical relationship with Goldfrapp is now realised. What a surprisingly lovely album this is. Having no knowledge of her I had to resort to Wiki who describes this album as a more laid back ambient album (which I like) rather than her usual dance electronic music (which I don’t). Certainly moved me to buy the album on Music Magpie (£1.99 a bargain) The album cover is intriguing and looks like a still of Keira Knightley in Pirates of the Caribbean which was all the rage when this album was released. Not all treasure is silver and gold, mate - but could be this album! 4/5 11/4/25

Truly gorgeous ! Kate Bush is all over this album

I enjoyed the album. Some of the songs are a bit too much alike, but overall the album kept my interest with each track.