Human Being

by

Seal

Edit

Emerging from his cover of Miller's "Fly Like An Eagle" for the pop cultured WB movie Space Jam, Seal digs deep into his own personal wounds with Human Being, his first release since the 1994 second self-titled album. But, as some time has transpired for this new rock/pop artist -- Seal shows us that the high life of a superstar is still wrought with emotional tremor.With Seal's total artistic bravery this album rides. Most songs deal with the deep sinking, mind twisting games we play with each other and ourselves. With Seal's strong vocal performances, resonating both the pain and the pleasure of living, feeling and relating to others, he produces the most haunting album this reviewer has heard since the mid-seventies. "Human Being" sets the tone of the album right away; he broods along with "State of Grace." "Latest Craze" shows him battling conscience, to the stripping of his own soul in "Lost My Faith." In "When A Man Is Wrong" & "No Easy Way" he tries to mend his errors, leading only to the reprise of "Human Being" which spirals with funk and understated melody. Absolutely a brilliant album through and through.

I am the first person to admit that I am a truly die-hard Seal fan. If he made a CD reciting the New York City phone book I would buy it, so I was literally waiting with baited breathe for this new CD. For me, I actually had to listen to it 3 or 4 times before it hooked me. I don't know that "Human Being" will become the classic that his second CD has become, or if it will spawn any real hits. However, I suggest that you keep listening, and it will definitely grow on you. I suggest "Lost My Faith", "Just Like You Said" and "Colours" if you just want to go to a listening station at the music store to try it on for size. If you pay close attention to the lyrics, he's just as thoughtful and introspective as ever, so there's no frivolity there. Overall, real Seal fans will not be disappointed.