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November 1, 2011

Link

Press release:

Seal will release his eighth studio album, Soul 2 in the U.S. on January 31st, 2012, on Warner Bros. Records.

The first single “Let’s Stay Together” will impact radio today and will be available digitally November 1.

The collection finds Seal joining forces once again with legendary producer Trevor Horn who shares production duties on the album with Soul producer David Foster.

This time Seal brings his silky, inimitable voice to a lush collection of romantic soul classics primarily from the ’70s, including those by Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers, Al Green, and Teddy Pendergrass, among others.

Seal and Horn teamed up in both London and Los Angeles to record “Lean on Me” (Bill Withers), “Love Here Don’t Live Here Anymore” (Rose Royce), “Love T.K.O.” (Teddy Pendergrass), “Oh Girl,” (The Chi-Lites), “Ooh Baby Baby” (The Miracles), “What’s Goin’ On” (Marvin Gaye), “Wishing On A Star” (Rose Royce). Seal enlisted Foster and Jochem van der Saag to produce “Back Stabbers” (The O’Jays), “I’ll Be Around” (The Spinners), “Let’s Stay Together” (Al Green), and “Love Won’t Let Me Wait” (The Delfonics), all of which were recorded in Los Angeles.

“In my twenty years on a journey in the music industry, two things remain constants, the voice and more importantly, the song. I continue to make music because of the chance that this day could indeed be the day I write another great song or have the opportunity to sing one."

"The songs on Soul 2 are a natural evolution in the arc of soul music from the songs on the first Soul album -- and they are all-time classics,” said Seal. “One more very important reason why I still make music is the 'gift of collaboration'. I've been fortunate to work with two such industry greats as Trevor Horn and David Foster on this album and I they continue to inspire me each and every day.”Horn says “Working with Seal is like making music again….even I’d buy this record!”

“While still reeling from the success of Soul, it was even more exciting to have the opportunity to record more of some of the greatest songs ever written,” Foster says. “I am positive fans will not be disappointed in our selection and again, Seal's unique, raw, and, yes, sexy approach to these great classics. I am delighted to share production duties, along with Jochem van der Saag, with one of my all-time favorite record producers, Trevor Horn. His musical history with Seal is rich and runs very deep. Together I believe they made some of the greatest records ever, by anyone. They led, they didn't follow.”

Released in November 2008, Soul was a hit around the world, earning gold certifications in Australia, Italy, and Sweden, platinum certifications in Canada, Switzerland, and the U.K., and double-platinum awards in Belgium and on the European Album chart. Soul was a Diamond-seller in France where it peaked at No. 1 on the album chart and remained there for 13 consecutive weeks.

The track listing for Soul 2 is as follows:

“Wishing On A Star”
“Love T.K.O.”
“Ooh Baby Baby”
“Let’s Stay Together”
“What’s Goin’ On”
“Love Don’t Live Here Anymore”
“Back Stabbers”
“I’ll Be Around”
“Love Won’t Let Me Wait”
“Lean On Me”
“Oh Girl”

His creative peak is far behind him but he still has one the most amazing (studio) voices ever!!!

Looking forward to hearing this collection - especially the Marvin Gaye cover

[Edited 11/1/11 15:34pm]

[Edited 11/1/11 15:34pm]

2020 said:

His creative peak is far behind him but he still has one the most amazing (studio) voices ever!!!

Looking forward to hearing this collection - especially the Marvin Gaye cover

[Edited 11/1/11 15:34pm]

To me, the best bit about the first set was hearing him have fun just being a vocalist, as he's got an amazing set of pipes.

The downside of the first set was that, for the most part, it was such obvious song choices and safe, plasticky production. Looks like he's continuing to play it safe for the second one, too, though we'll see if the return of Trevor Horn brings a bit more life to the party.

(Still, at least the question of what to get my mum for Christmas just became a little easier to answer.)

deebee said:

2020 said:

His creative peak is far behind him but he still has one the most amazing (studio) voices ever!!!

Looking forward to hearing this collection - especially the Marvin Gaye cover

[Edited 11/1/11 15:34pm]

To me, the best bit about the first set was hearing him have fun just being a vocalist, as he's got an amazing set of pipes.

The downside of the first set was that, for the most part, it was such obvious song choices and safe, plasticky production. Looks like he's continuing to play it safe for the second one, too, though we'll see if the return of Trevor Horn brings a bit more life to the party.

(Still, at least the question of what to get my mum for Christmas just became a little easier to answer.)

Hes got a good voice but lets call this what it is, a sure paycheck plain and simple, whether he does it or Michael Mcdonald or Rod stewart and Barry Manilow, it sells out the box in a time when no one cares for the most part about his new work sad to say

lastdecember said:

deebee said:

To me, the best bit about the first set was hearing him have fun just being a vocalist, as he's got an amazing set of pipes.

The downside of the first set was that, for the most part, it was such obvious song choices and safe, plasticky production. Looks like he's continuing to play it safe for the second one, too, though we'll see if the return of Trevor Horn brings a bit more life to the party.

(Still, at least the question of what to get my mum for Christmas just became a little easier to answer.)

Hes got a good voice but lets call this what it is, a sure paycheck plain and simple, whether he does it or Michael Mcdonald or Rod stewart and Barry Manilow, it sells out the box in a time when no one cares for the most part about his new work sad to say

"Fair enough, mum...but did you like the scarf?"

It's true enough, though: it is a pretty lazy exercise in cashing-in. Still, I do think he could try something a little bit more inventive and still produce something with commercial appeal. I mean, sometimes decent albums sell well too, right? (Or, so they tell me, anyway.)

[Edited 11/1/11 16:40pm]

seal is about as qualified to sing soul classics as my mother

he is utter bland shite

and after THAT performance with prince..................

It might not be the worst thing in the world, but....

Seal, what happened between you and Trevor Horn? I mean, really?

[Edited 11/1/11 18:27pm]

covers albums suck! I've had enough of them.It's a cheap,lazy way to cash in and score a hit these days.I've decided not to purchase any more covers albums.

Timmy84 said:

[Edited 11/1/11 15:34pm]

When doing a covers album, why do they always choose overplayed songs that can be heard everyday on an oldies or soft rock station? Do it Whitney Houston style and pick obscure songs not many people know about.

Seal is the shit, I dig him...

SoulAlive said:

covers albums suck! I've had enough of them.It's a cheap,lazy way to cash in and score a hit these days.I've decided not to purchase any more covers albums.

Well, people do have to make a living. If Seal records an album of new music that doesn't sell, he might be in debt to the label and owe them a lot of money. With something that is a guaranteed seller, then he is more likely to get out of the red at least.

mjscarousal said:

Seal is the shit, I dig him...

really?

His covers are missing something.

jonylawson said:

seal is about as qualified to sing soul classics as my mother

he is utter bland shite

and after THAT performance with prince..................

I love him but he has too much talent to continue going the covers route.

RKJCNE said:

Timmy84 said:

[Edited 11/1/11 15:34pm]

This is a better response:

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Timmy84 said:

RKJCNE said:

This is a better response:

[img:$uid]http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lfx8rrRa1s1qawrzyo1_500.gif[/img:$uid]

You Bette it is.

when what and where did he do with Prince?

I didn't hear Soul. i prefer him doing originals. this list of songs is remotely interesting to me.

Diamond status in France? WOW!!

MickyDolenz said:

SoulAlive said:

covers albums suck! I've had enough of them.It's a cheap,lazy way to cash in and score a hit these days.I've decided not to purchase any more covers albums.

Well, people do have to make a living. If Seal records an album of new music that doesn't sell, he might be in debt to the label and owe them a lot of money. With something that is a guaranteed seller, then he is more likely to get out of the red at least.

You're absolutely right.I just think it's sad that some artists have to go this route,just to keep their careers alive.

Just what the world needs..................more cover songs.

Man, I thought this kat was "the one".

Now he's just a another watered down brotha chasing after the green.

sosgemini said:

Man, I thought this kat was "the one".

Now he's just a another watered down brotha chasing after the green.

And putting out MOR covers albums is sadly not even the most egregious way he's fattening his bank account, these days, it would seem...

http://www.hollywoodrepor...hts-247508

http://www.billboard.com/...6552.story

sosgemini said:

Now he's just a another watered down brotha chasing after the green.

Do you go to your job and do what you want or tell the boss how to run his business? Seal is the employee of a record company. People think that entertainers have control, they don't and never have. The boss does. If they don't want to work for The Man, then they can go the independent route, which is not going to get them out there like a big company can. I don't understand why people think a performer must suffer for their "art" and starve, when they are not likely to do so themselves.

MickyDolenz said:

sosgemini said:

Now he's just a another watered down brotha chasing after the green.

Do you go to your job and do what you want or tell the boss how to run his business? Seal is the employee of a record company. People think that entertainers have control, they don't and never have. The boss does. If they don't want to work for The Man, then they can go the independent route, which is not going to get them out there like a big company can. I don't understand why people think a performer must suffer for their "art" and starve, when they are not likely to do so themselves.

Stop making excuses for the sell out.

Once Seal left ZZT Records, he has had total control over his output. He's gone as far as scrapping two albums prior to releasing them (What eventually became Human Being and Togetherland). He, himself, has chosen to release this watered-down crap and to work with hacks like David Foster.

MickyDolenz said:

sosgemini said:

Now he's just a another watered down brotha chasing after the green.

Do you go to your job and do what you want or tell the boss how to run his business? Seal is the employee of a record company. People think that entertainers have control, they don't and never have. The boss does. If they don't want to work for The Man, then they can go the independent route, which is not going to get them out there like a big company can. I don't understand why people think a performer must suffer for their "art" and starve, when they are not likely to do so themselves.

There's a level at which that's true -- whoever you are, you "gotta serve somebody", like Bob Dylan once put it. But I don't think it's convincing to equate the level of choice that multi-millionaire artists and average workaday Joes have about what they have to do to get by, or to suggest the former will 'starve' if they don't go for the most lucrative option.

It's like Prince writing 'slave' on his face. Yes, there's some kind of analogy to be made about not being free to break your contract, not owning the fruits of you labour, etc, but equating it to chattel slavery was lamentably overstating the case.

deebee said:

There's a level at which that's true -- whoever you are, you "gotta serve somebody", like Bob Dylan once put it. But I don't think it's convincing to equate the level of choice that multi-millionaire artists and average workaday Joes have about what they have to do to get by, or to suggest the former will 'starve' if they don't go for the most lucrative option.

What's the difference? If he puts out a bunch of albums that don't sell, he will eventually go broke won't he? He has to sell enough to keep up his lifestyle. Michael Jackson was rumored to spend millions of dollars making a record, and the record company spent more money promoting it. So he's in the hole, and has to sell enough to recuperate his costs before making a profit. Saying that Seal must release some "artistic statement" that most people are not going to buy is not good salesmanship. Apparently there are enough people buying these albums to override any that don't like it.

MickyDolenz said:

deebee said:

There's a level at which that's true -- whoever you are, you "gotta serve somebody", like Bob Dylan once put it. But I don't think it's convincing to equate the level of choice that multi-millionaire artists and average workaday Joes have about what they have to do to get by, or to suggest the former will 'starve' if they don't go for the most lucrative option.

What's the difference? If he puts out a bunch of albums that don't sell, he will eventually go broke won't he? He has to sell enough to keep up his lifestyle. Michael Jackson was rumored to spend millions of dollars making a record, and the record company spent more money promoting it. So he's in the hole, and has to sell enough to recuperate his costs before making a profit. Saying that Seal must release some "artistic statement" that most people are not going to buy is not good salesmanship. Apparently there are enough people buying these albums to override any that don't like it.

Sure, there's some kind of analogy there in that no-one's totally free, and everyone's locked into some kind of system, etc. But it's a matter of degree, too, surely - i.e. some are rather freer than others, and multi-millionaires have more choices about what they do to earn a crust than the rest of us. If Seal turns round and says to me, "Look at the bind I'm in: if I don't shift 10 million units with this album, I may have to fire one of my butlers!", I'm not going to be as sympathetic as some guy telling me he can't afford to quit his job or he'll lose his house.

Whether we should all be expecting him to make an 'artistic statement', and what that would mean, is an interesting point, but there's no doubt in my mind that he could do something more challenging if he chose to, potentially selling fewer copies, without the threat of himself, Heidi and the kids all being sent to the poor house.