A Matter of Time (Shed Seven album)
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| A Matter of Time | ||||
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 5 January 2024 | |||
| Genre | Britpop | |||
| Length | 50:10 | |||
| Label | Cooking Vinyl | |||
| Producer | Youth | |||
| Shed Seven chronology | ||||
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| Singles from A Matter of Time | ||||
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A Matter of Time is the sixth studio album by British rock band Shed Seven. It was released on 5 January 2024 through Cooking Vinyl Limited. The album marks their first studio release in over six years.
Background[edit]
The announcement of A Matter of Time arrived alongside the lead single release of "Kissing California" on 13 July 2023. Produced by Youth, the band took a "nostalgic journey back to [their] roots", delving into the sounds that ignited their passion "for song-writing at the tender age of 12".[3] As a result, Shed Seven reconnected with classic albums from their youth in order to get inspired.[4] Release of the album coincides with the band's 30th anniversary, having released their debut album Change Giver in 1994.[5]
Four other singles were release prior to the album - F:K:H, In Ecstasy, Starlings and Talk of the Town.
Pete Doherty featured on vocals for the album's closing song, Throwaways.
After topping the Album Chart in its first week, the album dropped to No.29 the following week.
Critical reception[edit]
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Financial Times |   [6] |
| Buzz Mag | [7] |
| Clash Music | 7/10[8] |
| Retro Pop Magazine | [9] |
| RGM | Positive[10] |
| Yorkshire Times | Positive[11] |
| Now Spinning Magazine | Positive[12] |
Buzz Feed's Billy Edwards described the album as "strikingly immediate, accessible and fun".
Robin Murray of Clash Music reported that A Matter of Time was "remarkably effective" and noted the band had "sculpted some fine guitar tunes, blending subtle melancholy with surging choruses, and a kind of everyman wisdom."
RGM's Sam Bandock provided a track-by-track review, exclaiming "‘A Matter of Time’ is a wonderful album that just goes to show that Shed Seven have only become more complete as musicians over the years. The passion can be heard in every track and it is a solid listening experience."
Writing for Financial Times, Ludovic Hunter-Tilney thought that the lyrics "resemble flat-pack-assembled Britpop slogans", calling the music "meat-and-potatoes rock". However, Hunter-Tilney argued that Witter sings "heartily", while the bandmates "play with crispness and energy".[6]
Track listing[edit]
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Let's Go" | 2:21 |
| 2. | "Kissing California" | 4:13 |
| 3. | "Talk of the Town" | 4:26 |
| 4. | "Let's Go Dancing" | 5:00 |
| 5. | "In Ecstasy" | 4:41 |
| 6. | "Tripping with You" | 4:53 |
| 7. | "Let's Go (Again)" | 0:27 |
| 8. | "Real Love" | 4:11 |
| 9. | "F: K: H" | 4:48 |
| 10. | "Starlings" | 5:03 |
| 11. | "Ring the Changes" | 3:56 |
| 12. | "Throwaways" | 6:11 |
| Total length: | 50:10 | |
Personnel[edit]
Shed Seven
- Rick Witter – vocals,
- Paul Banks – guitars, piano
- Tom Gladwin – bass
- Robert 'Maxi' Maxfield – drums, percussion
- Tim Wills - Keys
- Additional musicians
- Rowetta (backing vocals on "In Ecstasy")
- Laura McClure (backing vocals on "Tripping With You")
- Peter Doherty (additional vocals on "Throwaways")
- Producer
Charts[edit]
| Chart (2024) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Scottish Albums (OCC)[13] | 1 |
| UK Albums (OCC)[14] | 1 |
| UK Independent Albums (OCC)[15] | 1 |
References[edit]
- ^ https://www.qobuz.com/gb-en/album/lets-go-dancing-shed-seven/d683x1pbjayzb
- ^ https://www.qobuz.com/gb-en/album/throwaways-shed-seven/khssbspoi1n9b
- ^ Connell, Dylan (13 July 2023). "Shed Seven announce brand new album A Matter of Time". The Press. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
- ^ Colothan, Scott (9 January 2024). "Shed Seven set to score first-ever Number 1 album with A Matter of Time". Absolute Radio. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
- ^ Smith, Carl (8 January 2024). "Shed Seven set for first-ever Number 1 album with A Matter of Time". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
- ^ a b Hunter-Tilney, Ludovic (8 January 2024). "Shed Seven: A Matter of Time review — meat-and-potatoes rock sung with panache". Financial Times. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
- ^ "SHED SEVEN's timeless return was just a MATTER OF TIME". 13 January 2024.
- ^ "Shed Seven - A Matter of Time | Reviews". 4 January 2024.
- ^ "Shed Seven – A Matter of Time". January 2024.
- ^ "WE REVIEW THE NEW ALBUM FROM SHED SEVEN – A MATTER OF TIME". 3 January 2024. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
- ^ "Albums: Shed Seven A Matter Of Time". Retrieved 16 January 2024.
- ^ "Shed Seven's Triumphant Return to the Top with "A Matter of Time"". 14 January 2024.
- ^ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 13 January 2024.
- ^ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
- ^ "Official Independent Albums Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 13 January 2024.