from I CAN’T STAND THE RAIN/IN THE MIDNIGHT HOUR (single)
written by Steve Cropper & Wilson Pickett, Jr.
Produced by David Foster and co-produced by Jochem van der Saag, Seal’s 2008 “Soul” was a collection of contemporized covers of r&b classics and became a top seller in several countries worldwide. “Soul” was eventually certified gold in the US, platinum in the UK and diamond in France. The album was introduced to international audiences by the popular cover of Sam Cooke’s hit, “A Change Is Gonna Come” that ignited great interest in this new release. In the months that followed, several other singles from that cd made their appearances in the music charts of many different countries.
Among them was a tasteful cover of the Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes classic, “If You Don’t Know Me By Now.” That song sported a fantastic arrangement by Foster and an amazing vocal performances by Seal. “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” reached #8 on the American Adult Contemporary chart and was nominated for a 2010 Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
Another single off “Soul” was a powerful cover of Ann Pebbles’ 1973 soul hit “I Can’t Stand The Rain.” Seal’s rendition is truly noteworthy with another superb vocal, an irresistible beat and strings and horns to die for courtesy of Foster and the great Jerry Hey. Another big plus for the “I Can’t Stand The Rain” single is represented by its smoking b-side, “In The Midnight Hour.” The Wilson Pickett showstopper, co-written with the legendary Steve Cropper, was not included in the original release of “Soul,” but was resurrected on this single’s release. It’s a punchy version with some more of Foster’s unique artistry in the arrangement and production departments and with Seal’s outstanding voice again stealing the show. This song and another very good cover of The Temptations’ “My Girl” can be found as bonus tracks in a special edition of “Soul” released in selected countries.
Listen
[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/in_the_midnight_hour.mp3|titles=In The Midnight Hour|artists=Seal]
Lead Vocals: Seal
Keyboards: David Foster
Drums: Teddy Campbell
Bass: Marcus Brown & Nathan East
Guitar: Dean Parks
Organ, Synthesizer, Drum Programming: Jochem van der Saag
Horns Arranged by Jerry Hey & David Foster
Produced & Arranged by David Foster
Co-Produced by Jochem van der Saag
Lyrics
I’m gonna wait ’til the midnight hour
That’s when my love comes tumbling down
I’m gonna wait ’til the midnight hour
When there’s no one else around
I’m gonna take you girl and hold you
Do all things I told you
In the midnight hour
Yes I am, whoa, yes I am
I’m gonna wait ’til the stars come out
See them twinkle in your eyes
I’m gonna wait ’til the midnight hour
That’s when my love begins to shine
You’re the only girl I know
Really love you so
In the midnight hour
I’m gonna wait ’til the midnight hour
That’s when my love comes tumbling down
I’m gonna wait ’til the midnight hour
That’s when my love begins to shine
Just you and I, oh baby, just you and I