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)
Love T.K.O.
Seal Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I guessed, I've shedded some tears
Told myself time and time again
This time I'm gonna win
But another fight, things ain't right
I'm losin' again
Takes a fool to lose twice
Think I'd better let it go
Looks like another love T.K.O.
Think I'd better let it go, let it go, baby
Looks like another love T.K.O.
Tried to take control of the love
Love took control of me
'Cause you lose all thoughts, sense of time
And have a change of mind
Takin' the bumps and the bruises
Of all the things of a two-time loser
Just tryin' to hold on, faith is gone
It's just another sad song
I think I'd better let it go
Looks like another love T.K.O.
Yes, I think I'd better let it go, let it go, baby
Looks like another love T.K.O.
Tried to take control of the love
Love took control of me
'Cause you lose all thoughts, sense of time
And have a change of mind
Takin' the bumps and the bruises
Of all the things of a two-time loser
See I try to hold on, my faith is gone
It's just another sad song
And I think I'd better let it go
Looks like another love T.K.O.
Think I'd better let it go, if I know what's good for you, baby
Looks like another love T.K.O.
I couldn't stand this pain much longer
Think I'd better let it go, let it go, baby
Looks like another love T.K.O.
Oh, sometimes, sometimes I just feel like I wanna say, I wanna say
'Cause it looks like another love T.K.O.
Tired of gettin' beat up by love
Think I'd better let it go, let it go, baby
Looks like another love T.K.O
Think I'd better let it go
Looks like another love T.K.O.
Think I'd better let it go, let it go, baby
Looks like another love T.K.O.
Oh, they say love is better the second time around
Think I'd better let it go
Looks like another love T.K.O.
I think I'd better let it go
Seal's song "Love T.K.O." is a sorrowful look back at a love that has been lost multiple times despite the artist's efforts to hold it together. The lyrics express a sense of resignation as the singer acknowledges that he has tried and failed numerous times, with each attempt proving more painful than the last. Despite his best efforts, he is unable to control the power of love, which took control of him and left him with nothing but bruises and scars.
The song is about the struggle to hold onto love despite repeated defeats, and the internal conflict that arises as a result. The artist expresses a sense of powerlessness and defeat, recognizing that he has been beaten up by love one too many times. He acknowledges that he needs to let go, even though it is painful to do so, and move on to a new chapter in his life. In this sense, the song is a commentary on the universal human experience of love and heartbreak.
Overall, Seal's "Love T.K.O." is a deeply emotional and introspective song that speaks to the human condition. It acknowledges the pain and struggle of love, while recognizing that sometimes the best thing to do is to let go and start again.
Line by Line Meaning
Lookin' back over my years
Reflecting on my past experiences
I guessed, I've shedded some tears
I have shed many tears due to heartbreak
Told myself time and time again
Repeatedly assured myself
This time I'm gonna win
That I will succeed this time
But another fight, things ain't right
Despite my efforts, things are not going well
I'm losin' again
I am experiencing another loss
Takes a fool to lose twice
It's foolish to make the same mistake twice
And start all over again
And begin anew
Think I'd better let it go
I should let go of this relationship
Looks like another love T.K.O
Another love has knocked me out
Tried to take control of the love
I attempted to take charge of the relationship
Love took control of me
But the relationship had control over me
Cause you lose all thoughts, sense of time
I became so focused on the relationship, I lost track of everything else
And have a change of mind
I began to have doubts and reconsider
Takin' the bumps and the bruises
I endured the emotional pain of the relationship
Of all the things of a two-time loser
I feel like a failure after losing twice
Just tryin' to hold on, faith is gone
I am attempting to hold onto hope, but it's fading
It's just another sad song
It's just another heartbreaking situation
Yes, I think I'd better let it go
I am convinced that I should move on
Let it go, baby
Let go of this relationship
Tried to take control of the love
I wanted to be in charge of the relationship
Love took control of me
But instead, the relationship took control of me
And I think I'd better let it go
I believe it is best to end things
If I know what's good for you, baby
It's in our best interest to move on
I couldn't stand this pain much longer
I couldn't tolerate this emotional pain for much longer
Oh, sometimes, sometimes I just feel like I wanna say, I wanna say
At times, I feel like I need to express my feelings
'Cause it looks like another love T.K.O.
Because it seems like another relationship is going to end badly
Tired of gettin' beat up by love
I am exhausted from being emotionally hurt by love
Think I'd better let it go
I believe it is best to move on
Oh, they say love is better the second time around
People claim that love is better after a failed relationship
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Cecil Womack, Gip Edward, Jr. Noble, Linda Womack
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ambnwadinobiufomadu261
This was the days when music was music. God bless Teddy Pendergrass. God bless Seal.
@letswalo9326
What a great homage to Teddy Pendergrass, one of the best of all time
@waldemarbieniak8689
I've been listening to this song in the car every day for 2 months and I never get bored. Well done Mr. Seal for the masterful performance, the main vocals and backing vocals are simply amazing and all the instruments together with the strings fit perfectly into their place... personally, I think that this song is incomparably much better than the original and besides, it is the best from the entire album ...You can feel the authenticity and spirit in it...the unique voice sounds as if it was telling the whole story of its life...Greetings to You, Seal May God guide You and protect You!!! Warsaw, the capital of Poland
@janedryden4028
This guy can sing anything! ❤️
@renedamhuis1963
Seal you are one of the greatest ever there is no one like you Big Hug
@dianasmith725
So incredible Seal and Teddy! RIP Teddy and love you Seal
@cassieg4874
Seal did the original justice. He didn't stray to far from the original and I love it!
@estherruiz4151
00110p0ñ0
@jimmycivic215
this is a ...CLASSIC...love it
@janetlapworth.li.george5883
Love this song and especially Seal singing it,💖