Seal Times Four

Releasing four albums in 12 years isn't uncommon for a singer. But when three of those four albums are self-titled - and the artist isn't Led Zeppelin - there is clearly an issue of ego.

All can be forgiven for Seal, though. His Sept. 19 release, "IV" isn't as pretentious as the title concept may suggest. If an artist catalogs his entire discography with numerical titles, separating each volume as part of a greater body of work, then each edition should have consistency.

If there's anything going for "IV," it's consistency. Identical in tone and style with 1991's debut "I," and 1994's "II" - his breakout album that featured the chart-topping "Kiss From A Rose" - his new release picks up where the last three left off. 1998's "Human Being" is the only of the four albums that's not eponymous.

Always dramatic and never concise, Seal's lyrics are a group of underprivileged children away from being a "We Are The World" tribute saga. With fine instrumentation of percussion rhythms and stringed ebb and flow, each track sounds perfect to accompany the end titles of a feel-good summer flick like the Britney Spears bomb "Crossroads."

There are a few gems, as Seal frontloaded the disc with three consecutive stellar tracks. "Get it Together" starts off slightly bland but passes the opening track litmus test with a chorus of peppy organ and pleasing drum transitions. It's infectious, though perhaps not until a second or third listen.

The two tracks that follow are the only single-worthy songs on the album. "Loves Divine" and "Waiting For You" are catchy without being cheesy. Capturing Seal's trademark fusion of soaring vocals and peaceful sentiments, they rank up there with 1994's "Prayer for the Dying" and "Don't Cry."

Taking a bluesy turn on "Don't Make Me Wait" suggests that his next album could be jazzier than poppy and still get radio airplay. This twist of genre continues with the reggae-laced "Where's The Gold."

Whereas most other non-Jamaican artists - basically anybody except a Marley family member - ruin the song they're trying to infuse with an island feel, Seal succeeds by keeping the beats subtle and the vocals fresh.

Few college students will probably admit to listening to - let alone liking - Seal. Even if his 1995 "Batman Forever" soundtrack contribution "Kiss From A Rose" is his most famous song, at least it is definitive of his body of work. Good music will always be good music, and even if the title on the outside suggests arrogance, all can be overlooked once the cover is opened and the music is played.