Seal Returns With Second Set of Soul Classics, Soul 2, Due for Release in U.S.

Grammy-winning vocalist and songwriter Seal will release his eighth studio album, Soul 2 in the U.S. on January 31st, 2012, on Warner Bros. Records. The first single, "Let's Stay Together," will impact radio today and will be available digitally November 1. The collection finds Seal joining forces once again with legendary producer Trevor Horn (Seal, Seal II, Human Being) who shares production duties on the album with Soul producer David Foster (Soul, Commitment). This time Seal brings his silky, inimitable voice to a lush collection of romantic soul classics primarily from the '70s, including those by Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers, Al Green, and Teddy Pendergrass, among others.

Seal and Horn teamed up in both London and Los Angeles to record "Lean on Me" (Bill Withers), "Love Here Don't Live Here Anymore" (Rose Royce), "Love T.K.O." (Teddy Pendergrass), "Oh Girl" (The Chi-Lites), "Ooh Baby Baby" (The Miracles), "What's Goin' On" (Marvin Gaye), and "Wishing On A Star" (Rose Royce). Seal enlisted Foster and Jochem van der Saag to produce "Back Stabbers" (The O'Jays), "I'll Be Around" (The Spinners), "Let's Stay Together" (Al Green), and "Love Won't Let Me Wait" (The Delfonics), all of which were recorded in Los Angeles.
"In my twenty years on a journey in the music industry, two things remain constants, the voice and more importantly, the song. I continue to make music because of the chance that this day could indeed be the day I write another great song or have the opportunity to sing one. The songs on Soul 2 are a natural evolution in the arc of soul music from the songs on the first Soul album -- and they are all-time classics," said Seal. "One more very important reason why I still make music is the 'gift of collaboration.' I've been fortunate to work with two such industry greats as Trevor Horn and David Foster on this album and they continue to inspire me each and every day." Horn says, "Working with Seal is like making music again...even I'd buy this record!"
"While still reeling from the success of Soul, it was even more exciting to have the opportunity to record more of some of the greatest songs ever written," Foster says. "I am positive fans will not be disappointed in our selection and again, Seal's unique, raw, and, yes, sexy approach to these great classics. I am delighted to share production duties, along with Jochem van der Saag, with one of my all-time favorite record producers, Trevor Horn. His musical history with Seal is rich and runs very deep. Together I believe they made some of the greatest records ever, by anyone. They led, they didn't follow."