Standards
Seal · 2017
42 min · 11 tracks · contemporary R&B
A lush, soulful reinterpretation of classic standards that infuses contemporary elegance with timeless emotion.
Top tracks — play these first
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Luck Be a Lady Start here — Seal's rendition transforms this classic with a smoky vocal delivery, highlighting his ability to blend classic crooning with contemporary flair.
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My Funny Valentine — The emotional depth in Seal's voice adds a new layer to this standard, bringing vulnerability to the timeless lyrics about love and longing.
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Anyone Who Knows What Love Is — This track showcases Seal's rich vocal timbre and emotional intensity, making it a poignant centerpiece that resonates deeply within the album's narrative.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Seal's 'Standards' blends classic and contemporary elements effectively, showcasing his vocal strength within lush arrangements.
What we noticed
- The album features lush orchestral arrangements that complement Seal's rich vocal delivery, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
- Each track maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, with subtle variations in instrumentation to keep the listener engaged.
- Seal's interpretations often include slight rhythmic shifts and phrasing changes that add a contemporary flair to the classic standards.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- nostalgic evening reflections
- intimate listening experiences
- smooth, soothing background ambiance
- emotional storytelling through vocals
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Showcases Seal's return to roots and versatility in a mature phase of his career.
- Career context
- In 2017, Seal released 'Standards' as a return to his roots, marking his first album of standards after a diverse career. This album came years after his last studio album, '7,' which showcased his shift into more pop-focused music. 'Standards' positions Seal within a nostalgic framework while maintaining his signature emotive vocal style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sade· Maxwell· Lana Del Rey
Tracklist
- 1 Luck Be a Lady Start here 4:36
- 2 Autumn Leaves 2:56
- 3 I Put a Spell on You 2:56
- 4 They Can’t Take That Away From Me 3:16
- 5 Anyone Who Knows What Love Is 4:32
- 6 Love for Sale 3:46
- 7 My Funny Valentine 4:33
- 8 I’ve Got You Under My Skin 3:14
- 9 Smile 4:31
- 10 I’m Beginning to See the Light 3:06
- 11 It Was a Very Good Year 4:42
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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