Sandra - Close To Seven (1992)

Close to Seven is the fifth studio album by German singer Sandra, released on 17 February 1992 by Virgin Records.

The album's title symbolised the upcoming seventh anniversary of Sandra's career. 

It was recorded in Sandra and Michael Cretu's home studio in Ibiza, Spain, and continued a development towards a more meditative, less dance-oriented musical style, echoing material that Sandra and Michael recorded together for the Enigma project. The male vocals were performed by Andy Jonas, also known as Andy "Angel" Hart.

One of Sandra’s most critical acclaimed album releases. This was the first album released after the overwhelming success of Enigma, and producer Michael Cretu is in top form. Although commercially not as successful as her previous releases the album has an astonishing range.

Almost all the tracks could have been singles; this is an album to be enjoyed from beginning to end. Once again the Enigma sound is evident on this album, but in essence this remains a Sandra album with its unique appeal.

'Close To Seven' is produced by Enigma mastermind (and ex husband) Michael Cretu, resulting in a depth and maturity not perhaps evident in Sandra's earlier offerings.

The dance pop tunes are largely gone, but the whispered Enigma-style vocal and haunting melodies are much in evidence, resulting in a less immediate but mature, reflective and ultimately more satisfying and grown up album.

The lead single “Don’t Be Aggressive” became another top 10 hit. The album romances with dreamy pop, dance anthems, smooth jazz and sultry ballads.

Track listing

1. "Don't Be Aggressive"  (Michael Cretu, Klaus Hirschburger) – 4:45
2. "Mirrored in Your Eyes"  (Michael Cretu, Peter Cornelius, Klaus Hirschburger) – 3:26
3. "I Need Love"  (Michael Cretu, Klaus Hirschburger) – 3:24
4. "No Taboo"  (Michael Cretu, David Fairstein) – 3:50
5. "When the Rain Doesn't Come"  (Michael Cretu, Sandra Cretu) – 4:43
6. "Steady Me"  (Michael Cretu, Peter Cornelius, Klaus Hirschburger) – 3:57
7. "Shadows"  (Michael Cretu, Klaus Hirschburger) – 3:50
8. "Seal It Forever"  (Michael Cretu, Klaus Hirschburger) – 4:51
9. "Love Turns to Pain"  (Michael Cretu, Klaus Hirschburger) – 4:59
10. "Your Way to India"  (Michael Cretu, Klaus Hirschburger) – 6:01

Companies, etc.

• Phonographic Copyright ℗ – Virgin Schallplatten GmbH
• Copyright © – Virgin Schallplatten GmbH
• Published By – Data Alpha
• Published By – Mambo
• Published By – Siegel
• Recorded At – A.R.T. Studios
• Pressed By – Sonopress

Credits

• Arranged By, Engineer, Producer – Michael Cretu
• Artwork [Cover Art] – Lmp
• Guitar – Tom Leonhard
• Illustration [Front-illustration] – HP Uertz
• Keyboards – Michael Cretu
• Lyrics By – Fairstein (tracks: 4), Hirschburger (tracks: 1, 3, 6 to 10), Cretu (tracks: 1 to 7, 9, 10), Cornelius (tracks: 2), Sandra (tracks: 5)
• Music By – Cretu, Cornelius (tracks: 6)
• Photography By – Rakete
• Vocals [Male Vocals By] – Andy "Angel" Hard

Notes

Released: 17 February 1992 

Recorded: 1991 Studio A.R.T. (Ibiza, Spain) 

Genre:  Euro-Pop 

Length: 43:46 

Producer:  Michael Cretu 

Label - Virgin