Soul (Warner Bros)
Like Rod Stewart and Queen Latifah before him, the 45-year-old Seal is the latest artist to mine classic American songbooks. With Soul (Warner Bros), the UK singer covers a dozen classic R&B hits from the 1960s and ‘70s, including usual suspects Sam Cooke (“Change is Gonna Come”), Al Green (“Here I Am”), and Curtis Mayfield (“People Get Ready”).
The problem with most of these songbook albums - Soul included - is that in choosing such memorable tunes, Seal inevitably invites comparisons to originals few can hope to transcend. Unless you do something radically different–see Cat Powers’ inventive Jukebox (Matador) from last winter–you risk sounding like a sub-par imitation. For example, it’s hard to listen to Seal’s overly loyal takes on “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” or “Stand By Me” and not find them listless and lacking compared to your memory of Otis Redding and Ben E. King’s respective originals.
Seal has the right voice. His signature baritone, with its raspy textures and controlled intensity fits well with Southern soulster styles. However, he rarely diverts far from the original arrangements. What differences exist come in the form of unnecessary vocal runs, putting too much on songs whose elegant grace was part of their charm. Especially paired with the milquetoast musical arrangements, Soul sounds more like an album from a green American Idol winner than a pop veteran with half a dozen albums.
The only exception is “Free,” Seal’s cover of Denice Williams’ 1977 hit. Everything aligns better here. The band finds a more compelling rhythmic pocket, “Free” is less known compared to the other songs, and just by being a man, covering a woman, Seal puts a more definitive stamp on his cover without mimeographing the original. Had the rest of Soul followed the same path, it might have made a greater impression. As it is though, the lack of risk-taking leaves this set light on soul.
Soul hit stores 11/11/08
Track Listing for Soul1. A Change Is Gonna Come
2. I Can't Stand The Rain
3. It's A Man's Man's Man's World
4. Here I Am (Come And Take Me)
5. I've Been Loving You Too Long
6. It's Alright
7. If You Don't Know Me By Now
8. Knock On Wood
9. I'm Still In Love With You
10. Free
11. Stand By Me
12. People Get Ready
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