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System goes down smooth, even if it's rather strange that it is so nostalgic for the pre-Clinton '90s, but this is so much a production piece that, apart from the acoustic 'Rolling,' the only song that stands outside of the sheer sonic gloss is 'Wedding Day,' a genuinely odd piece of kitsch duet with Heidi herself.
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The 10 songs are all strong, and placed in an order that creates an emotional arc, like a real--what's that word again?--album.
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Entertainment WeeklyEven when System's rigid tempos grow tedious, its words still move you. [16 Nov 2007, p.78]
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A brave, if samey, affair, System is undoubtedly sincere.
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Price's remix work has always been more impressive than his original productions and System is no exception.
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His leisurely seduction ballads get the job done on System, but not since his debut has he gone for such a dance-friendly club sound.
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For most of System, the indefatigable drum thumps and whizzing keyboard tones prevent Seal from getting too vaporous, while all his yearning comes through.
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Despite the album having a bit of a different texture than his past couple, it’s still atmospheric and soothing.
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His dance-pop tunes are surprisingly fresh and emotionally meaty, without a hint of complacency.
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People who like him, rejoice. Those who don't may continue to live without his music.
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Q MagazineSystem is a one-paced, staid affair, where almost everything suggests a tired version of Seal's first hit, 'Killer.'
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UncutSystem is like travelling backwards to a time when Trevor Horn and Steve Lipson ruled the earth, except this time the studio overlord is Madonna collaborator, Stuart Price. [Jan 2008, p.100]