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)
I'll Be Around
Seal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Love's last episode
There's nowhere to go, oh no
You made your choice, now it's up to me
To bow out gracefully
Though you hold the key, but baby
Whenever you want me, I'll be there
Whenever you need me, I'll be there
I'll be around
I, knew just what to say
Now I found out today
That all the words had slipped away, but I know
There's always a chance
A tiny spark remains, yeah
And sparks turn into flames
Oh, and our love can burn once again, but I know you know
Whenever you call me, I'll be there
Whenever you want me, I'll be there
Whenever you need me, I'll be there
I'll be around, yeah
Whenever you call me, I'll be there
Whenever you want me, I'll be there
Even if I have to call, I'll be there
I'll be around
Just call me at home, I'll be there
I'll never leave you alone, I'll be there
Just call out your name you know I know you know
I'll be around
Seal's song "I'll Be Around" is about a couple who have reached a breaking point in their relationship. The first verse sets the scene by describing the situation as a "fork in the road" and "love's last episode." The chorus is a message from the singer to his partner that no matter what happens, he'll be there for her. He's willing to bow out gracefully, but he'll still be there whenever she calls, wants or needs him. The second verse is about the singer realizing that he's lost his way with words, but he still believes there's hope for their relationship. He knows that "sparks turn into flames" and their love can burn once again if given the chance.
The lyrics paint a poignant picture of a relationship on the brink of breaking. The singer conveys a sense of longing and desperation, as he tries to salvage what's left of their bond. He's willing to do whatever it takes to keep them together, even if it means swallowing his pride and putting her needs before his own. The chorus is a powerful message of hope, a reminder that love can conquer all if both parties are willing to put in the effort.
The song's arrangement is simple, with acoustic guitar chords and percussion serving as the backdrop for Seal's soulful vocals. The melody is catchy and memorable, making it easy for listeners to sing along to. The song's message of enduring love has resonated with audiences for decades, making it a timeless classic that continues to stand the test of time.
Line by Line Meaning
This, is our fork in the road
This is the decisive moment where our paths diverge
Love's last episode
This is the final chapter of our romance
There's nowhere to go, oh no
We have reached a dead end, there's no way forward
You made your choice, now it's up to me
You have decided, now it's my turn to react
To bow out gracefully
To step aside with dignity
Though you hold the key, but baby
Although you have the power, my dear
Whenever you call me, I'll be there
I'll always be available for you when you need me
Whenever you want me, I'll be there
I'll be there to comfort you when you desire me
Whenever you need me, I'll be there
I'll be there to support you when you require me
I'll be around
I'll always be there for you
I, knew just what to say
I thought I had the perfect words to express my feelings
Now I found out today
But today, I realized the truth
That all the words had slipped away, but I know
That I've lost the ability to speak, but I still understand
There's always a chance
Hope is never entirely lost
A tiny spark remains, yeah
There's still a glimmer of hope
And sparks turn into flames
Small indications of love can grow into something greater
Oh, and our love can burn once again, but I know you know
Our love can reignite, but I'm aware that you know this already
Just call me at home, I'll be there
Just reach out to me, and I'll be there
I'll never leave you alone, I'll be there
I will never abandon you, I'll always be present
Just call out your name you know I know you know
You just need to say my name, and I'll understand that you need me
I'll be around
I'll always be there for you
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Phil Hurtt, Thom Randolph Bell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Garmez120
A rare artist, one who covers a classic, yet doesnt leave you wishing you were listening to the original.
@ursulaohuka116
Heard this song on radio on the way to work....from way back! Asked Google to find the song and it brought me here..
Thank you Seal...for the joy your music brings.
@markcurran4473
Perfection! Seal has outdone himself on these marvelous arrangements. Stays true to the originals.... yet brings unique renditions.
@audrinalopes3574
Você é verdadeiro artista! O jeito como canta desperta bons sentimentos..
@sosmooth7
After owning a copy of Seal Soul and now previewing Seal Soul 2,I must admit that what I like most is that he doesn't f**k the songs up! He doesn't sing outside of his vocal range and does quite a good job on the songs,too. This CD is a whole lot better than anything on the market today.Good music will last forever! Good work Seal!
@LBoftheFuture
Thanks Man it feels good to know that there are ppl who think the same as i do
@michaelangelo305s
Amen brotha
@celioleoni
Tudo o que o Seal canta é maravilhoso, sou seu fã, abraços do Brasil 🇧🇷🤘
@stevewoodson4635
Cow call out real is real
Bull tell it looks like it's time quantity
On. Noah ark festival party
Working watching waiting wondering
@elianazsss
He is just blessed all of his interpretations are success . Talented a lot 🥰🥰