The AOR band 707 formed in Detroit; original members included Phil Bryant (bass, vocals), Jim McClarty (drums), Duke McFadden (keyboards, vocals), Kevin Russell (guitars, vocals), and David Carr (piano), although the lineup changed with each album. After signing to Casablanca, the band released its self-titled debut and had a modest radio hit with "I Could Be Good for You," written by McFadden and McCarty. The Second Album (1981) and Megaforce (1982) followed, but 707 never followed up its signature hit. The third 707 album was recorded in 1981 after completing a tour together opening for REO Speedwagon. The line-up was Kevin Russell (guitar), Phil Bryant (vocals/bass), Jim McClarty (drums) and Todd Howarth (keys/guitar). The album was shelved until it was finally released in 2004.
Chalfant later enjoyed some success in the early 1990s with The Storm. After a hiatus from music in the mid-1990s, he has remained active in solo and group projects, and has stepped in as temporary lead vocalist for Journey (1993) and The Alan Parsons Project (2003). Tod Howarth enjoyed success with Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley's solo outing which re-wrote "Mega Force" with Jonathan Cain's writing credit removed and Frehley's added. They titled the song "Calling To You" since Ace did not want to use the name Megaforce since he was signed to Megaforce Records. Howarth had stints in Ted Nugent's band, his own solo career, and as a longtime touring keyboardist for Cheap Trick.
Kevin Russell fashioned a successful career as a record producer and guitarist for numerous acts, including Rick Derringer, Clarence Clemons, and Whitesnake. In 2000, 707 regrouped briefly around guitarist Russell and independent record label releases have featured early demos, live tracks, and new material, as well as CD re-releases of their 1980s albums.
After parting from 707, Jim McClarty worked in television and audio production before devoting himself to the ministry. He is currently a pastor near Nashville, Tennessee. In 2006 he returned to his 707 roots, mastering the band's album The Fourth Decade for Renaissance Records.
Duke McFadden died on April 5, 2005, from heart complications.
Discography
1980 - 707 - Casablanca
1981 - The Second Album - Casablanca (US #159)
1982 - Mega Force - Boardwalk (US #129)
2000 - Trip to Heaven - Bedrock
2004 - The Bridge - MTM Music & Publish (2004); Renaissance (2006 re-release)
2005 - Greatest Hits Live - Renaissance
2006 - The Fourth Decade - Renaissance
2006 - Magic - Renaissance
Slow Down
707 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Too many things to do
Such a silly phrase, probably wind up a mental case
Too many things to do, too many things to do
[Chorus]
I've got to slow down, and give myself a break
Slow down, could be my last mistake
Won't be listing my new address, how'd my life become such a mess?
I did a fast goodbye
Such a busy day, I've decided to get away
Tell all my friends goodbye, tell all my friends goodbye
[Chorus]
I've got to slow down, and give myself a break
Slow down, could be my last mistake
Slow down, down, down
I've got to, got to slow down
I've got to, got to slow down
The song "Slow Down" by 707 is a introspective look into the life of the singer who realizes that they've become too busy and overwhelmed with their daily routine. They express this realization by telling their servants that they're not home and want to be alone. They acknowledge that they may end up as a "mental case" if they continue with their current lifestyle, implying a possibility of a breakdown. The chorus reinforces the message of the song, a plea for the singer and the listener to slow down and take a break before it's too late. The second verse talks about the singer distancing themselves from their previous life by not listing their new address and saying a quick goodbye to their friends, indicating a desire to start afresh.
The lyrics of the song touch upon the theme of fatigue and mental exhaustion. In our fast-paced modern world, it's easy to get carried away with our work and responsibilities, but it's essential to take breaks and rest to avoid burnout. The song encourages listeners to slow down and reflect upon the things that matter in life before it's too late. The song's musical style with its upbeat tempo and catchy hooks complements its message, conveying the song's urgency and desperation to break the cycle of being too busy.
Line by Line Meaning
Told my servants I wasn't home, guess I just had to be alone
I told my staff I wasn't available, but in reality, I needed time to myself.
Too many things to do
I have an overwhelming amount of tasks to complete.
Such a silly phrase, probably wind up a mental case
The concept of having too much to do is often dismissed as ridiculous, but it can lead to extreme stress and exhaustion.
Too many things to do, too many things to do
Refraining from overworking is essential to avoid burnout.
Won't be listing my new address, how'd my life become such a mess?
I don't want to share where I'll be relocating because my life is currently chaotic and stressful.
I did a fast goodbye
I departed from my previous life quickly without taking the time to say proper goodbyes to my loved ones.
Such a busy day, I've decided to get away
My schedule is so hectic that I've made the choice to take time off and get away from everything.
Tell all my friends goodbye, tell all my friends goodbye
I'm preparing to say farewell to my friends as I step away from my busy life.
I've got to slow down, and give myself a break
It's crucial for me to slow down and give myself the chance to take a breather.
Slow down, could be my last mistake
If I don't slow down, it could become a costly mistake that jeopardizes my well-being.
Slow down, down, down
I need to decrease the pace of my life, take it down a notch, and relax.
I've got to, got to slow down
I must slow down to preserve my sanity and overall health.
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ROBERT HALFORD, BOB MARLETTE, ROGER RAMIREZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind