Seal Album: “Live in Paris”

I always liked the Seal's albums because of his lyrics and excellent voice, but the album "Live in Paris" exceeded my expectations: outstanding performance, marvelous voice, spotless sound, good selection of songs (sadly, the album doesn't include "Newborn Friend", otherwise it would be perfect). Waiting (for a long time) his live album, I'm truly satisfied with Live in Paris. An advice: buy the CD+DVD album, worth the price. The DVD includes the concert with a brilliant 5.1 sound (DTS or Dolby) plus the 2.0 Stereo option.

This is truly a great production - Seal and his band sound and look great, especially on a really good system.

I've seen Seal live 3 times over the last 10 years and he is definitely one of the best musical talents and performers of our generation. This DVD/CD collection is as close to being live as you can get. Every one involved in this production deserves kudos.

It's also a bargain - I would have paid twice this. In fact my wife and I are going to see him again in September for $175/ticket - but it's worth it - he's that good.

In Paris in 2004, Seal performed his first ever live concerts. The aptly-titled LIVE IN PARIS is a recording of one of those concerts. On LIVE IN PARIS, Seal performs most of his hits, including "Crazy", "Kiss from a Rose", "Love's Divine", and "Future Love Paradise". Seal's studio recordings are largely synthesized, so it's very interesting to hear him perform these songs live with actual musicians (and a talented bunch of musicians at that). The songs have a different sound to them, but the same wonderful feeling. There's a surprising amount of energy in this recording, both from the performers and the exuberant audience (which is remarkably courteous and remains silent through the actual songs, applauding wildly during the intervals between the songs). The songs are as charming as ever, and the recording as a whole is so sweet that it feels much like I'd imagine a kiss from a rose would feel.

There is more than just the CD recording in this package, though - it also includes a marvelous DVD recording of the concert that includes songs not on the CD. The DVD is very well-filmed, and with the surround mix it really feels like you're there at the concert with Seal. All in all, it's a delectable package and a great way to keep the hungry fan at bay while Seal records his next album.

I picked up a copy of the DVD-only Live in Paris. Anyone who has a Seal cd knows the rich production by Trevor Horn is an art form of itself and best enjoyed with headphones. In particular, Seal's first two cds which are all 'Killer' and no filler. That said, onto the review of the DVD.

The song selection of the DVD is a best-of culling of his last two cds plus great songs from his first two cds. I only wished he had included 'Human Beings' and 'When a Man is Wrong'.

Seal's performance is rivetting. His stage presence and voice are amazing and what little banter with the audience left on the DVD reflects a genuine personality. I applaud his decision not to have background vocalists attempting to recreate the magic of the studio versions of his songs. This is Seal live.

Based on his supporting musicians performances, they were given quite a bit of leeway with their parts in order to recreate the songs live. My only beef is that a bass player was not hired full-time as some songs had the bass lines sequenced in (I believe 'Crazy' definitely needs a bass player). It seemed the powers-that-be attempted to hide this fact by not giving Chris Bruce as much screen time during these songs. But I digress.

If you're a Seal fan, definitely pick this up.

I first fell in love with Seal years ago when I was in a mall and a store was playing Whirlpool on its muzak. I asked the guy who was that singing and he had to do some investigating for me. When he told me it was Seal, I immediately went to buy his CD. I was hooked! This live set by Seal is truly a joy to listen to. His vocal quality is unique, and very easy to listen to. I would also recommend any of his albums, especially his acoustic recordings. He is one of the most underrated vocalists out there today.