Seal - 6: Commitment

For Seal, naming his sixth album Commitment (September 28, Warner Brothers) reflects more than just a fleeting personal touch. “Everything about my life is fully committed,” he says, adding,  “I’ve never felt more focused on the matter at hand: My wife, my children, the family in general, my own well-being, and of course music and my career." After Soul, 2008's fine and underappreciated album of classic R+B covers, the three-time Grammy winner again taps noted producer David Foster to helm his new project -- a move that may have raised the bar creatively for Seal as both  evocative singer and noteworthy songwriter. He describes Commitment as "the greatest challenge of my career".

Lead single "Secret" hints at what's in store: a lushly arranged love song and instant romantic standard with a classic melody that showcases Seal's unique vocal style and Foster's strong suit in production and arrangement. The brittle electronic beats pursued on 07's icy, beat-driven and dancefloor-directed System are pretty much gone this time around, replaced by a more mature and personal perspective and a greater focus on melody, adult pop smarts and vocal performance. Perhaps inspired by Soul's retro classic tracks, Seal makes new songs such as the folky, waltzing "Letting Go" and dramatic "The Weight of My Mistakes" a testament to a more intimate and ultimately more basic and satisfying approach. Watch the "Secret" video after the jump.

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Seal - "Secret" (from the album 6: Commitment)

Seal - "Best of Me" (from the album 6: Commitment) Full album stream at Seal.com...

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