Album Review - Seal - "Soul"

Hi Family!

I hope everyone is doing well. I want to talk about a new album that I just got. It's Seal's latest opus entitled "Soul." Yes, "Soul." Seal has decided to venture off into musical territories that we the fans do not necessarily know him for.

First of all, my initial thought was, "Oh, this is gonna be some bullshucks. Seal should stick to making hot classic songs like "Kissed By A Rose" or "Crazy." But strangely enough, the album is intriguing and interesting. Kind of like a scientist finding a new strain of helpful bacteria... (I know, weird analogy)

Allow me to share the tracklist with you:

1. A Change Is Gonna Come - Sam Cooke

(See Seal's video for A Change Gon' Come here! -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUrsMGf2Cqk)

2. I Can't Stand The Rain - Ann Peebles

3. It's A Man's Man's Man's World - James Brown

4. Here I Am (Come and Take Me) - Al Green

5. I've Been Loving You Too Long - Otis Redding

6. It's Alright - The Impressions

7. If You Don't Know Me By Now - Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes

8. Knock On Wood - Eddie Floyd

9. I'm Still In Love With You - Al Green

10. Free - Deniece Williams

11. Stand By Me - Ben E. King

12. People Get Ready - Curtis Mayfield

My man Seal didn't pick just any songs, he picked CLASSICS! For any accomplished singer, this list is scary enough to make you say, "Well, maybe I should have NOT picked THESE songs." But Seal, being the guy that he is took the challenge and met it...well...sorta.

First things first. If you are looking for duplicates of the original soul stirring versions, then you can leave his album on the shelf. These are Seal's interpretations of these songs. They are heavy on the synth generated instruments and Seal's pop flow takes the edge off some of the songs. Interesting enough, I found myself liking his version of Denise Williams, "Free". That is saying a lot for me since "Niecey" is one of my faves.

My one personal gripe is that Seal's voice isn't built for certain songs. I mean, you really need to be able to emote pain when you sing, "A Change Gon' Come," or "If You Don't Know Me By Now." Seall doesn't have that grit to do that with his voice. It's just too pop. But like I said earlier, these are his interpretaions of these songs. And I applaud him for the attempt.

So...if you have some extra dough or a friend who could burn you a copy, check it out. It's not that bad. I will definitely put this on as background music at a social gathering.

One - Cap-D