Prayer for the Dying

"Prayer for the Dying" is a song by British musician Seal and Augustus Lundell "Gus" Isidore. It was released on 9 May 1994 by ZTT and Sire as the lead single from the singer's second studio album, Seal (also known as Seal II) (1994), reaching number 14 on the UK Singles Chart and number 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100. In Canada, it became Seal's first of three songs to peak at number two on the RPM Top Singles chart, becoming his joint highest-charting single in Canada. In November 1995, "Prayer for the Dying" was reissued as a double A-side with "Don't Cry" in the UK; this release reached number 51 on the UK chart. Its music video was directed by Paul Boyd.

Critical reception

Troy J. Augusto from Cash Box described the song as a "sultry, smooth-as-silk mid-tempo number". He added, "One of those rare tracks that will work at top 40, rock and adult formats, “Prayer for the Dying” sports a captivating bass line, a nifty, head-bobbing rhythm structure and Seal's wonderful, unique vocals. His prayers, it seems, are about to be answered." In his weekly UK chart commentary, James Masterton wrote that the singer "is back with another stunning piece of music, casting aside much of the electronics that characterised his debut album, still with Trevor Horn at the controls though and an instant chart smash."

Mark Sutherland from Melody Maker stated, "True, "Prayer for the Dying" is a pleasantly sumptuous crooner". Another editor, Ian Gittins, viewed it as a "mawkish Aids single". Alan Jones from Music Week gave the song three out of five and named it Pick of the Week, saying, "After a slow start, this builds nicely into an edgy and convincing comeback, with a swirl of sound dominated by that familiar and perfectly measured voice." David Sinclair from The Times viewed it as "a mature soul ballad with a sinuous funk beat." He explained further, "Couched in a typically lush and large production by Trevor Horn, Seal's message is a spiritual tour de force about crossing bridges, walking on water and life going on, regardless. Rock meets soul to produce a smooth song with a big heart."

Music video

A music video was made to accompany the song, directed by Scottish director Paul Boyd. The video begins with Seal standing in a dark, empty room with multiple doors in the white background. As Seal starts to sing he is then shown from different angles throughout the video in the now brighly lit room.

Track listings

Charts

References