Search - Various Artists :: Have a Nice Day 7

My surprise favorite of the series

Jeff Pearlman | Lakeland, FL USA | 05/31/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Volume 7 had, for me, more pleasant surprises than any of the other discs in this series. I'm pleased to say I was too young to notice when some of these songs first came out. Or not pleased, because I'm sure I would have liked flat-out rockers "Hallelujah" and "White Lies, Blue Eyes" from the start. But they don't quite match the spooky-swampy "Witch Queen Of New Orleans" by Redbone, better known for "Come And Get Your Love" (on Vol. 12). Along with Lee Michaels' "Do You Know What I Mean" and Jonathan Edwards' "Sunshine", there's a punchy consistency to this disc the others seem to lack. Even though it missed the top 40, Giorgio (Moroder)'s "Son Of My Father" is an interesting preview of the sound he would eventually perfect with Donna Summer. "Precious And Few" is a true lost classic, and I am one of those four people you were wondering about who enjoy "One Tin Soldier." The lady singing on that song is a goddess, wherever she is today. Ironically, my least favorite song is the only #1 on the CD, Melanie's irritating "Brand New Key." How does she know my key will fit her roller skates? It just doesn't make sense..."

Some Weak Spots, But Some Gems, Too

Steve Vrana | Aurora, NE | 02/27/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"You have to keep reminding yourself that the function of Rhino's Have a Nice Day series is not to present the biggest hits of the decade. If it were, you'd have to include songs like "Maggie May," "American Pie" and "Family Affair," all No. 1 hits in 1971-72 (the period covered by vol. 7). Instead, what Rhino offers is some of the more obscure songs along with a few recognizable hits to give the listener a more accurate picture of the decade.Admittedly, they sometimes go to the extreme. For example, "Son of My Father" didn't even dent the Top 40. [Who the heck is Giorgio?!!] But it's nice to have Lee Michael's classic "Do You Know What I Mean." And what teenage boy didn't have a crush on Melanie? Her childlike vocals on the million-seller "Brand New Key" still gives me a rush. [Note: This is the only No. 1 song on vol. 7.] In addition it's nice to hear Redbone's earlier hit "Witch Queen of New Orleans." [See? They weren't a one-hit wonder!] Although more than half of these artists hit the Top 40 only once: Sweathog's "Hallelujah" and Coven's "One Tin Soldier" among them. But like I said, all this does is give the listener a broader perspective of the musical tastes (good and bad) of the Seventies. If you were a teenager during this period, many of this songs will bring back fond memories. Enjoy in moderation."