Product Description

Released in 1991, Seal's self-titled debut attracted a Top-40 crowd, dance enthusiasts, and fans of expertly crafted pop-rock songs. Producer Trevor (Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Yes) Horn helped Seal achieve a sonically rich sound right offthe bat--while the songs have electronic elements (drum-machine beats, samples, etc.), there is an underlying organic texture to SEAL that makes it a classic. A significant reasonfor the album's warmth comes form acoustic and electric guitar, which serve as the root elements for many of the songs.In addition, Seal's soulful voice and hopeful, introspective lyrics add to the winning combination.
Though the album-opening "The Beginning" may give the listener the impression that SEAL is purely a dance album, this couldn't be further from the truth. Seal proves expert in crafting tranquil compositions ("Deep Water", "Whirlpool", "Show Me", "Violet"),as well as in more rock-oriented and funk fare ("Future Love Paradise", the chart success "Crazy",), and dance-floor shakers ("Killer"). Seal's self-titled debut was easily one ofthe best of the '90s.

Track Listing

1. Beginnings
2. Deep Water
3. Crazy
4. Killer
5. Whirlpool
6. Future Love Paradise
7. Wild
8. Show Me
9. Violet

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6029 in Music
• Released on: 1991-06-11
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.co.uk Review
Not to be confused with his equally eponymous but rather less fine second album. Seal towered briefly over the scene in the early nineties--latecomer to pop, he co-wrote and sang on Adamski's sublime "Killer", bringing a rare touch of Marvin Gaye-style gravitas to the otherwise E-driven and perishable techno scene. His debut album was equally stately, benefiting from producer Trevor Horn's trademark epic flourishes and funky bombast, with Seal's hoarse vocals and impassioned lyrics taking on the entire, broken world. "Deep Water", for instance, was a spiritual/eco-lament inspired by the fate of some dolphins who found themselves washed up in the Thames where the water pollution killed them. This conscientious cri de coeur was echoed in "The Beginning" and "Crazy", pop music that dared to shed a serious tear. After this, unfortunately, Seal went all MOR-shaped. --David Stubbs

Customer Reviews

Standing the test of time
It's difficult to believe that I do still listen to this album. It's also difficult to believe just how long it's been since it's release - it sounds as fresh and vibrant (indeed more so) than many which were added to my collection within the last year. It's just stunning. Buy it.

Seal's first album
This sounds like a first album: raw, fresh, energetic and overflowing! This is how it should be for a new artist on the music scene.

Seal's first album contains a good mix of styles though prodominantly pop/dance.

The first album I ever bought and still a classic
Before buying SEAL at the age of 15, I'd never been interested in music that much. Sure, I'd listen to the radio but never feel the need to do anything else. Then, one Saturday morning I was sitting watching The Ghost Train (kids programme like SMTV, Going Live etc.) and I was hit full in the face by what I could even tell back then was raw talent. Seal was on TV performing an acoustic version of one of his hits from his new album. I can even remember him being interviewed about what impact his recent trip to Africa had on him - Show Me was inspired by it he said. I've never looked back - this is where my love of music started. Today this album still holds up as a masterpiece, with thought provoking lyrics (that he is still yet to match, he tries to hard these days) and a sound that captured the moment. Featuring the talents of Guy Sigsworth and the masterful production of Trevor Horn this CD will be held in high regard forever. If you've never heard this album you've got a fantastic time ahead.