"7" is the ninth studio album by British soul and R&B singer-songwriter Seal, released on November 6, 2015, by Warner Bros. Records. The album's title reflects that it is Seal's seventh album of original songs, coming five years after his previous release, Seal 6: Commitment (2010). 7 continues Seal's exploration of soul and R&B, combining his signature deep, emotive vocals with a modern, polished production style.
The album's lead singles, "Every Time I'm with You" and "Do You Ever," were both released on September 11, 2015. Two promotional singles, "Life on the Dancefloor" (released October 2) and "Padded Cell" (released October 16), were also made available in advance of the album's full release. These tracks gave fans a preview of the album's more danceable and groove-oriented direction, while maintaining the rich emotional depth Seal is known for.
One notable aspect of 7 is the bonus track "Whatever You Need," which is a reworked version of "Breathe" from Seal's unreleased Togetherland album. This makes "Whatever You Need" only the second officially released track from Togetherland, following "This Could Be Heaven," which had appeared in the 2000 Family Man soundtrack. The inclusion of this track adds a sense of continuity and connection to Seal's musical journey, as Togetherland had been a long-abandoned project that fans had heard little about.
7 marks another chapter in Seal's career, showcasing his ability to evolve while still staying true to the soulful, emotionally charged music that made him famous. It was well-received by both fans and critics, demonstrating that, even after years in the industry, Seal is still capable of producing relevant, heartfelt music.
