Disappointing
09/20/2003
(2 out of 5 stars)
"With the release of SEAL IV, I can only say that I am left wanting. In the beginning, Seal's BEGINNINGS was groundbreaking and a truly superb body of work. Seal's 2nd release entitled SEAL, not only avoided the 'Sophomore Jinx', but topped his debut and established him as a truly innovative writer and musician -- leaving me breathless and in awe. However, his 3rd release HUMAN BEING slipped and although memorable and creative, never quite captured the intensity, emotion, or spirit of his first 2 albums. Like many, I highly anticipated the release of SEAL IV. But after several listenings, I have yet to be tantalized as I was with "Crazy" or moved as I was "Violet" and "Don't Cry". On IV, the arrangements are barely interesting, lyrically cliched and the chords/progressions tired -- lacking the edge of his earlier work. It's almost as if he couldn't quite nail it and settled for a less. Light fare such as this is best left to those with limited imagination -- not to a deep and gifted artist such as Seal. Originality, intellect, and sense of self are the keys to Seal's musical soul -- which he so skillfully poured out to us on 1 & 2. IV leaves me just short of bored. Reach deep my brother, you can find it again. But find it soon. This listener is losing faith."
What stupid packaging!
Bryan E. Anderson | 10/09/2003
(3 out of 5 stars)
"The latest CD is nice soundwise, but it has the stupidest packaging I've ever seen. What genius thought this up? I listen to CDs in the car ... this ridiculous LP-style packaging prohibits me from carrying the jewel case, the songs or anything else about the CD. If I were Seal, I would dump this packaging immediately and send a copy of the jewel-case book to all Amazon clients who bought this. Amazon should drop this if Seal doesn't. The so-called "special packaging" is a big disappointment for most buyers."
Well worth the wait...(plus a concert review)
Bryan E. Anderson | Bountiful, Utah | 12/02/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'll get right to the point here. Fantastic CD that is well worth the wait. Seal's music is such that I can listen to it over and over again and not tire of listening to it. This CD is exactly the same. Every single track is good.I just got back from Denver where I saw Seal live at the Fillmore auditorium. Unbelievable. If you think this CD is good, wait until you see him live.Fantastic CD...even better performed live.(Note to SEAL....when do we get a 'live' CD?)BUY IT!!!!!!!!!!"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1