Steppenwolf Album: “Steppenwolf Seven [Remaster]”

This is one of the greatest rock records ever recorded. Nothing sounds dated on it -- no gimmickry to tie it to the past. Just clean blues rock with John Kay and Co.'s amazing vision. Where did they get this stuff?? I would be hard pressed to pick favorites, but Renegade and Hippo Stomp are definitely right up there. Buy this record.

Steppenwolf had a pretty good successful career in the late 60's and early 70's. Unfortunately, other rock bands came along such as Blue Oyster Cult, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and Humble Pie and kind of knocked Steppenwolf away from the spotlight. However, that's what us reviewers are for. We're here to look back and admire the great artists that are becoming dangerously close to extinction.

This is one rock band that is absolutely phenomenal and I will do everything in my power to keep their memory alive, even 50 years from now if I have to. There's something extremely appealing about the way these guys were able to blend meaningful lyrics, emotional vocals, and fabulous musical ideas and have album after album of highly listenable material. A band that deserves to be defended and remembered. I don't wanna come across like some overblown crazy fanboy, but I really want the music of Steppenwolf to stay alive forever.

You know, someone once told me Steppenwolf was the ultimate motorcycle band until Blue Oyster Cult came along. I don't know how much truth there is to that, but the two artists are completely different. Steppenwolf was about meaningful Vietnam war lyrics and emotional and pretty melodies, whereas Blue Oyster Cult liked to dip into the psychedelic, gloom and doom style of hard rock. I'm a fan of both styles, but let's not compare the two bands when obviously they're completely different.

Anyway, Steppenwolf 7 is probably their best album. A roller-coaster ride of excitement, emotions, powerful lyrics, and beautiful arrangements. This is clearly NOT your typical hard rock band. "Ball Crusher" is a funky opener that should have become a classic by now but I guess those who play "Born to be Wild" until our heads spin won't agree with me. "Forty Days and Forty Nights" is another highlight because of the demanding rhythm and drumming of the vocal melody. It's amazing, no doubt.

"Renegade" is where the pretty and delicate side of the band comes in, with a touch of powerful lyrics coming along to really give you an incredible journey. I don't EVER forget songs like this one. They tell a story of a grim and unforgettable late 60's war scene, and the atmosphere will never leave my mind, ever. You don't have to have been around back in the late 60's to get into it, that's for sure. "Foggy Mental Breakdown" has brilliant vocals and a SUPER AWESOME harmonica solo in the middle. It's harmonica played in a sad way. I love it. "Snowblind Friend" continues the incredible emotions and atmosphere, and "Hippo Stomp" is a sort of funny pop song with a great chorus and verse melody. I love it. A classic hard rock album, no matter what anyone might say otherwise.

a great combination of rock classic and blues, this steppenwolf album is 1 of their best if not the best. great Riffs and Hits form Snowblind Friend to the title trac earshplittenloudenboumer..

a must have for any collection

This album (CD) had a more bluesy sound to it than some of there others, but still the same straight-ahead rock 'n' roll!!! Steppenwolf has been one of my all-time favorite bands that made great music and this CD is no exception. Excellent music from an excellent band.

Returning from the politics-dominated environment on their earlier albums Steppenwolf went to the studio to record "7", and underrated album that has it's merits. "40 Days.." is a great John Kay blues cover. "Fat Jack" is a George Biondo number, at times Biondo's voice hints at John Fogerty and Mick Jagger. This is one of the heavier tracks on the album. There are the songs that have been comped time and time again, but lesser known are tracks like "Hippo Stomp" and the jazzy instrumental "Earschplittenlouderboomer". Truly a case where a band is trying to cover a lot of territory in one record and does it successfully as well.