Search - Seal :: Seal

Suzi H. (Bookmom) from DURHAM, NC
Reviewed on 2/23/2013...

The more commercial of Seal's cds I think. He does a song for Batman (not one of my personal faves) and all of a sudden he is discovered. Those of us who love him knew his music already from his other self-titled cd from 90, (I believe). This cd does still have its own merits, despite the commerciality. Bring it on begins the cd very strong and upbeat. Prayer for the Dying is pretty good. Dreaming in Metaphors grows on you. Don't cry gets a little more commercial-sounding. Fast Changes is another driving, upbeat song, but we're let down again by Kiss From A Rose (blagh), I mean, it's catchy and you can't help finding yourself toe tapping or singing the words you know-so-well-cause-you've-heard-it-on-the-radio-a-million-times, I'm just warning ya. The second half of the cd is less memorable from that point, but there is nothing else dreadful. The ending is a Bring It On (Reprise), which would always have me wanting to hear it from beginning all over again. But next time I'll FF past Kiss From A Rose. ;) lol

Warren F. (Baddadeo) from POLK CITY, FL
Reviewed on 7/17/2011...

Seal is an unbelievably talented artist- This album is the best! A must for any collector!

0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Melanie W. (novelwriter) from SURFSIDE BCH, SC
Reviewed on 12/11/2007...

I love listening to this CD. Seal is excellent and the emotion that he shares with you through his music takes you on some kind of journey.

Amy T. (simplyamy) from DAKOTA DUNES, SD
Reviewed on 8/16/2007...

I love SEAL! "Crazy" is just rockable!

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."