7

7 was produced by Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley and runs 38:35. Chas Smash proposed the title, after the lucky number. It was recorded in July and August 1981 at Compass Point Studios in Nassau, though "Grey Day" was recorded earlier in 1981 in London, and in 2011 Winstanley said much of the album was re-recorded in London after the band returned. Suggs sings lead; Barson plays piano, organ, vibes, marimba and tubular bells; Foreman plays guitar and sitar; Bedford bass; Thompson saxophones, with a lead vocal on "Benny Bullfrog"; Woodgate drums and congas; Chas Smash sings backing vocals and plays trumpet.

It reached number 5 in the UK, staying 28 weeks, and went gold. The singles were "Grey Day" (April 17, 1981, number 4), "Shut Up" (September 11, number 7) and "Cardiac Arrest" (February 12, 1982, number 14). AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine, in retrospect, gave it four stars and called it a great leap forward; Mojo, Uncut and Record Collector gave four, and Record Mirror and Sounds five. A 2010 Salvo reissue adds a Richard Skinner BBC Radio 1 session from September 27, 1981, recorded at Maida Vale.