"Newborn Friend" is a song by British singer-songwriter Seal, released in October 1994 by ZTT and Sire Records as the third single from his second studio album, Seal (also known as Seal II) (1994). The song was written by Seal and produced by Trevor Horn. It peaked at number 45 on the UK Singles Chart, while reaching number two on the US BillboardHot Dance Club Play chart. The accompanying music video was directed by English musician and music video director Lol Creme.[1]
Larry Flick from Billboard magazine wrote, "From the opening line, I wash my faith in dirty water, you know that this follow-up to the recent hit 'Prayer for the Dying' is not going to be a typical top 40 ditty. However, the assistance of producer Trevor Horn's savvy ear for lush instrumentation and groove, and Seal's knack for crafting tight and catchy hooks, keep the track from getting too dark and maudlin. In fact, the arrangement builds to a musical conclusion that is positively bright and toe-tapping."[2] Another Billboard editor, Melinda Newman, noted, "With its strong rhythmic pulse, the escapist beat of 'Newborn Friend' belies the inner conflicts the lyrics portray."[3]Dele Fadele from NME commented, "'Newborn Friend' visits Phil Collins' Spanish villa, with all manner of studio trickery by Trevor Horn. That is: a complex bundle of nothingness that is unlikely to gain airplay even on Virgin FM."[4]
