Let's face it this is not a typical Seal CD. Its a high energy version. All great songs, Yes, some people might say that all the songs sound the same.
I like the fact that they do because instead of having a fast song, then a slow one..etc....the songs are fast paced, fantastic songs after one another. I can't get enough! Seal is addictive!

The first thing that catches you about the album is Seal's energy. This is an impressively upbeat soaring album, where Seal's "Amazing" says it all. After his first two epic releases, I lost interest and left Seal on the shelf. Seal's third album saw him going into more complex territory which I avoided, but fast forward a few years later and SYSTEM showcases Seal stepping out in full club mode, and providing great continuity between the singer's past and present. Well written and integrated, my only complaint is that a couple of tracks sound more similar than they should. Even his duet with wife Heidi Klum sounds cool - hardly a John Lennon-Yoko Ono travesty. Great production.

U can't really go wrong with Seal. His voice is one of the most unique sounds for male music artists. His music, lyrics and voice are worldly and uplifting, taking you to a positive realm of escapism which is what music is supposed to do. I love how "System" is an upbeat dance offering, which in my oppinion is when Seal is at his best. I even thought his wife, Heidi Kluum sounded great on his song "Wedding", her voice works for this type of music. this is a fantastic cd to listen to in your car, it's great drivin' music, and is a good buffer for road rage. Seal delivers another winner like only he could.

Each song has a rythmn that appeals to me. The cd works with any mood I may be in, and it blends with other types of music I like.

Seal's latest effort is one of his best recordings with tightly arranged, dance-flavored songs that sound pleasant, mostly upbeat, and words layered with emotion and inspiration. Each song complements the next one from start to finish, and all with a mix of techno beats, electronic influences, and acoustic melodies--an album that's catchy and musical and overall serves as the best dance record so far this year.

As a electronica album, it's a failure. You can't add a baseline and repetitive electronic sounds to lyrics and call it techno (well...you can, but that doesn't mean it's good).
I'm not entirely sure what Seal was thinking with the song 'Dumb' It's not a very good word in the first place but despite that, about a quarter of the song is Seal literally singing it over and over again. Also, the word itself seems to have little to do with the other lyrics. It's filler word and for some odd reason Seal decided to title the track after it.
I found the first track and Wedding Day okay but overall the album doesn't stand out lyrically, instrumentally, or vocally. Seal has an amazing voice and is no doubt talented, but it doesn't come through in System.

Like many reviewers, I've been a Seal fan since he hit the airwaves. This album was a very nice surprise. For the nay sayers, get over it and LISTEN. Yes, SYSTEM isn't like his other albums; but let go of the predefined expectations and LISTEN. The first time I heard it, my mind went WOW; the music and his voice washed over me and alternately froze and shook me up. There is a lot of layered detail in the music which complements the richness of his voice. Although Wedding Day isn't my favorite - you can hear the joy in Heidi and Seal's voices. I can't get enough of these songs. Addicting and transporting. What else can you ask of music?

Just beautiful. Wonderful music with a message. Wonderful lyrics, beats and more. I love the wedding day song with his wife. Im a huge fan and I continue to be.

Even the worst Seal albums of the past have not only been worth purchasing, but have all been fantastic. This album is no exception. Seal has produced a seriously good CD that has all of his previous albums interlaced within it. For the record, my favorite Seal album was Human Being. I would rate this as my second favorite album to that one. This is seriously great music and really quite unbelievable that it can be purchased for ten bucks. Buy it, you will not be disappointed. Heck..you get to hear Heidi Klum sing!!!

As a Musician myself I feel more times then NOT, that when an album comes out I'm very critical in judging it. I do not make a final decision till I have had 10 listening sessions with no distractions. I drink in every word/lyric, every instrument, every vibration and let it become a part of me.

This Album is up there with his FIRST & SECOND albums. I personal play several songs off of both and look forward to learning a few off this one too. ~~Beware of trite reviews~~ with 1 and 2 stars regarding this album. If you are a SEAL FAN I think you will find it well rounded and true to SEAL and his music.

Powerful Lyrics as always... (Except the chorus for Song 7. -DUMB-)
Very Groovilicious... (Will get you up and moving)
Strong on Synthesizers...
Weak on Guitars... (=-( as a guitarist that bums me out)
Vocal and Melody... (Classic Seal)

I Love this Album and have listened to it over 150 times and will continue to do so. Seal is a modern day Musical Prophet speaking to the very core of your Soul and Spirit, lifting it up and allowing it to carry LOVE and HARMONY forward. That is at the Foundation of this Album. Enjoy it

Live with Passion...

I have been listening to Seal since his first CD and have been a huge fan ever since,I felt that every self titled CD was great then when he changed patterns and did Human Beings I was less than impressed. Seal later redeems himself with Seal IV so when I saw that his latest CD was titled other than Seal I was worried, but I shouldn't have been because this is possibly his best yet. This is one of those rare deserted island CD's I love every track on this album. Get this CD if you don't have it and if you know someone who doesn't have it get it for them, they will thank you for it.

I bought "System" because I like Seal. I had no idea what this CD would be like but I've never been disappointed before so I took a chance. The first time I heard "If it's in my mind, it's on my face" I got goosebumps. "Amazing" kept the goosebumps dancing around, too.

As someone wrote, I like music that moves me and that's exactly what this CD does. There is no way you can keep your feet still with these tracks. Seal's sexy voice combined with moving lyrics and an awesome beat make for a terrific combination that did not disappoint. It is now my favorite CD!!!

[Quote]
"Well..., January 23, 2008
By moviefan (USA) - See all my reviews
If you really are a Seal fan like me , then you would know that the true heart and soul of his work was brought out by the production of Trevor Horn. From what I have heard so far on ITunes, this is just a techno dance album, with Madonna's producer. I think we all know that Madonna has no heart and soul, and press manipulation is not in Seal's genes. I would have to say "buyer beware" on this one. I suggest Seal's greatest hits CD for those how may not have any of Seal's older work."

What amazes me is what kind of idiot includes the sentence "from what I have heard so far in iTunes" in his/her review? Okay, so now we've ascertained that the buffoon has not really listened to the album, why, because quite obviously .... he/she does NOT OWN IT!

Secondly, FYI, your comment about the heart of the first Seal album coming from Trevor Horn. You are bitterly mistaken my friend .....BITTERLY. I heard the demos before the songs on the first album were produced, before Trevor Horn even knew who Seal was and if it's heart you're referring to, last time I checked Trevor didn't write the songs .... Seal did. I rest my case

Lastly, how is that someone i.e. Madonna sustains a career that has lasted over 25 years and more accolades than one can shake a stick at .... without heart? and who are the "we all know" people that are in agreement with your "She has no heart" rhetoric?

Listen pal/pallette, I've no problem with constructive criticism and I don't expect everyone to love Seal, Madonna or any other artist and I certainly do not expect people to share my opinion, but useless, uninformative idiocy I find extremely irritating and difficult to tolerate.

-S

This is his best yet! The more I listen to it, the more I love it. I had a friend listen to it in my car, and he went out immediately and purchased it as well. I love running to it.

I saw SEAL in concert at San Diego State University following the 2007 Rock and Roll Marathon. From there it awakened me to his music.

I would describe this alum as house/techno repetitive. There is no creativity involved, and there is nothing original about it. Once you've heard one song, you've heard the whole album.

I can't get enough of his single "Amazing"! It's clearly the best song on here. Don't get me wrong the rest are good too but nothing beats "Amazing" and it's awesome beats. Seal still sounds good after all these years and each song is great. I'm buying this as soon as I get enough money. GET THIS ALBUM NOW!

Before I got a copy of the new Seal cd SYSTEM, I had heard that Seal took a different approach to his music this time around. I knew that he wasn't working with long time producer Trevor Horn so I knew that the music was definitely going to be different. I just didn't know how different it would be. I think it is great that Seal didn't want to get stuck in a rut and opted to try something new. I think artists should at least try a new sound at least once in their lifetime. Sure it may or may not work but being predictable and repetitive tends to be boring and uninteresting.

Now on for the review. SYSTEM is a 47 minute long dance/pop fest. I thought Seal's exploration into dance music worked for me. I found myself dancing to most of the album especially to "If It's in My Mind..." and "Amazing" (Thin White Duke Edit). It is clear in Seal's lyrics that he is a happy man with his wife and children. That sense of joy he has in his personal life has translated into SYSTEM. I am just guessing but I'm thinking Seal wanted to express the joy he gets from his family through his music hence the change from singing ballads to uptempo dance songs. The one song that really didn't work for me was "Wedding Day" which features Seal's wife Heidi Klum. It isn't that Heidi doesn't have a bad singing voice unlike Britney Spears but rather the cheesy and vapid lyrics and tepid melodies. Overall I enjoy listening to SYSTEM. It is different from Seal's previous albums but I like that Seal took a chance with his music. SYSTEM is a lot of fun to listen to for me.

Sounds a lot like Justin Timberlake. I believe that Seal's only focus or intention with this album, is to sell as many as possible. I have been a huge fan since 1991. Have seen him in concert five times. However, with this shallow offering I can now longer be a fan. It's a shame that with all that talent and soul, he would decide to release an album like this. I would understand this coming from a no talent performer like Justin, but not from Seal.

I purchased this as a gift and the receiver is thrilled and ever more happy.

This one hasn't grabbed me yet. I'll have to give it a couple of more listens. I think it is pretty lame to have your model wife singing with you. You do your thing and let her do hers. I love the cover though - thanks for not putting her on it.

Seal has done it again with his latest release. Avoiding the trap of most newer artists to make the same album over and over again, Seal sounds fresh and more alive than ever before. This album makes you want to move. Seal has written from many perspectives throughout his career, and this album focuses less on himself and more on the world at large. He seems more upbeat as well, since his marriage and fatherhood. All in all, true fans will not be disappointed.

So much fantastic, creative, provocative music... the run had to end sometime. I will keep on enjoying Seal's first four studio albums for the rest of my life. Downloading this without checking it out first was a mistake. The first song... then to the second... then to the third... Oh no... it's a disco... er.. i mean dance cd. The best is can say is that the tempi of the songs are so similar that it makes for a pretty good exercise cd. But that's about all. Trevor... where did you go dude? Caveat emptor

If you really are a Seal fan like me , then you would know that the true heart and soul of his work was brought out by the production of Trevor Horn. From what I have heard so far on ITunes, this is just a techno dance album, with Madonna's producer. I think we all know that Madonna has no heart and soul, and press manipulation is not in Seal's genes. I would have to say "buyer beware" on this one. I suggest Seal's greatest hits CD for those how may not have any of Seal's older work.

Seal's "Crazy" is one of my all-time favorite songs. I was in the mood for a CD with his voice; I had never purchased one of his before. I am a product of the 80s and 90s so the techno aspect of it appealed to me. The more I listen to it the more I love it. I have told my friends to get it. There really are some beautiful songs on it. He's still got it!

I'M A SEAL FANATIC AND WHEN I FISRT HEARD THIS CD ON MY CHEAP COMPUTER SPEAKER,I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED.I USUALLY RUN OUT AND PURCHASE A NEW SEAL RELEASE AND I WAITED ON THIS ONE. I RECEIVED IT FOR MY BIRTHDAY A FEW WEEKS AGO AND FELL IN LOVE WITH INSTANTLY ONCE I WAS ABLE TO LISTEN TO IT ON A GOOD STEREO SYSTEM.THIS CD REALLY MAKES YOU MOVE AND HAS SOME GREAT BEATS AND GROOVES.MY FAVORITE CUTS ARE "AMAZING","THE RIGHT LIFE",'JUST LIKE BEFORE" and "ROLLING". IF THIS CD DOESN'T HIT YOU THE FIRST TIME,PLEASE,PLEASE KEEP LISTENING AND I PROMISE IT WILL GRAB YOU!!!!!!!!

The combination "Stuart Price - Seal" works wonderfully in this album (just like it did with Madonna). The songs on the album flow easily, although none of them has made a big impact yet on the charts. "System" is the kind of album you can listen over and over again and not get enough.

If you're an ardent Seal fan, like me...then this is his BEST album, since the first SEAL (AKA '91)
Not, that they all weren't good, but this one is Seal back with a vengeance...BUY IT!!!

Predictable filter sweeps, kick drums on every beat, vocoder backup vocals - we've heard it all before. The word 'formulaic' springs to mind. The decidedly European dance-club-lite treatment of Seal's songs make it easy for those who are confused by back beats to dance to, but it also robs Seal of any funk or soul.

The formula works well for one song, but this particular cookie cutter becomes quite tiresome across an album. Seal doesn't make things any easier for us. With previous albums, we were tossed the occasional interesting harmonic change or a track outside of a 4/4 time signature. Not so here. Boring. Repetitive. Safe. Edgy as a ham sandwich.

Well, Seal has a new album out, and frankly I'm glad. It gets your head bobbing, you feel the cool techno-house beat, and once you reach that point where you want to hear something meaningful - he delivers. His lyrics aren't always straight forward, but after listening to the songs a few dozen times, it starts to make sense. You start to get "It."

Seal's music IS like washing your face in dirty water (you die hards feel me), when the stale dust of life's problems and the grimey residue of human-complacency gathers on your brow, you don't much care how clean the water is that washes away your worries for 5:28 minutes - you're just glad that it did.

Buy the CD - it's worth it ;)

Let's be honest, Seal owes his success to crafty songs and elaborate studio productions. Those two elements were the key to his success in the 90s. His singing can get pretty dull after a while and therefore he must rely on songs and productions to set himself apart.

Not sure why or how he came to realize that Madonna's contemporary dance sounds were for him. He is not a great dancer, nor does he have the artistic persona or attitude to make anyone move in a dance floor anymore. The days of 'crazy' and 'killer' are looong gone.

Most songs in this album are as boring as ever. His singing dull, no surprise that the duet "Wedding day" with wife Heidi Klum comes like a breathe of fresh air in the midst of predictable performances and ambivalent incursions into Madonna's danceland.

Seal should go back to basics: write songs, find instrumentalists and singers to collaborate with and find a producer that can carry him forward while keeping true to his style.

I've been a Seal fan from the beginning. I love the intensity of his music - the real pain and longing I have always interpreted in his voice in those early ballads, especially. I was a bit hesitant to buy a CD called "dance music" by some. I thought that maybe now with his perfectly charmed life with Heidi and the kids, he may have lost his "angst edge." But no! He's lost nothing! I LOVE the this new album and find that I cannot help but dance to it whereever I am listening to it! It's fabulous! Great beats, great music, fabuous sound, same intensity in his joy as in his pain. LOVE IT!

Listening to Seal's "System" can be an evolving experience from the day you first pick it up. Initially, my impression was more favorable than what I felt when I heard his fourth album. However, it failed to fully hook me: I kept hearing too much of the same sound from Madonna's "Confessions on a Dance Floor" (not surprisingly, considering they were both produced by Stuart Price).

Over the course of many listens, the album eventually found its way into my list of favorites as 2007 came to an end: while not one of the year's best, it still carries a very welcome and refreshing sound by one of the most talented singers in the pop/dance scene today. Running the risk of sounding cliched, I would like to suggest that you pump up the volume while listening to "System". You will be able to better listen to Seal's very own confession in doing so.

A song in the album that I could live without: "Wedding Day". Two songs that MAKE the album for me: the upbeat "Just Like Before" and the more quiet "Rolling."

Seal's 'System" cd has alot of enjoyful energy flowing through it. Starting from track one, you will be energized and might want to start to dancing in your car. Very Impressed.

I am a die hard seal fan and have his entire collection; however, this may be the one cd that breaks the chain. This is by far his worst. Why on earth does an artist choose to break from a winning formula, I do not know. Treavor Horn was the best thing that happened to this artist. Why he chose this route, I do not know. I have listened to this cd (4) times and still hate it! He has abandoned his true song arrangement and production formula. If you are into that repeatitive beat and mix with no dramatic bridge changes, this cd is for you.

This CD is a serious comeback for Seal. I've been waiting for some new material from him and this is excellent. I will admit that some of the songs feel a little bit elevatoresque with the light techno beat in the background, but overall its an excellent album, it's fun and not begrudgingly deep. Buy it now.