Music career
After a short time singing in local clubs and bars, in the 1980s, he joined Push, a British funk band, and toured with them in Japan. In Asia, he joined a blues band in Thailand for a while before separating from the group and journeying throughout India on his own. Seal returned to England, sleeping on the couch of friend Julian Bunster, then a model. He sometimes asked him "Do I sing well?"; to which he often met the response that he sang better than most current artists. His break came when he met the producer Adamski. He was given the lyrics of the song "Killer", which was a huge hit in 1990.
Seal (1991)
As the vocalist on the Adamski single "Killer", Seal became a hot property when the single reached number one in 1990 in the UK. Like many other Adamski tracks, the single was also a hit in night clubs. Seal subsequently signed to ZTT Records and released his debut album (produced by Trevor Horn), titled Seal, in 1991. Two versions of the album are known to be in circulation: the original "premix" version and a second, more common version with an updated mix. This is attributed to the demand for a produced single rushing the final album edit, and as Seal puts it, his and producer Horn's "inability to let go." The album was positively received by critics and the singles "Crazy", "Future Love Paradise", and his own rendition of "Killer" from the album all performed well on the charts, with "Crazy" becoming a big worldwide hit, reaching the number one in several countries. Excerpts from "Crazy" have been used as commercial background music, and more recently, Alanis Morissette has covered it.
Seal (1994)
His second album, also eponymous, was released in 1994. A critical success, the album featured the singles "Prayer for the Dying" and "Newborn Friend", receiving a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year. A third single, "Kiss from a Rose", performed modestly when released but was later featured in the film Batman Forever which resulted in its worldwide success. It went on to win Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 1996 and became Seal's best performing single in the US market. Later, he recorded a cover of Steve Miller Band's "Fly Like an Eagle" for the soundtrack of the film Space Jam, which was again a hit.
Human Being (1998)
Four years after the release of his previous album, in 1998, Seal released Human Being. The album was the product of a turbulent time in his life, including a split and later reconciliation with producer Horn as well as Seal's parting with ZTT Records and his signing with Warner Bros. Records in 1997. The record was critically panned upon its release. However, it received Gold record certification by the RIAA just two months after its release date. The album provided three singles, "Human Beings", "Latest Craze", and "Lost My Faith".
Failed Album: Togetherland
In 2001, fans awaited the arrival of a new album, announced as Togetherland. However, after a protracted post-production period the album was cancelled in its entirety. The official word was that Seal simply didn't think it made the grade, although this conflicts with other reports that said the album was turned down by the label, which felt that it wouldn't be commercially successful. Although one single was released from the album. "This Could Be Heaven" was released in the US and featured on the Family Man soundtrack. Since December 2006, Seal has been indicating that, while still feeling the album as a whole is "not worthy", he plans to excerpt certain cuts from Togetherland and make them available for streaming download.
Meanwhile, Seal made something of a comeback in dance and club scene when he co-wrote and provided vocals for the hit single "My Vision" from Jakatta in 2002.
Seal (2003)
In 2003, Seal released his fourth album, which was again self-titled, except for Australia, where it was released under Seal IV. Although it did not sell as much as either of his first two albums, this release brought him back into the public eye in the United States and continental Europe. Singles from the album included "Waiting For You", "Get It Together", and "Love's Divine" (released in 2004, and a big hit in several European countries).
Greatest Hits Album: Best 1991-2004
In 2004, a greatest hits album entitled Seal: Best 1991-2004 was released, including a cover of the Bacharach / David classic "Walk on By" and a cover of Echo and the Bunnymen's song "Lips Like Sugar".
Live In Paris (2004)
Also in 2004, Seal performed a couple of shows at the Olympia Theatre in Paris, France. The July 6, 2004 show was recorded and released about one year after as CD/DVD package, simply titled Live In Paris.
One Night To Remember (2006)
In June 2005, Seal recorded a special concert which was subsequently released in 2006 entitled One Night To Remember as CD/DVD whereby the DVD includes a special "the making of" documentary in addition to the live performance. Recorded in a historic steel mill, the Altes Kesselhaus ('old boiler house'), in Düsseldorf, Germany, this 16-track package includes a special version of Brahms' Lullaby which Seal sings in German and then in English for the exclusive audience. Unusually, he is accompanied by his band, and a full orchestra comprised of 52 musicians and singers. This CD/DVD is not yet available in the USA.
System (2007)
During his 2007 spring tour, Seal announced his new album, System, which was released in 2007. He said it would be more dance-oriented, apparently a return to the roots of his first album. Years active 1989 - present.
Soul (2008)
Main article: Soul (album)
Seal's sixth studio album Soul was released on 11 November 2008, in the United States and 3 November 2008, internationally, and contains eleven soul classics produced by David Foster.[13][14] The video for the first single, a cover of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" is up on his official YouTube page. As well, he will be mentoring the top 9 on Deutschland sucht den Superstar and performing one of his songs from the album.
Seal coached the participants of Germany's TV show "Deutschland sucht den Superstar" (Popidol) in February/March 2009.[15]
Hits
Main article: Hits (Seal album)
On 4 December 2009, Hits, a compilation album was released. It contains two new tracks, "I Am Your Man" and "Thank You".
7 (2015)
Bring It On
Seal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
At first I didn't have the will to carry on
Illusions in my mind
Like that picture when you feel you can't go on
Like you've been left behind
Life goes on, now
Carry on, now
Psychedelic tendencies of love will bring it on
Bring it on
Bring it on, bring it on
Don't wait until tomorrow
Bring it on
Bring it on
Bring it on
Give me something for the dream that I am in
You know I love the way you save me
A broken pawn, I depended on
Was only life, I was feeling
It goes on, now
Take me to that funky place where you and I were born
Carry on, now
Ain't no reason you should feel for shorn
Unconditioned love will bring it on
Bring it on, bring it on
Don't wait until tomorrow
Wait until tomorrow
Bring it on
Bring it on
(Bring it on, bring it on, bring it on)
(Bring it on, bring it on, bring it on)
(Bring it on, bring it on, bring it on)
(Bring it on, bring it on, bring it on) bring it on
(Bring it on, bring it on, bring it on)
(Bring it on, bring it on, bring it on)
(Bring it on, bring it on, bring it on)
Unconditioned love will bring it on
So what lies under
Is your kingdom come?
Chase it way down low
It's only life
Don't wait until tomorrow
Don't wait until tomorrow
Don't wait until tomorrow
Don't wait until
Wait until tomorrow
Bring it on, bring it on, bring it on
Bring it on
The lyrics to Seal's song Bring It On speak about finding the will to carry on when things are difficult. The opening lines, "At first I didn't have the will to carry on, illusions in my mind like that picture when you feel you can't go on, like you've been left behind", show the artist struggling with feelings of helplessness and self-doubt. However, the chorus is an invitation to bring on whatever life has to offer: "Bring it on, bring it on, don't wait until tomorrow, give me something for the dream that I'm in, you know I love the way you save me."
The song then transitions into a desire for the unbridled love that the artist craves so much, but feels he cannot quite attain: "Unconditioned love will bring it on, don't wait until tomorrow, don't wait until tomorrow, it's only life." In the end, the lyrics give permission to let go of what holds us back and embrace the adventure of life: "So what lies under is your kingdom come, chase it way down low, it's only life, don't wait until tomorrow, bring it on."
Overall, the message of the song is one of hope and perseverance in the face of difficulties. The artist acknowledges that life can be tough, but encourages the listener to rise above it and seek out the good things in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Bring it on
Expressing a readiness to face challenges or embrace opportunities.
At first I didn't have the will to carry on
Initially lacked the motivation and strength to persevere.
Illusions in my mind
False or distorted perceptions and beliefs.
Like that picture when you feel you can't go on
Similar to a mental image that arises when feeling hopeless and overwhelmed.
Like you've been left behind
Feeling abandoned or forgotten by people or circumstances in one's life.
Life goes on, now
Acknowledging that despite hardships, existence continues in the present moment.
Take me to that funky place where you and I were born
Longing to return to a past time and location where life was more vibrant and exciting.
Carry on, now
Encouraging oneself or others to persist and continue ahead despite obstacles.
Psychedelic tendencies of love will bring it on
Unconventional, dreamlike qualities of love can empower and enhance experiences.
Bring it on, bring it on
Repeating the phrase to assert readiness and enthusiasm.
Don't wait until tomorrow
Emphasizing the importance of living in the present and taking action immediately.
Give me something for the dream that I am in
Requesting support or inspiration to pursue an aspiration or vision.
You know I love the way you save me
Expressing gratitude and affection towards someone who provides assistance or comfort.
A broken pawn, I depended on
Feeling like a powerless and insignificant individual upon whom others rely.
Was only life, I was feeling
Recognizing that emotion is inherent to being alive, and that experiences come and go.
Ain't no reason you should feel for shorn
Challenging the idea that one must feel diminished or inferior.
Unconditioned love will bring it on
Caring that is free and unbounded can generate positive energy and outcomes.
So what lies under
Pondering what may exist beneath the surface or beyond apparent reality.
Is your kingdom come?
Wondering if one's deepest desires and aspirations will ever come to fruition.
Chase it away down low
Attempting to overcome or suppress negative thoughts and feelings.
It's only life
Reminding oneself that existence is transient and should be lived to the fullest.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Carmen Rizzo, Christopher Bruce, Gus Isidore, Henry Olusegun Adeola Samuel, Lisa Coleman, Wendy Melvoin, Augustus Isidore, Henry Samuel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind