Zero 7: Are They All Aesthetic, or Is There Something More?

Zero 7 has been a staple in the music industry since 2001 when their debut album, Simple Things, shot them to fame with its passionate blend of downtempo beats and soulful vocals. Since then, they have released five official albums and earned multiple awards for their distinct sound. Despite such success over many years, not all critics are convinced that Zero 7 deserves every bit of acclaim it receives: some feel that there is too much emphasis placed on their laid-back aesthetic than on meaningful substance within the lyrics. Nevertheless, fans argue vehemently that you cannot deny the sheer beauty produced by each Zero 7 record––from its complex layers of soundscapes to gorgeous melodies––and this makes it unmistakably delightful listening every time. In this blog post, we'll take a look at both sides of the story so that listeners can decide for themselves how good (or bad) Zero 7 really is.

If you're a fan of downtempo music, then you've probably heard of Zero 7, the British duo whose debut album, Simple Things, was released in 2001. The album was a commercial and critical success--and fans have been obsessed with their sound ever since. But not everyone thinks that Zero 7 deserves all the praise that they receive. Some critics argue that there isn't much substance to their music, that it's all just a bunch of pretty sounds with not much meaning behind them. So, what's the truth? Is Zero 7's music all aesthetic, or is there something more to it?

Let's start with the critics. It's true that Zero 7's music is undeniably laid-back and relaxed, with soft beats and dreamy vocals. Critics might argue that this aesthetic is all the band has going for it--that once you get past the pretty sounds, there isn't much left to explore. But I think that's selling Zero 7 short. Yes, their music is incredibly atmospheric, but there's a depth to it that you don't get with simpler music. The layers of sound in Zero 7's music are complex, and it takes a lot of skill and artistry to create a piece of music that's that nuanced.

And what about the lyrics? Critics might argue that Zero 7's lyrics don't really say much--that they're just there to fill the space between the music. But I think that's a bit unfair. Zero 7's lyrics are often poetic and evocative, even if they don't always make total sense. And really, does music always have to be about meaning? Sometimes, it's just nice to listen to something that sounds beautiful.

Of course, the real test of a band's worth is what their fans think. And Zero 7 fans are passionate about their music. For many, listening to Zero 7 is almost a spiritual experience--they sink into the music and lose themselves in it. That's not something that can be achieved by just throwing together some pretty sounds. Even if Zero 7's music doesn't have a message, it clearly has an emotional impact on listeners.

It's worth noting, too, that Zero 7's sound has evolved over the years. Their later albums, like 2009's Yeah Ghost and 2015's Simple Science, show a willingness to experiment with new sounds and styles. That suggests that Zero 7 are interested in pushing the boundaries of what their music can be--they're not content to rest on their laurels.

So, is Zero 7 all aesthetic, or is there something more there? I think the answer is clear: there's something more. Sure, their music is undeniably pretty, but there's craft and depth to it as well. And at the end of the day, the emotional impact of Zero 7's music is undeniable. So, if you're a fan of atmospheric music that transports you to another place, give Zero 7 a listen. You might just find that there's a lot more to their music than you thought.