The Beginning (Seal song)

"The Beginning" is a song by English singer-songwriter Seal, released in July 1991 by ZTT, Warner UK and Sire as the third single from his debut album, Seal (1991). The song was edited for the UK release, but the US release saw a completely new remix produced for the single. It was a top 20-hit in Finland, Ireland and the Netherlands. In the UK, it peaked at number 24.

Critical reception
Paul Lester from Melody Maker commented, "By several zillion miles the stand-out track from Seal's debut LP—I can't stomach all that electro-trobadour, Richie Havens-with-knobs-on crusading urban blues nonsense meself—'The Beginning' is a stunningly propulsive rush of Housey energy that should ensure the man's residency at the top of the charts for another few centuries." Pan-European magazine Music & Media wrote, "For being a newcomer, this man turned into a household name in no time. This third single off his self-titled album, and follow-up to 'Future Love Paradise' is tuneful, soulful and full of good grooves." Dele Fadele from NME felt the song "lacks the mystical edge that made 'Crazy' so gripping and euphoric—thanks to a Trevor Horn-on-autopilot production—but is still an improvement on the cloying 'Future Love Paradise'".

Track listing

 * Maxi CD single
 * 1) "The Beginning" – 4:09
 * 2) "The Beginning" (Giro e Giro mix) – 6:06
 * 3) "The Beginning" (remix) – 5:41
 * 4) "Deep Water" (acoustic) – 3:43


 * 7" single
 * 1) "The Beginning" – 4:09
 * 2) "Deep Water" (acoustic) – 3:43


 * US CD single
 * 1) "The Beginning" (US remix) – 4:46
 * 2) "The Beginning" (Roundabout mix) – 9:06
 * 3) "The Beginning" (Round the Underground mix) – 7:30
 * 4) "Deep Water" (acoustic version) – 3:42
 * 5) "The Beginning" (UK remix) – 7:04
 * 6) "The Beginning" (Giro e Giro mix) – 6:05
 * 7) "The Beginning" (Round the Underground dub) – 5:48