What makes Kiss from a Rose by Seal notable?

'Kiss from a Rose' gained significant acclaim, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning multiple Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year. Its inclusion in the 'Batman Forever' soundtrack introduced Seal's music to a broader audience, solidifying its cultural impact during the mid-90s. Released in 1994, 'Kiss from a Rose' marked Seal's transition from his self-titled debut album to mainstream recognition. This album showcased his unique style, blending contemporary R&B with elements of electronica, significantly elevating his profile as an artist after his initial success.

How many songs are on Kiss from a Rose?

Kiss from a Rose has 4 tracks, running approximately 24 minutes.

Kiss from a Rose

Seal · 1994

24 min · 4 tracks · contemporary R&B

A lush blend of orchestral pop and soul, punctuated by haunting vocals and atmospheric instrumentals that evoke deep emotion.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Kiss From a Rose (Kicks From a Rhodes edit) — This version highlights Seal's powerful vocal delivery paired with hauntingly beautiful instrumentation, capturing the essence of the song's emotional depth.
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I'm Alive (Son of Bontempi) — 'I'm Alive' showcases Seal's ability to blend upbeat rhythms with soulful melodies, providing a contrast to the more melancholic tones of other tracks on the album.
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Kiss From a Rose (Kicks From a Rhodes) — The extended version allows for a deeper exploration of the song's lush arrangement and Seal's vocal nuances, making it a standout piece in his discography.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The single blends orchestral pop and soul with haunting vocals, showcasing strong composition and distinctiveness.

What we noticed

The title track features a gradual build-up with orchestral strings that swell alongside Seal's layered vocals, creating an emotional crescendo.
The instrumental version of 'Kiss From a Rose' showcases the lush arrangement without vocals, allowing the orchestration to take center stage.
The second track presents a slightly extended mix of the title track, emphasizing different instrumental elements and transitions.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This single established Seal's mainstream recognition and commercial success.
Career context: Released in 1994, 'Kiss from a Rose' marked Seal's transition from his self-titled debut album to mainstream recognition. This album showcased his unique style, blending contemporary R&B with elements of electronica, significantly elevating his profile as an artist after his initial success.
Stylistic neighbors: Sade· Maxwell· Lana Del Rey