The thing that really impressed me about this album is the fact that Paul Van Dyk manages to make Trance interesting. When I got it in 1999, trance had become fairly mainstream and had degenerated to simplistic synth melodies with the now standard *boom-tss-boom-tss* beat pattern. It was truly refreshing to hear this album. Don't misunderstand, it has the aformentioned qualities, but somehow, Paul Van Dyk makes you forget that and lose yourself in the music. The album is extremely cohesive, all mixed together and seeming to follow a natural progression that makes it sound as if you are listening to one long, interconnected piece as opposed to 11 seperate songs. It's not really something to skip around in, you want to listen to it all in one sitting. Add to the spectacular first cd a second remix cd, and this is really a great set to get for burning a couple of hours at a time.

Quick, how many trance albums can you name? Not compilations, nor DJ mixes, but artistic endeavors crafted by musicians intent on delivering a complete, original experience? More than likely you didn't get past a few fingers, especially if just counting the good ones, but you probably had Paul van Dyk figured in there somewhere. Though known for his DJ exploits or his newest release Out There and Back (a quality if perhaps too-slick tech/trance piece aiming more for clubbers) he should be recognized for making one of modern trance's seminal statements with Seven Ways.

Conceived as a continuous mix, the variety and depth of sound are startling. Opening "Home" has breathtaking builds and chords that pack twice the intricacy of most tunes cranked out today, which in no way prepare you for the fierce, dark growling "Heaven." "I Like It' runes on pure groove, before shifting to the Van Dyk trademark acid squelch/ euphoric atmosphere combo found in several tracks as in "Come and Get It." "People" is the lone stumble before closing with the expansive "I can't feel it," building you up one last time for PVD's oft-mixed "Words." Oh, and there's an entire second disc of alternate cuts to boot.

It's unknown how well electronic dance music can stand the challenge of time, though certainly rereleases of label catalogs like Transmat, and the stream of wide-reaching house and disco sets such as The Loft and Live at the Paradise Garage show the viability. As for trance, Seven Ways plays as invigorating and vital as it did in 1996, no small feat in a genre constantly reinventing its style.

Many people fail to realize the power of music when it comes to seducing women. The secret is to play rare music that she will not recognize.

7 Ways has rhythm that will set your minds in a total trance. And this type of music has the reputation of putting both partners on the same wavelength. It also gives both partners a lasting rhythm that actually prolongs the whole experience. I highly recommend, that and it sounds great.

Well.. Paul Van Dyk's 45rpm was the first trance cd I ever bought.. and I must say it was very cool.. So I purchased the Vorsprung Dyk Technic, and 7 ways. After a few months, and a steady stream of raving, I have come to the conclusion that paul van dyk sounds 10000000x better live. After seeing him at a rave, I must say no CD of his does him justice. The man is an insane dj who once played from sundown to sunup at a desert party. I advise you to save your 20 dollars that would normally go to a PVD CD and check out your local rave scene to see if he will be playing anytime soon, if so you should spend that 20 dollars on a ticket to the party instead.

Paul Van Dyk is an amazing producer and this cd gives a perfect example of his unigue songs. It is very uplifting and melodic, not unlike BT. Forbidden Fruit, on my first listen, put me in another world! Close your eyes to this one and you'll find yourself swaying. Words is a big hit in clubs, and it is easy to see why. The second cd is an added bonus, which makes it even more value for money. Put this on on a rainy day, while stuck in traffic on your way to work on a Monday morning. Trust me...you'll feel better!