"The Beginning" is a song by English singer-songwriter Seal, released in July 1991 by ZTT, Warner UK and Sire Records as the third single from his debut album, Seal (1991). It is co-written by Seal with Guy Sigsworth and produced by Trevor Horn. 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 "The Beginning" – 4:09 "The Beginning" (Giro e Giro mix) – 6:06 "The Beginning" (remix) – 5:41 "Deep Water" (acoustic) – 3:43

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

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

Charts

Weekly charts +Weekly chart performance for "The Beginning" Chart (1991) Peakposition Australia (ARIA) 82 Europe (European Hit Radio) See LW column. 6 Finland (Suomen virallinen lista) 13 Luxembourg (Radio Luxembourg)Radio Luxembourg Singles. 18 August 1991. 6 UK Airplay (Music Week) 4 UK Dance (Music Week) 26 UK Club Chart (Record Mirror) 28

Year-end charts +Year-end chart performance for "The Beginning" Chart (1991) Position Europe (European Hit Radio) 56

References