"Pat Benatar's 'Seven the Hard Way' (1985) marks her seventh album in a prolific seven-year span. Fueled by dice-inspired symbolism, the LP captures Benatar's resilience and musical prowess. With hits like 'Invincible,' the album weaves a sonic journey, showcasing Benatar's indomitable spirit. A rock gem that solidifies her enduring impact, 'Seven the Hard Way' is a testament to her musical legacy."
In the neon-lit landscape of the mid-1980s, where hairspray reigned supreme and synthesizers battled guitars for dominance, Pat Benatar released "Seven the Hard Way." It was an album that dared to defy easy categorization, a sonic testament to Benatar's restless spirit and refusal to be pigeonholed.
Emerging from the gritty New York club scene, Benatar had already carved her name into the annals of rock history with anthems like "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" and "Love Is A Battlefield." But "Seven the Hard Way" signaled a shift, a musical exploration that mirrored the changing tides of the music industry itself.
MTV was in full swing, transforming the way music was consumed and artists were perceived. Image became as important as sound, and Benatar, with her striking looks and powerful voice, was a natural fit for this new era. But "Seven the Hard Way" wasn't just about flash and style; it was a statement of artistic intent.
Teaming up with producer Neil Giraldo, her longtime collaborator and husband, Benatar assembled a crack team of musicians, including Myron Grombacher on drums, and headed to the famed Power Station studios in New York City. The result was an album that blended hard rock edge with pop sensibilities, a sonic tapestry woven with soaring vocals, intricate guitar work, and driving rhythms.
From the opening strains of "Sex As A Weapon," with its provocative lyrics and infectious chorus, it was clear that Benatar was pushing boundaries. The album tackled themes of love, loss, and social commentary, all wrapped in a package of slick production and arena-ready hooks. The song itself became a popular music video and further cemented Benatar's presence on MTV
Another standout track was the power ballad "Invincible," which served as the theme song for the film "The Legend of Billie Jean." Its anthemic chorus and Benatar's impassioned vocals resonated with audiences, and the song became one of the album's biggest hits.
But "Seven the Hard Way" wasn't without its controversies. Some critics accused Benatar of selling out, of sacrificing her rock 'n' roll edge for commercial success. Others questioned the album's lyrical content, particularly the song "Le Bel Age," which explored the complexities of aging and female sexuality. This track, while showcasing Benatar's vocal range, also stirred debate about its themes and its place within the album's overall concept
Yet, Benatar remained undeterred. She was an artist in control, unafraid to challenge expectations and defy convention. "Seven the Hard Way" was a testament to her resilience and creative vision, an album that captured the zeitgeist of a generation caught between the excess of the 80s and the uncertainty of the future. The album's title itself, with its dice imagery, symbolized Benatar's willingness to take risks and embrace the unpredictable nature of life and the music industry
While it may not have reached the same commercial heights as some of her earlier work, "Seven the Hard Way" remains a fascinating snapshot of a pivotal moment in music history. It's an album that dared to be different, a bold statement from an artist who refused to be silenced. It also demonstrated Benatar's evolution as an artist, incorporating new wave and pop influences while staying true to her rock roots.
Music Genre: Female Fronted Hard Rock, Arena-Rock |
Album Production Information: The album: "PAT BENATAR - Seven the Hard Way" was produced by: Neil Giraldo, Mike Chapman & William Wittman Sound/Recording Engineer(s): William Whittman This album was recorded at: Capitol Recording Studios, Cherokee Recording Studios, Conway Recording Studios, MCA Whitbey Recprding Studios, Oasis Recording Studios, Soundcastle Recording Studios Album cover design: Larry Vigon Album cover photography: Moshe Brakha |
Record Label & Catalog-nr: Chrysalis 207 429 |
Album Packaging: This album "PAT BENATAR - Seven the Hard Way" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1985 Made in Germany / Holland |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: PAT BENATAR - Seven the Hard Way |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "PAT BENATAR - Seven the Hard Way" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "PAT BENATAR - Seven the Hard Way" is:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "PAT BENATAR - Seven the Hard Way" |
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Album Back Cover Photo of "PAT BENATAR - Seven the Hard Way" |
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Inner Sleeve of "PAT BENATAR - Seven the Hard Way" Album |
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Photo of "PAT BENATAR - Seven the Hard Way" Album's Inner Sleeve |
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Close-up Photo of "PAT BENATAR - Seven the Hard Way" Record Label |
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. |
Chrysalis 202 845 , 1980 , Germany & Netherlands
"Pat Benatar's 'Crimes of Passion' (1980) is a timeless rock masterpiece, her second album that solidified her status as a musical force. With hits like 'Hit Me With Your Best Shot,' the LP showcases Benatar's vocal prowess and bold sound. A defining moment in '80s rock, the album remains a classic, a testament to Benatar's enduring influence."
Crimes of Passion 12" Vinyl LPChrysalis 207 429 , 1985 , Germany & Netherlands
"Pat Benatar's 'Seven the Hard Way' (1985) marks her seventh album in a prolific seven-year span. Fueled by dice-inspired symbolism, the LP captures Benatar's resilience and musical prowess. With hits like 'Invincible,' the album weaves a sonic journey, showcasing Benatar's indomitable spirit. A rock gem that solidifies her enduring impact, 'Seven the Hard Way' is a testament to her musical legacy."
Seven The Hard Way 12" Vinyl LPChrysalis 206 582 , 1984 , Germany & Netherlands
"Tropico," Pat Benatar's 1984 album, marked a pivotal shift in her career, fusing rock with new wave and synthesizers. The sixth consecutive Platinum-certified album in the U.S., it showcased Benatar's versatility and produced hits like "We Belong." The chart-topping success on the Billboard 200 solidified Benatar's position as an '80s rock icon, leaving a lasting legacy of artistic evolution and enduring influence.
Tropico 12" Vinyl LPChrysalis 209146 , 1988 , Germany
"Pat Benatar's 'Wide Awake in Dreamland' (1988) stands as her final venture into rock music, concluding an era. With hits like 'All Fired Up,' the album embraces a blend of rock and pop influences. Reflecting the evolving sounds of the late '80s, it encapsulates Benatar's musical versatility. A poignant farewell to her rock roots, 'Wide Awake in Dreamland' remains a testament to her enduring artistry."
Wide Awake in Dreamland 12" Vinyl LP