Seal stands as one of the UK’s most significant musical exports of the 1990s, boasting over 20 million record sales worldwide. This London-born artist has garnered critical acclaim throughout his illustrious career, including three Brit Awards, four Grammy Awards, and two Ivor Novello Awards. For enthusiasts eager to delve into his impressive catalog, we’ve curated a definitive list of his top 10 Seal Songs that exemplify his musical genius and enduring appeal.
10. Kiss from a Rose
Seal Kiss From A Rose official music video still, showcasing the iconic song that topped charts after Batman Forever soundtrack release.
Initially penned in 1987, “Kiss from a Rose” was almost lost to obscurity. Seal himself admitted feeling “embarrassed” by the track, relegating it to a forgotten corner. Fortunately, producer Trevor Horn recognized its potential and revived it for Seal’s 1994 album, Seal II. Subsequently, its inclusion in the Batman Forever soundtrack in 1995 catapulted it to global fame, becoming the defining hit of his career and one of the most recognizable seal songs.
9. Crazy
Seal Crazy music video screenshot, highlighting his debut solo single inspired by global events like the fall of the Berlin Wall.
“Crazy” marked Seal’s official entrance into the solo music scene in 1991. This debut single was deeply influenced by the monumental global shifts of 1989, including the fall of the Berlin Wall and the Tiananmen Square Massacre. Seal articulated that he sensed a turning point in history, stating, “I felt the cycle had reached its apex. I felt the world changing and I felt profound things happening.” “Crazy” resonated widely, securing a top 10 position in both the UK and US charts, firmly establishing him as a solo artist to watch with his unique brand of seal songs.
8. Killer (with Adamski)
Adamski Killer featuring Seal music video image, representing Seal's breakthrough collaboration in the dance music scene.
1990 witnessed Seal’s breakthrough into the music industry through his collaboration with dance producer Adamski on “Killer.” This track became a massive number one hit, introducing Seal’s distinctive vocals to a wider audience and marking a pivotal moment in his career journey of creating memorable seal songs. A year later, Seal released his own solo rendition of “Killer,” which also achieved top 10 success, further solidifying its place among his signature tracks. Notably, George Michael also famously covered “Killer” live in 1993, underscoring the song’s widespread appeal.
7. My Vision (with Jakatta)
Jakatta & Seal My Vision official music video still, showing their collaboration that brought Seal back to the UK top 10 charts.
In 2002, Seal collaborated with dance producer Jakatta to create “My Vision,” a standalone track that injected fresh energy into his discography. This collaboration proved highly successful, earning Seal another top 10 hit in the UK, peaking at number six and demonstrating his versatility across genres and his continued relevance in the UK music scene with diverse seal songs.
6. Prayer for the Dying
Seal Prayer for the Dying official video clip, from his Seal II album and a worldwide top 20 hit produced by Trevor Horn.
“Prayer for the Dying” served as the lead single from Seal’s Seal II album, released in 1994. In the UK, it was released as a double-A side with “Don’t Cry.” This sophisticated pop song, also produced by Trevor Horn, became a global top 20 hit, showcasing Seal’s ability to craft compelling and commercially successful seal songs that resonated internationally.
5. Fly Like an Eagle
Seal Fly Like An Eagle performance still, highlighting his cover of the Steve Miller Band classic for the Space Jam soundtrack.
Originally recorded by Steve Miller Band in 1976, “Fly Like an Eagle” received a distinctive Seal makeover for the Space Jam soundtrack two decades later in 1996. Seal’s rendition brought a fresh perspective to the classic track, introducing it to a new generation. Seal later recounted Steve Miller’s positive reaction, quoting Miller as “thanking me and saying that was the best cover of the song that he had heard,” highlighting the success of his interpretation among other seal songs and covers.
4. Love’s Divine
Seal Love's Divine music video image, featuring Olga Kurylenko in her first acting role and marking a Trevor Horn reunion.
“Love’s Divine,” released in 2003 from his Seal IV album, marked a reunion with producer Trevor Horn. This song is also notable for featuring Olga Kurylenko in her first acting role in the music video, predating her Bond girl fame. “Love’s Divine” stands out as a testament to Seal’s consistent quality and his knack for creating visually and musically engaging seal songs throughout his career.
3. Secret
Seal Secret music video featuring Heidi Klum, the lead single from the Commitment album showcasing their personal connection.
“Secret,” the lead single from Seal’s 2010 album Commitment, gained additional attention for featuring his then-wife, Heidi Klum, in its sultry music video. This personal touch added another layer to the song’s appeal and demonstrated Seal’s willingness to incorporate personal elements into his artistic expression within his seal songs repertoire.
2. Get it Together
Seal Get It Together music video still, a US dance number one hit from the Seal IV album, showcasing his dance music appeal.
Seal achieved a US dance number one hit with “Get It Together,” the lead single from his 2002 album Seal IV. This track underscores his versatility and appeal across different musical landscapes, proving his ability to conquer both pop and dance charts and further establishing his range within seal songs.
1. A Change is Gonna Come
Seal A Change Is Gonna Come video performance still, his soulful cover of Sam Cooke's anthem, highlighting his soul cover albums.
Seal has released two albums dedicated to soul covers, 2008’s Soul and 2011’s Soul 2. Among these soulful renditions, his cover of Sam Cooke’s iconic Civil Rights anthem, “A Change is Gonna Come,” stands out as a definitive highlight. This powerful interpretation showcases Seal’s vocal prowess and his deep appreciation for soul music, making it a compelling addition to any collection of seal songs and solidifying its place at the top of this list.
In conclusion, Seal’s diverse discography is a testament to his enduring talent and musical innovation. From chart-topping hits to soulful covers, these top 10 seal songs offer a glimpse into the artistry of a truly remarkable musician.
