Seal (1st Album) CD

Personnel: Seal, Curt Bisquera, Paulinho Da Costa, Richard Cottle, Andy Duncan, Denny Fongheiser, Robin Hancock, Trevor Horn, Guy Isidore, Randall Jacobs, Luis Jardim, Chester Kamen, Mars Lasar, Keith Le Blanc, Mark Mancina, Gary Maughn, Ian Morrow, Jamie Muhoberac, Steve Pearce, John Robinson, Chrissie Schefts, Guy Sigsworth, Kenji Suzuki, Maria Vidale, Doug Wimbish, Bruce Woolley, Gota Yashiki.
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. ~ MacKenzie Wilson
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 off the 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 reason for 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 of the best of the '90s.Entertainment Weekly (8/16/91) - "...Seal pulls off the neat trick of sounding both mysterious and intimate...his sound is so right..." - Rating: A
Musician (9/91) - "...Seal [has a fine] sense of dynamics, which gives drama to the ebb and flow..."
New York Times (Publisher) (9/29/91) - "...A sexy, sensitive and brooding rock-and-roller whose music is as much at home on the dance floor as in the boudoir...Seal's voice is an instrument capable of soothsaying and seducation in the same breath..."