October 14, 2003
IV
By MIKE BELL

SEAL IV
Seal
(Warner)

It must be frustrating when, through no fault of your own, the world passes you by.

In this world of "new and improved" and "now with added," putting out the same quality product doesn't always cut it.

So comes Seal on his latest release IV, sounding stylishly soulful on an album that, a decade ago, would have ensured praise and a place high in the charts.

And deservedly so.

The vocalist sounds great, wringing every last drop of emotion out of these polished yet affecting ballads and catchy mid-tempo tracks.

And the production, unlike a great number of today's R&B entries, works with, not detached from his skills.

It really is a nice, easygoing neo-soul listen.

Unfortunately, today, with Beyonce and the rest of the new crew of urban professionals taking up those spots once reserved for Seal when he was in his prime, it's doubtful IV will make the splash it should.

Track Listing
1. Let Me Roll
2. Get It Together
3. Love's Divine
4. Waiting For You
5. My Vision
6. Don't Make Me Wait
7. Touch
8. Where There's Gold
9. Loneliest Star
10. Heavenly...(Good Feeling)
11. Tinsel Town