Seal has been making music and good music since the past two decades. You can make out a Seal song by just listening to the opening bars of a song. And though this new release is second to a compilation released earlier (following 2004's ‘Best 1991-2004’). that also had his very best, the 14 tracks are sure to make you sit up and take notice of an artist who makes his music with practiced ease, lyrically as well as musically satisfying. The British born singer – songwriter who’s real name is Sealhenry Olumide Samuel better known to the world as Seal, brings to the tables his variety of styles in a rich mixture of rock, soul, folk, and dance music that fills most of his albums. As an added bonus, the album also includes two new songs I Am Your Man and Thank You.

A rundown to his hit making list and you have favorites such as Kiss from a Rose, to the mix of dance and rock in Killer a collaboration with British keyboardist Adamski, followed by a slice of pop-funk in ‘Crazy’ and the melodious Steve Miller cover Fly like an Eagle. You also have Seal’s ballad Prayer for the Dying, a sober, reflective tune with an insistent funk beat, that once became a Top Ten hit. The cover inlay of the album also serves as the artwork for the 2008 single It's A Man's Man's Man's World.

The man who has now recovered from a deadly car crash a few years back, is now on an indefinite sabbatical with no new album in sight, but for fans of his, this collection that also boasts of songs like Love's Divine, Get It Together, Future Love Paradise, My Vision, featuring Jakatta and Seal, is proof that his music is everlasting. Don’t miss the famous Ann Peebles cover I Can't Stand The Rain that takes a new twist as Seal puts his stamp of magic to the song. Enjoy.

Rating: *****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira