Naturally 7 are  big hit internationally, having won the 1999 Harmony Sweeps Finals, garnered a number one hit in Germany with "Feel It (In The Air Tonight)", received some internet fame for their live performance of "Feel It" in a Parisian subway, and been featured alongside Michael Buble on his European tour. But on this side of the world Naturally 7 are not quite so well known, why is that? What makes them less appealing to western audiences?

For one, they are strongly stewed in a gospel tradition, something that is less familiar the further north you travel. They aren't shy about their faith, and to some that's a turn-off. But that doesn't explain their success in Germany and elsewhere in Europe.

Currently popular mainstream music is defined by what the youth buy, and not too many kids are going to dive into a record bin to get their hands on the latest from acapella extraordinaires Naturally 7. Performed entirely with their own voices, Naturally 7 construct intricate melodies, drum beats, guitar riffs, and original raps with a classical sensibility; an elegance that goes beyond Rahzel, Biz Markie, or Doug E. Fresh. Before Naturally 7 there was the Grammy award winning (eighteen to be precise) Take 6, but Naturally 7 display a range of styles and instrumentation unavailable with Take 6. Still, in today's musical climate Take 6 and Naturally 7 are like Boroque music, or Rococco paintings; lots of technical extravagance, but little emotional resonance.

That said, I haven't seen them in concert, and I believe that's where this music really needs to be appreciated. It's the same as hearing a string quartet from a speaker; it doesn't do the musicians or the music justice. So, the record isn't worth it, but the experience, I am sure, is beyond monetary value. 

Track Listing:

1. Can Ya Feel It?

2. Open Your Eyes

3. Feel It (In The Air Tonight)

4. Harder Than That

5. How Could it Be?

6. Forever For You

7. Cool

8. Never

9. I Can't Doo Dat

10. 4Life

11. Tradition

12. Fly Baby

13. Let It Rain

14. What I', Lookin' 4 (Aint No Mountain High Enough)

15. New York

16. Comfort You

17. Close2Me

18. True Friends (And Family)