Seal's best work
It's rare, but it happens. . when an artist breaks free from all his/her inhibitions and create a masterpiece without the restrictions and boundaries imposed by the world. This album was a commercial failure (perhaps his biggest failure to date) but artistically, it was the best. When you listen to the album, don't look for a particular song to be a hit (or your favourite) but rather, listen to it as a whole. It's an album where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Upon the first listening, there doesn't seem to be substance there but the longer and more frequent you listen, the more the real message, soul and passion of the music gets through. I admit, it took me a long time to get it but in the end, I did get it! Too bad that Seal's subsequent work is never up to par to this album or even the first 2 album. It feels like Seal was trying to capture commercial success that came with the first 2 album than the artistic genius that came with Human Being. Makes me wonder how did the un-released Togetherland sounds.
"Human Being" by Seal
His soulful voice fills you up with overwhelming emotions. This CD reminds me of why I still love listening to Seal. If you print out the lyrics and learn them, you can really get into the songs, become lost for a moment and hear nothing else around you but Seal's sultry voice.
Glad I don't pay attention to the critics
I'm glad I don't pay attention to the critics reviews, otherwise I might never have bought it. I too have owned this record since it's release.
I still listen to it 10 years later, several songs are on my 'most played' playlist. I never get tired of "When a man is wrong". That line - "there's reason to be afraid and reason to open your heart" - still sends me every time I hear it. Very moving and poignant.
I loved this record then and I love it now. I seem to recall Seal once citing Joni Mitchell as an influence. I know she appears on one of his early songs. Like Ms. Mitchell, his songs are deeper than they first appear, and like peeling away the layers of an onion, reveal more depth of insight with repeated hearings. These are the rewards of being a patient listener. And like Ms. Mitchell, he defies categorization - he's not soul or pop - I consider him a non-acoustic singer-songwriter.
I saw him perform in Seattle Fall 2006 at the Wamu Theatre - I haven't seen him perform before so I can't compare to the past. We had great seats up front but ended up standing in front of the stage. He was better than I was expecting . . . a very generous performer and even a bit spiritual in presentation. His eyes are so big and deep and kind - he seems very loving. He seeemed genuinely grateful for the loyalty of his fans. I agree with those who say he seems lighter and happier, though he hasn't lost his depth and 'wise-old-soulfulness' - having a happy family seems to suit him.
10 years later.. Still one of the best cds I own
Between then and now, Seal's beautiful, honest, dark, uplifting songs still ring true with me more than ever. I picked up this disc when I was a senior in high school - so many years ago. Although I do love songs from his other discs (have yet to listen to System, but not thrilled with what i have heard so far. . ), for some reason the music on this cd resonates with me more. Just start up the song 'Colour' and you can immediately sense the thought and musicality that went into both the production and the performance. It just feels good. The chord change from chorus back into the second verse in 'Lost My Faith' is brilliant. 'No Easy Way' is a bit of a guilty pleasure and does not get much love from a lot of the fans - but for me it recalls bittersweet memories from when i first listened to this album. And if this is considered the worst track on the disc, it says a lot about the fact that this cd has GREAT music. Although, I appreciate that Seal is going down a new path musically - I hope he revisits this path in the future. . If not, I'll just keep listening to this disc for another 10 years.
Great Mood Music
She absolutely digs SEAL and this CD. Bought it for my wife. Didn't get all the great critical reviews, but not every album makes pop fans happy.
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