Building on the breakout success of his 1991 debut, Seal soared to even greater heights in 1994 with his second eponymous album, featuring the international smash hit, "Kiss from a Rose." In honor of the album's 30th anniversary, Rhino releases a Deluxe Edition that includes a newly remastered version of the original, expanded with previously unreleased recordings.
Seal (often called Seal II) debuted in May 1994, showcasing the artist's distinctive blend of pop, dance, and soul music. Produced by Trevor Horn, the album's 11 tracks include standouts like "Prayer for the Dying," "Bring It On" with Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman of Prince and the Revolution, and the duet "If I Could," featuring the incomparable Joni Mitchell.
Seal topped the U.K. album chart and peaked at No. 15 in the U.S., where it was certified 4x platinum. In the summer of 1995, "Kiss from a Rose" was featured in the blockbuster film Batman Forever, propelling it to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning Seal three Grammy® Awards for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
Seal (Deluxe Edition) unveils ten previously unreleased recordings, offering alternate versions of album tracks like "Newborn Friend" and "Don't Cry," as well as a haunting take on "Dreaming in Metaphors" that features Seal alone at the piano.
The Deluxe Edition collects additional gems from that era, including the B-side "Blues in 'E'," a cover of Steve Miller Band's "Fly Like an Eagle" from the Space Jam soundtrack, and a version of "Manic Depression" that Seal recorded with guitar virtuoso Jeff Beck for Stone Free: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix.