The first time I heard this song, I was floored.
I normally hate songs in which the singer's voice is overdubbed a billion times
to make this sort of power-group multi-track voice choir effect and shit.

But in 7, I just love how he does it combined with an acoustic strumming guitar,
ominous barely discernable lyrics, and a faintly middle-esstern vibe all the
while maintaing very strong pop-single sensibilities.


Seriously, MJ and Madonna could only dream of emulating such brilliance!


Over the years, I've grown to like the song less---ok, ok...I actually find
it unlistenable, but this does not diminish the uniqueness of the track
nor it's impact on my early adulthood.

I maid friends with that song. I got laid with that song....I grew up to that
song.




Big ups to 7!

I was actually eating a pizza when i clicked on this thread... Thank GOD i ate it all before i saw that pic. Very good song and awesome video.

7 is one of the songs that made me get into Prince. 1st time I heard it I was on my way home on the school bus & I asked this kid I knew who that was singing over the radio & he told me it was Prince. That's pretty much when I started paying attention to who Prince was.

great song with classic prince "i think i'm more deep and clever than I really am" lyrics

i was just listening to it yesterday. I didn't really like it when it first came out, but it grew on my over the years.

it's the one that sealed the deal for me.

I just cannot stand this song. I remember in the 90's listening to the American charts (UK here) thinking is this song successful because it has a religious element. There are so many songs on this album that slam this in to submission.

jcurley said:

i'm pretty sure it had to do with it being incredibly catchy and awesomely produced. and it isn't actually much of a religious song. it's written to make you think it is with it's vague, pseudo-spiritual lyrics, but it's not really even about that.

errant said:

thanks but I think that is probably where I am lacking appreciation. I find it quite laborious. I'm not slagging it coz it is one of those songs you kinda of know just has to exist regardless of taste

jcurley said:

I only have this song on my B side, 3 CD pack, Was it on another CD?

I loved this song when it came out, and still love it today. It was the first (and maybe only) song I ever owned as a CD single. Liked the video too, with the chick dancin' around with the sword on her head.

I never really got into this song. I did like the long intro to the song when it was played during the ACT I tour.

this song attracted many new fans to Prince;
even Deadheads liked it; it has some sort of
mystical feel to it; prophecy if u like.

It's always the obvious choice at belly dance festivals. When I hear it I'm like ok this is a real belly show...ha ha. Than I look for the girls that wanna look like Mayte u know bangs and all.

Just watched the live performance on the Act 1 Dvd last night. I like the song and enjoy the video.

Love the song, love the video.

I actually like the multi-tracked vocals, especially the really deep soul baritone.

Anyone else think it's almost a sister-song to The Cross? I mean in the quasi-religious lyrics, and twangy citar??

Really like the acoustic version on the 12" too. I always thought that should have been the finished version.

Good post by the way - glad someone else digs this tune.
[Edited 5/14/10 15:47pm]

Its' on the 'symbol' album, 1992. (Also known as O+>, or 'Love Symbol', and I've even heard it called 'Prince & The New Power Generation', cos it doesn;t say anything else on the front apart from the.. er, symbol!

Check it out, I think it's good.