Seal - Seal [1994]

Fresh from his 1991 self-titled debut, Seal followed with another self-titled release. And true to form, it's another stunning work, although it becomes clear that a musical maturation has taken place. Produced by ex-Buggles frontman Trevor Horn (Pet Shop Boys, ABC, Yes, Frankie Goes to Hollywood), Seal is far more enchanting than his debut. True, Seal is a bit too relaxed at times, but aside from that criticism, the record is lush with harmonies and over-the-top melodies. "Don't Cry" flows with the luxuriant vibes of a hushed vocal and a bellowing string arrangement. Seal showcases his collaborative talent with "If I Could," a duet featuring Canadian folkie Joni Mitchell. "Kiss from a Rose" and "Prayer for the Dying" established Seal as a household name after both became radio and television mainstays. The soul is there, hauntingly similar to singer Terence Trent D'Arby. But what's so unique about Seal is his gift of transforming free-flowing songs into quick dancefloor tracks with a transcendent step into musical magic. His voice has a spell like that, and his second album reflects such skills. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide

Name Credits Amp Fiddler ? Andy Duncan ? Andy Newmark ? Anne Dudley ? Anthony Pleeth ? Barry Wilde ? Ben Cruft ? Betsy Cook ? Bill Benham ? Boguslaw Kostecki ? Carmen Rizzo Programming, Engineer, ?, Mixing Charley Drayton ? Chris Bruce ? Chris Laurence ? D'Influence ? David "Olo" Oladunni ? David Theodore ? Derek Watkins ? Dick Morgan ? Dinesh ? Eddie Roberts ? Gavyn Wright ? George Robertson ? Gota Yashiki ? Greg Jackman Engineer Guy Isidore ? Harry Montague-Mason ? Harvey Mason, Sr. ? Helen Liebmann ? Ian Thomas ? Jackie Shave ? Jamie Muhoberac ? Jeff Beck Guitar Jim McLeod ? John Pignegny ? Jon Evans-Jones ? Judd Proctor ? Kate Wilkinson ? Laurence Cottle ? Lisa Coleman ? Luis Jardim ? Maciej Rakowski ? Marc Mann Programming, ? Mark Berrow ? Martin Loveday ? Michael DeSaulles ? Mike Brittain ? Nick Busch ? Patrick Kiernan ? Paul Kegg ? Paul Wright Engineer Peter Oxer ? Phil Spalding ? Pino Palladino Bass Richard Cottle ? Rita Manning ? Robert Smissen ? Robin Barclay Engineer Roger Garland ? Roger Smith ? Sam Maitland ? Sarah Webb ? Seal ? Sean Chennery Engineer Steve Fitzmaurice Engineer Steve MacMillan Engineer Tim Weidner Engineer, ? Tony Stanton ? Trevor Horn Producer W. Garfield-Jackson ? Wendy Melvoin ? Wilfred Gibson ? William Orbit ?