If you are approaching the music of the British singer-songwriter Seal (born Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel) for the first time, you are in for a remarkable journey. Known for his soulful rasp, four-octave range, and distinctive facial scars (caused by a battle with discoid lupus erythematosus), Seal has been a mainstay in pop, soul, and adult contemporary music since the early 1990s.
His most popular videos are popular for a reason: they combine a once-in-a-generation voice with imagery that is haunting, romantic, and utterly unique. No one else looks like Seal, sounds like Seal, or makes videos like Seal.
But beyond the audio experience, Seal is a powerful visual artist. His music videos—ranging from avant-garde rotoscoping to iconic romantic imagery—have defined eras of MTV and VH1. For a first-time listener, understanding his filmography (which, while sparse in acting, is rich in visual albums and concert films) and his most popular videos is key to appreciating his full artistic scope.
