SEAL - IV

Seal...  His first two albums seem to be what most people think of when you mention his name.  They don't consider the subsequent work.  And let's be honest, he hasn't had the same chart success he had back then.  But Seal is one of those unique artists...  Even if he isn't the same chart topping superstar he was, he's never left us or compromised the integrity of his work.  And "IV" proves it.

Seal's principal songwriting partner on this release is a man named Mark Batson.  I'm not familiar with him, but I can say he has an amazing grasp of various forms of music.  That will be more apparent as I break the album down.  'Get It Together' reminds me of 'Bring It On' from his second album.  Not just because of the positioning of the song, but the effect is has on the album as a whole.  The song is horn blowing R&B with tons of soul and a great rhythm.  It sets the ton of the album just like 'Bring It On' did.  It excites you, mellows you and prepares you for the journey you're about to take.  'Love's Divine' is the big single from this record and a song I've related to in my own life.  Although the tempo slows a little on this track, it stays incredibly solid and maintains the groove built up to this point.  The lyrics are tragically heartfelt and lovely.  'Waiting For You' introduces an almost urban beat.  Those great horns are back and the song moves at a jagged pace.  It seems to slow and speed up with a classical bridge in the middle.  It's also a great song!  So we've had a TKO right off the bat.

'My Vision' hearkens back to earlier Seal times.  It feels slightly out of place on this record and would've been more at home on his first album.  For fans of that record, I'm sure this number is a particular treat.  But it moves away from the traditional R&B/Soul feeling this album has created thus far.  'Don't Make Me Wait' starts out sounding like a spiritual before transitioning into a beautiful ballad.  'Let Me Roll' starts off pretty funky.  The music is very cool and the beat is groovy.  Another stellar track.  'Touch' is one of those ballads that are simply breath taking.  Once again, Seal achieves an amazing thing.  He writes and performs a ballad worth hearing.

'Where There's Gold' kicks in and you'll be shocked to hear a Reggae beat sliding underneath Seal's animated vocal delivery.  This one, although mellow, is still a strong number.  'Loneliest Star' delves into the more popular urban sound.  It's another delicate ballad.  'Heavenly...(Good Feeling)' is another one that might've done better on a previous album.  This one I can hear on his second album.  It's still a pretty good track and I like it a lot.  'Tinsel Town' keeps the echo effect on the drum patch and meanders along at a sexy pace.  It sounds like something George Michael would've recorded.  Very powerful song though.  Even with the softer music, Seal packs a punch on this one.  The disc ends with 'Get It Together (Reprise)'.  It's essentially an version of the song focusing more on an acoustic guitar in the arrangement.  It's a satisfying end to the disc.

Seal continues to deliver quality product even years after he's "Peaked".  This is a traditional soul artist who needs more exposure and opportunity.  His voice is majestic.  My final words:  A CLASSIC, WRITTEN IN CLASSIC STYLE!!!!

SEAL - IV
01. Get It Together
02. Love's Divine
03. Waiting For You
04. My Vision
05. Don't Make Me Wait
06. Let Me Roll
07. Touch
08. Where There's Gold
09. Loneliest Star
10. Heavenly...(Good Feeling)
11. Tinsel Town
12. Get It Together (Reprise)