SEAL: Purpose

FTC Statement: Reviewers are frequently provided by the publisher/production company with a copy of the material being reviewed.The opinions published are solely those of the respective reviewers and may not reflect the opinions of CriticalBlast.com or its management.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. (This is a legal requirement, as apparently some sites advertise for Amazon for free. Yes, that's sarcasm.)

Submitted by Dennis Russo on Mon, 03/23/2026 - 19:04

Filmed live in concert in Las Vegas at the magnificent Venetian Hotel & Casino, some 30 years after the release of the performer’s first two albums, SEAL and SEAL II, SEAL: Purpose on CD/DVD from Mercury Studios brings us front and center to a celebration—if you will—of the music of this extraordinary singer.

The CD and DVD each contain the same songs, but the DVD gives a little extra. Throughout, there are cutaway moments where SEAL is seated and talking about music and the purpose behind what he does. As he mentions at one point, when he looked back over his career, he realized he has a purpose. He also says that “music is the ultimate form of escapism,” and that songs have the power to change people’s lives. The CD is simply the concert, but in its own context it is just as wonderful.

I am once again (broken record here) blown away by the product Mercury Studios creates. From the very start, the DVD is stunning visually. The words “crystal clear” are oftentimes overused, but here it is not hyperbole—you truly have to see it to believe how sharp everything looks, from close-ups to audience and band pans.

The colors are amazing. “Deep Water” and “Future Love Paradise” are filmed mostly in a soft blue hue, and with SEAL wearing an orangey-red leather jacket over a stark white shirt and pants, the visual contrast is just gorgeous.

SEAL has one of those voices that feels like it was made for music. He sings with such soul and feeling that his music becomes an experience beyond sound and words. Backed by a tight band of musicians, this approximately 77-minute concert transports you—pulling you into a moment where memories and emotions flow together in unison.

You don’t have to take my word for it—just look at the audience. As the show goes on, they are on their feet for most of it. One cannot sit when emotions run that high. As the cameras pan around the venue, you can see and hear the audience singing along word-for-word to every song. It is easy to tell these are lifelong fans who came to see him—not just to see a show because they were in town.

I cannot think of a single weak song in this set. From the funky beat of “Bring It On” (with some fantastic guitar work) to the beautiful “Kiss From A Rose,” it is one great performance after another.

Speaking of “Kiss From A Rose,” I love the way he introduces it—asking the audience if they are ready for a “sing song.” And boy, were they ever. While they sang along throughout the concert, they truly turned it up here. At one point, it appears he uses some sort of moving platform to come out into the audience, singing up close and personal before returning to the stage. It is one of the most beautiful songs I know, and this live version is so good that it will be hard to go back to the studio version—it’s THAT good.

The encore is spectacular. Before performing “Love’s Devine,” he goes down into the audience—greeting fans, signing autographs, and interacting with them before breaking into the song. He sings right in front of them, often looking directly into their eyes. A credit to the film crew as well—you hardly ever see a camera, despite everything being captured so intimately.

And let me tell you, “Love’s Devine” performed here is so powerful it could melt an iceberg. It stirs emotions you may have forgotten you had. Watching him sing lines like “Love will help me know your name” while looking directly at people—it’s incredibly moving. I’ll admit, it got to me.

As wonderful as the DVD is visually and sonically, the CD is where the music truly shines. The audience comes alive even more, taking the energy up another notch. Without visuals, your mind fills in the experience, placing you right in the middle of the crowd. The recording is mastered beautifully—his vocals have a natural, human texture, and the instruments are so well captured that you can hear them individually and as a cohesive whole.

What’s remarkable is how SEAL keeps the audience engaged. This isn’t a rock concert, yet the energy rivals one. At the same time, he creates an intimate atmosphere, making it feel personal—even through speakers. You genuinely feel like he is singing to you—and in some moments on the DVD, you can see that he truly is.

I cannot recommend this set highly enough. When I finished listening to both the CD and DVD, I felt emotionally drained and invigorated at the same time.

There are few singers capable of creating the kind of feeling and emotion that SEAL does. His voice and music are timeless, and this set captures that beautifully—allowing you to experience him in your own environment and letting him sing directly to you.

After all… it is his purpose.