Seal [1991]

by Seal

Overview

Seal launched his career in 1990 with "Crazy," a seductive single that combined a futuristic dance groove with a commanding, soulful vocal -- and a hook that's hard to shake after even the briefest exposure. "Crazy" was the result of a collaboration between Seal and producer Trevor Horn, best known for masterminding Frankie Goes to Hollywood's '80s epic, "Relax." But unlike Frankie, Seal was a talent with depth, emotion, and tremendous charisma. Seal's performances are striking against Horn's meticulously manufactured settings, but it's clear his vocals would have the same effect if he were accompanied only by an acoustic guitar. This album, not to be confused with his more gently atmospheric follow-up, also called Seal, contains "Killer," a track Seal originally recorded with dance act Adamski -- and which first brought the singer to Horn's attention. "Future Love Paradise" is in some ways superior to "Crazy"; it's a haunting track with a downright messianic vocal performance. All this could simply have been trendy ear-candy with a lesser singer, but Seal brings warmth, heart, sophistication, and tremendous personality to all the high-tech splendor.

Product Details

Release Date:	06/11/1991
Label:	Sire / London/Rhino
UPC:	0075992662727
catalogNumber:	26627

Tracks

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

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Seal   Primary Artist,Guitar,Vocals
Trevor Rabin   Guitar
Mars Lasar   Keyboards
Curt Bisquera   Drums
Paulinho Da Costa   Percussion
Andy Duncan   Saxophone
Luis Jardim   Percussion,Drums
Pino Palladino   Bass
John "J.R." Robinson   Drums
Bruce Woolley   Keyboards

Technical Credits

Trevor Rabin   Contributor
Seal   Composer
Gene Simmons   Composer
Vinnie Vincent Invasion   Composer
Keith LeBlanc   Contributor
Maria Vidal   Contributor
Anne Dudley   Arranger,String Arrangements
Mars Lasar   Programming
Curt Bisquera   Contributor
Paulinho Da Costa   Contributor
Richard Cottle   Contributor
Andy Duncan   Contributor
Denny Fongheiser   Contributor
Robin Hancock   Engineer,Contributor
Trevor Horn   Producer,Contributor
Randall Jacobs   Contributor
Luis Jardim   Contributor
Chester Kamen   Contributor
Steve MacMillan   Engineer
Mark Mancina   Contributor
Gary Maughn   Contributor
Ian Morrow   Contributor
Jamie Muhoberac   Contributor
Steve Pearce   Contributor
Tony Phillips   Engineer
John "J.R." Robinson   Contributor
Chrissie Scheft   Contributor
Chrissy Shefts   Contributor
Guy Sigsworth   Contributor
Ren Swan   Engineer
Tim Weidner   Engineer
Doug Wimbish   Contributor
Bruce Woolley   Contributor
Gota Yashiki   Contributor
Mac Mill   Engineer
Gus Isidore   Contributor
Kenji Suzuki   Contributor
Gregg Jackmann   Engineer
Seal Henry Samuel   Composer

Editorial Reviews

London singer/songwriter Seal certainly made a name for himself with his eponymous debut despite the comparison to fellow London mate, the raspy soul Terence Trent D'Arby. But Seal is more relaxed, and his craftsmanship is delicate and well defined. Lyrical depictions are light, songwriting is personal, and production credits are most impressive. With star-studded work from both Trevor Horn (Tina Turner, the Art of Noise, Rod Stewart) and Trevor Rabin (Yes, John Miles), Seal is surely a critical hit. Becoming a mainstream radio mainstay for the summer of 1991, the single "Crazy" carried heavy notoriety for Seal and instantly made him a household name. His collaborative effort with Adamski for "Killer" was a massive club hit thanks to its Hi-NRG strength, but house elements are showcased other album tracks such as "The Beginning." Seal is not necessarily a dance innovator, but he makes for a select crossover artist with impeccable talent worthy of heavy acclamation and critical recognition. The general mood captured on his debut album is refreshing for the early-'90s mediocrity of post-hair metal and manufactured synth bands. His music was a major force throughout the decade and well into the new millennium. With Trevor Horn at his side, it's undeniable. Together they go for exactly what Seal is looking for: the beauty, desire, and simplicity in creating a new sound. Seal is the face and Horn is the face behind it all.

All Music Guide - MacKenzie Wilson