CORPORATE LINE:
George Michael has sold more than eighty million records worldwide.
George Michael has had Six number One singles in America, from his solo debut album.
He hates American newspapers, but loves Sex and the City and the Sopranos.
George Michael has had eleven British number Ones singles and six number one albums.
He is not fond of politicians.
It’s been eight years since the last George Michael album. Thanks for waiting.
THE GREAT:
“Amazing” – The first single brings back the lush tones of George Michael’s incredible voice. He is positive, catchy and has people bouncing in their cars without knowing why.
“Flawless (Go to the City)” – When George Michael writes a dance tune, there is no one better. This song combines a sense of humor with dance beats that make you laugh, think and embrace it instantly. I want the remixes now!
“Freeek! ’04”- Clever lyrics about cyber sex makes me want to ‘re-booty’ and hit a dance floor. This song was a big club hit two years ago overseas. I can’t really hear a difference from the original version, however it packs a punch and those new to it will be feeling a bit frisky after this one. This song is a raunchy romp that’ll scare your parents.
“Please Send Me Someone (Anselmo’s Song)” – Moving on from a past love can be hard, but throwing on this ditty is not.
“Round Here” – the story of George’s parents’ courtship and his childhood. The hazy, laid back music will lure you in; the lyrics will keep you pulling you back for more. George creates a clear fascinating portrait of the streets he roamed prior to his bad boy days.
“Precious Box” – in this age of media addiction, any night you can walk down a street and find the glowing images of a television keeping people company, letting them absorb the good life vicariously. This tribute to how comforting that device can be in a world gone out of control has a sense of longing.
THE GOOD:
“American Angel” – A love song for his ‘horny cowboy.’ Meow! If he hadn’t covered the topic so well with ‘Amazing’ this song might shine a little more.
“Cars and Trains” – Finally a song mixing religion, drugs, teen pregnancy and selling your body that is danceable. Though the lyrics go on a bit, George’s vocals are undeniable addictive.
“Through” – Oh George! Please tell me you are not retiring for real. This song made me too sad. I could have done without the wandering minstrel strumming.
THE UGLY:
“ohn and Elvis Are Dead” – a wretched ballad making a not very original statement on questioning God and religion. It took some patience to get through this entire song.
“My Mother Had a Brother” – about George being born on the day his gay uncle committed suicide. Another heavy topic that gets too preachy and leaves the listener feeling depressed. Listen to ‘Cars and Trains’ again instead which offers incite without chasetisement. These two songs are so awful; they almost ruin the entire album for me.
“Patience” – the title track sets a somber, heavy tone to start off with which is the only reason it’s in the ugly section. If this had come later of if George had left off one of the above two awful ballads, this would be more enticing. Skip and go right to track two, ‘Amazing.’
FRANKLY: I am glad George is back. There are some fantastic songs on here that will grow on you with repeated listening. This is an album tries to take on too many subjects and succeeds best when George allows his humor to shine through. However, in an age where songs are now between three and four minutes, George shows that storytelling in pop music is not a lost art. His vocals are familiar and inviting as ever.
Colleen M. Quill
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