Seal

Released just a few days after the 2008 presidential election, Seal's lead-off cover of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" seems particularly well timed, as does his late-career transformation from the linen-draped adult alternative belter to smoky soul revivalist. Even if the programmed beats and orchestral embellishments gratuitously (up)date the ace selection, the singer's full-throated evocation of James Brown, Al Green and Eddie Floyd is a captivating, successful endeavor. Ending with a straightforward take on the Impressions' "People Get Ready," Seal's reinvention is refreshing.

Amy Winehouse, what hath thou wrought? In the wake of the Great Beehived One's
world-beating success, it seems everyone is getting in touch with his or her retro-soul
muse. The latest bandwagon-jumper is Seal — who, with megaproducer David Foster
playing the part of Mark Ronson, has delivered a collection of classic-soul covers, dripping
with melodrama and tricked out with swooping symphonic orchestration. Seal is... More >