Seal - Seal (11 tracks) +Album Reviews +Used CD available for Swap

A heartfelt, emotional, and all-around wonderful album

Tom Benton | North Springfield, VT USA | 09/15/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I discovered Seal the same way that most people did: through his utterly beautiful song "Kiss From A Rose". I heard it on the radio one day, and played it constantly for months after that until I finally decided to purchase the album the song was from. As it happens, the song is from Seal's most revered album, his multi-platinum 1994 self-titled album. (This is not to be confused with his other self-titled album, his debut, released in 1991.) I didn't know what to expect when I bought the album, having heard only one song from it, but months after purchasing it I'm glad I made the gamble.

I think that the sub-genre which best classifies SEAL is urban. Urban music, according to All Music Guide, is smooth and polished, often romantic, sometimes uptempo and funky, and features soulful vocals. SEAL has all of this and more. It has techno beats, but they're not as overwhelming as one might expect. They blend together with peaceful, occasionally ethereal guitars and Seal's incredibly soothing singing. This is, no doubt, stylish music, but first and foremost it's a collection of warm, encouraging songs penned by a very talented musician. There's nothing that comes close to being a bad song here; there's not even a slightly weak composition. Thus it's a little harder to pick highlights than usual. Some highlights include the strong opening track, "Bring It On"; the emotional hit "Prayer For The Dying"; the shimmering "Dreaming In Metaphors"; the upbeat "Newborn Friend"; and, needless to say, the absolutely wonderful "Kiss From A Rose". The closing track, "Bring It On (Reprise)" is another beautiful song, but "Kiss From A Rose" is possibly the most lovely song I've ever heard. Listening to it in the warmth of one's home during a snowy December afternoon is an incredibly powerful experience.

The message of the album, if there is one, is "Keep on going - life is beautiful!" It could fail under any other popular artist, but Seal succeeds marvelously. This is some of the most heartfelt, inspirational singing I've ever heard. There's a delightful optimism in Seal's singing that sounds strong rather than naiive. It's hard to feel down after listening to such an uplifting album as this. Seal is certainly one of the most talented musicians of R&B (or rock - you decide). These songs have clear, strong messages, warm, inspirational lyrics, heartfelt, soothing singing, danceable beats, and a whole lot of emotion.

Once you've heard "Kiss From A Rose", I guarantee you'll want to pick up the album. If you're already thinking of doing so, then I encourage you to go forward and buy it; you won't regret it. It's become one of my favorite albums. When you're feeling disillusioned or depressed with the state of your life or just life in general, look no further than SEAL to make you cherish it once again."

Classic

Garren Hews | Battersea, London | 02/12/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first had this on tape when it first came out in 1994. I love it, its a great album and the best in my collection. Tape is obsolete now so I had to get it on CD. Seal is amazing because he spends a lot of time on his work and it shows. Kiss from a rose is the most famous song here, but there are three which are better in my opinion, Don't cry, Newborn friend and I'm alive. The rest are very good and I always listen to the whole album without skipping a single song and thats saying something. Its very easy to listen to, relaxing and soothing whatever mood you are in. If you truely love music and listen to this album with an open mind, you will love it. Better still its worth more than what you are gonna pay for it and will never sound outdated."

Its more then just "Knockin Boots" Music

T. Gore | Neu Joisy | 04/29/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Seals self titled release might immediatly get labeled Soft FM Hits radio or Bump N Grind (between the sheets) material, but it is much stronger then that. Seal takes soft Rock/RnB to the next level, and gives us a truely remarkable record, which is unheard of today because of overproduced and over-marketed albums. The muscianship on this CD is steller also, and you should know that this is all played with live musicians, no sampling or singing with a background beat machine. I can't reccomend this CD enough, as I think that no matter WHAT music we listen to, we need that CD in our collection to unwind us, and mellow us out. OF course I can name you many that I have for this, but Seal is one of my top choices. Its not to complicated, his voice is outstanding, and one again his backing musicians are some really talented artist. Every song (except one) is solid and that's why this is an easy 5 star effort..ENJOY"

Couldn't Get It Out of My Head

Angela Berry | Temple Hills, MD USA | 05/02/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One morning last month, I woke up and couldn't get "Kiss From a Rose" out of my head. Two days later, I went out and bought it. I'm so mad I didn't get it when it first came out. I knew about Seal, and I heard his music, but I didn't own any of his music. Needless to say, I am currently purchasing his entire discography. My favorites: "Bring It On" get's me started in the morning. "Dreaming in Metaphors" really makes you think. Every cut is great outstanding!"

Transcending the Moment

Tim Brough | Springfield, PA United States | 05/09/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If the debut album by Seal was an expression of celebrating life, the second was the meditation of life itself. A deeper, far more thoughtful album than anyone could have expected, "Seal II" transformed Seal from not just a terrific singer, but into a soul singer that few artists in the 90's have since matched.

Even his look changed. The debut had the wild haired singer staring you down from the cover art, but now a naked, shaven headed Seal strikes the pose of a supplicant, head bowed and arms outstretched. It's almost as if he knelt to his muse and allowed it to flow into the new music. The initial single, "Prayer For The Dying" was stunningly direct in its ascertainment of life in the early 90's:

"Fearless people, Careless needle.

Harsh words spoken, And lives are broken.

Forceful aging, Help me I'm fading.

Heaven's waiting,It's time to move on."

I remember almost going into shock the first time I heard this song. I was so struck by its beauty and acceptance, as the chorus soared into the line "hold on say yes while people say no." It remains, for me, Seal's finest moment.

Yet this is an album that contains many moments of musical bliss. The ubiquitous "Kiss From a Rose" became a hugs and deserving hit, thanks to being in the "Batman Forever" movie along with the silky harmonies through the song's bridge. Joni Mitchell lends an appealing duet vocal to the hopeful "If I Could." For those who still need the funk of the debut, there's the opening call to action of "Bring It On." Like on the debut, Trevor Horn layered a sonically lush production that suited Seal perfectly; this was one of the best produced albums on the 90's in addition to simply being a great album overall.

It would have been easy for Seal to clone his debut or to have tailored his second album to the reigning hip-hop-pop albums of the day (Ace of Base, Snow, PM Dawn, etc). Instead, he created an album that maintains its integrity and depth as it closes in on its 20th anniversary. Seal didn't just act as a performer who mirrored the times, with this album, he became an artist that transcended them.

"

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