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Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael
Faith
Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1
Patience
Make It Big, Wham!
Ladies & Gentlemen, The Best of George Michael, DVD
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Yes, you've gotta have Faith,
By
This review is from: Faith (Audio CD)
Following the dissolution of Wham!, there was no doubt that its lead singer, George Michael was going to be a solo star, what with "A Different Corner". Sure enough, six singles from this album hit the Top Five, with four #1s, garnering him a Best Album Grammy. It also showed a maturation point for Michael, where adult contemporary radio could play his songs instead of teeny-bopper fare from Wham!"Faith" became George Michael's first #1 hit, and after its inauspicious church organ beginning to add to the theme title, jumps into a racing skiffle rhythm. Deon Estus, Wham!'s bassist, lends strong support here and other songs. I heard Limp Bucket's rendition and rolled my eyes; they ruined a great song. "Father Figure" is an effective R&B ballad with gospel-tinged chorus sung by George Michael and Shirley Lewis. Another #1 hit for him. "I Want Your Sex" got involved into quite a bit of controversy due to the title and the supposedly obscene lyrics. Originally on the Beverly Hills Cop 2 soundtrack, many radio stations here would NOT play this song, yet it peaked at #2 on the Hot Singles Chart. It's another case of "People, read the lyrics. Duh!" On one hand, yes, it's a case of the man begging for it, but another part dwells on the arguments he makes: "It's natural, it's chemical, it's logical, habitual" And a message here is aimed at PMRC types as well as the girl: "What's your definition of dirty, baby? What do you call pornography?" Part I of this song was the single with the thumping funky beat, while Part II-Brass In Love adds layers of piano and brass while maintaining the same melody. "One More Time" is one of two great ballads. With keyboards giving an eerie atmosphere, say a more poppy "Whiter Shade Of Pale" but without the Bachian motif of the original. Michael really puts the most of his emotional self into this song than any here. Two non-single songs here show Michael tackling social ills. "Hand To Mouth" soberly tells two stories of lives denied the American dream, someone who finally blows hit top and shoots out at people, the other a woman who has no one to turn to and becomes a prostitute. The criticism of Reaganite America is strong here: "I believe in the arms of America/I believe in the land of the free/But no one told me/that the gods believe in nothing/so with empty hands I pray." The other, "Look At Your Hands", is on one hand a vengeful slap at a lost lover, but has fallen into an abusive marriage, domestic violence being a theme here. By the time the anti-drug song "Monkey" came out, Faith had been on the charts for a full year, and the single went to #1. It has a pop-funk beat like "I Want Your Sex" and it's okay but I got the impression that Sony was leaning on Michael as a name. "Hey, it's by him, it'll sell well. Who cares which song it is?" Now the piano cafe-jazz ballad "Kissing A Fool" is a different story. This was the last single released from this album, and . The recent Michael Buble rendition pales in comparison due to the soaring richness of George Michael's voice. Get the original, people. The sage wisdom of human nature is shown here: "People, you can never change the way they feel/Better let them do what they will/For they will, if you let them." Part 3 of "I Want Your Sex", titled A Last Request, takes on a more devious tone, as the man waits for "that gin and tonic to go to your head" because in the end, "There's only so much a gentlemen can stand." A landmark 80's pop album and considering George Michael's later troubles overshadowed his talent, a vital second step for him.
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Spectacular Pop Debut,
By
This review is from: Faith (Audio CD)
George Michael split from Wham! and released his first solo record, "Faith," in 1987. "Faith" was a massive hit, ultimately selling over 10 millions copies in the United States. Even the Grammys embraced George - awarding him with the coveted Album of the Year for "Faith."
A string of terrific singles followed, starting with "I Want Your Sex," which was also included in the movie "Beverly Hills Cop II." The song was considered pretty racy at the time and ended up being banned by many radio stations; nevertheless, it soared all the way to #2 on the Billboard Top 100. The next single was "Faith," which spent an amazing 4 weeks in #1. Powered by a catchy guitar intro, it's become George's signature song, no doubt aided by the memorable video which focused mostly on his rear. Three subsequent singles also hit #1. "Father Figure" (2 weeks) and "One More Try" (3 weeks) are both atmospheric ballads; whereas "Monkey" (2 weeks) is perhaps the most danceable song on the CD. The final single was the retro-sounding "Kissing a Fool" (#5), which sounds like it could have been recorded by Frank Sinatra three decades earlier. Ultimately, 6 of the 9 songs (the 11 tracks include a remix of "Hard Day" and an alternate version of "I Want Your Sex") were released as singles! The three other songs on "Faith" are also solid, and "Hard Day" in particular could easily have been a hit. In sum, "Faith" is first-rate 80s pop that stands up remarkably well. Unfortunately, George initiated a prolonged battle with his record company and changed his artistic direction after "Faith." His subsequent records have been more serious and less successful.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
As solid and amazing as a pop/rock album can be!,
By Drogyn "Joss Whedon fan" (Illinois) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Faith (Audio CD)
I picked up "Faith" on cassette tape last year, and have been obsessed with it ever since. Never before have I encountered a sound as unique and amazing as "Faith"; its blend of pop, rock, techno, funk, and who knows how many other styles is as ingenious as it is inspired.
"I Want Your Sex, pts. 1 & 2" is the standout (amoung many standout songs). Its blend of classic 80s synth-pop, jazz, and rock is complimented by its delightfully written lyrics (not as dirty as you think they are!). "Faith" and "Father Figure" are standouts as well, featuring great vocal performances by George Michael along with strong arrangements. My other favorites are "Hard Day," "Hand to Mouth," "Monkey," and "Last Request (I Want Your Sex pt. 3)." This is classic 80s at its best. Every song is solid, nearly all of them are standout tracks, and even though you may eventually get tired of 'em, they stick with you forever. You'll be amazed by the quality of this album, if you haven't discovered it yourself already. Easily one of the best of the 80s (and with the Grammys to prove it). My Grade: A
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