Reviewer: Andrew Gross, Seattle, WA

The third effort from Seattle singer-songwriter Tom Laramee is an assured, emotionally draining work that delivers on all the promise of his previous album, Woke Up Today. The artist's growth between albums is evident in every facet of the production, from songwriting to post-production, but nowhere as noticeably as in the vocals themselves; Laramee has found an even, slightly breathy delivery that is easy on the ears while still allowing for the expression of genuine emotion.

The album opens with Tumble Around, a song with such a catchy guitar hook that you find yourself anxiously tapping your foot through other parts of the song. Laramee uses that impatient energy to create a feeling in the listener that mirrors and amplifies the lyrics story of being buffeted by time:

Trading Time is very nearly flawless, and easily Laramee's strongest offering to date. The cello line is seamlessly woven into the song, accentuating but not overpowering; the lyrics echo the same existential theme that runs throughout many of the songs on this album, but feelsmore universal and less confessional here. Halfway through 2007, this is my song of the year so far.

Displaying fine instincts, Laramee ends the album with the gentle, melodic Desire. The mournful lyrics are counterpoint to the sweet, accomplished guitar work, and relax just enough of the tension that has built through the previous six tracks that we can finally exhale. Seven Shades of Time is a beautiful album.

Reviewer: Matt Frickelton, The Fading Collection

This sophmore release is a journey through the emotional spectrum, from bright hopefulness to cold isolation. Laramee's use of dymanics and tight songwriting have increased on this release as well as the addition of a full band. As can be expected from a Laramee album the recording quality is superb with bright acoustics and clear vocals.

As the album progresses the songs mellow in tempo but increase in emotional intensity as well as the production branching into new areas with instruments like a cello and a harmonica that keep the listener's ears piqued.

Overall the album flows just like the title says, Laramee slowly waking up to an emotional world and trying to understand all its wonders and mysteries.

Reviewer: Anna Coogan, North19

Tom has come a long way! Beautiful, with soft vocals and lyrics that rival Susan Vega. Tom is a rockin' life preformer, but this CD speaks to a gentler side. Reminds me of Elliot Smith, and it makes me want to practice more! Thanks Tom! Really impressive work.

Reviewer: Dylan Burr, Seattle Singer/Songwriter

Tom Laramee's second album should have been titled "Woke Up Today And Recorded A Really Super Album"! Tom's songs are put together with a great combination of thought, honesty, and love for the music. The lyrics could stand alone, but add dynamics and amazing guitar work and I challenge you to take it out of your player. Talented musicians and tasty production take this one through the roof! Slipstream, Woke Up Today, Louder Than Words, and Perfect are my favorites if I had to choose, but I don't. I love it all.

Reviewer: Andrew Gross

Woke Up Today is a revelation. Tom Laramee is an emerging talent, and this album affords most of us our first chance to hear what he's capable of. Unburdened from the challenging acoustics of the bar scene, Laramee has used the studio space and backing instruments to full effect, revealing a songwriting and lyrical gift to match his accomplished guitar work.

Woke Up Today opens with the catchy, melodic Slipstream, a song so insidiously hummable that it's difficult to notice the words the first time through. As if anxious to prove his range as quickly as possible, Laramee moves immediately into Woke Up Today, a painfully beautiful song with haunting verses and a soaring, powerful chorus.

Just as fun as when Laramee is exhibiting his technical craft are the occasions on which he simply lets loose. Never Before is a careening, energetic ride, filled with exuberant, playful lyrics. You can easily imagine the songwriter daring himself to find a way to sing:

Throughout the album, Laramee reveals an almost heartbreaking honesty, and the courage to take himself and his music seriously. Perhaps nowhere is this as evident as in Louder than Words, a relentless, driving song, performed with such integrity that the lyrics seem universal, rather than cliched.

Working it All Out and Happier Then are mournful confessionals that never slip into the maudlin:

This is an artful, complex album, which covers a lot of musical and lyrical ground in ten songs. It's also a declaration that Tom Laramee is a force to be reckoned with.

Reviewer: Kurt Pfeiffer

Laramee has stepped up the production strength on his second CD with a really nice move forward into more mature songwriting. Not only does he branch out into a new sound through addition of accompanying drums and cello, but the songwriting itself has shifted into a more compex realm. Songs like Slipstream and Woke Up Today go beyond simple verse-chorus-verse and add an additional layer of tempo, hooks and interesting lyrics. Though many of the songs add up to a somber and moving tone overall, the end song Perfect wraps things up on a fun lighter and contributes a catchy chorus that has been stuck in my head for days.

Reviewer: Kristen Darlington

Wow. A real piece of musical artistry. Like a soulful Violent Femmes, Tom's fun yet meaningful lyrics will resonate in your head and heart. The first album was good, but Woke Up Today far surpasses gooder to goodest!