Customer Reviews

Older

5 star:		(70)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

For me, this is one of those albums that I will absolutely never tire of. So you didn't think a white boy could sing passionate stately soul music with the best of 'em? Well, you're sadly mistaken. George Michael is an incredibly-underrated singer and musician and he tapped something special when he pieced this fine work together. It was a six-year wait between his greatly-underappreciated 'Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1' and this album, and when it finally dropped there was a lot of skepticism going around about whether he could still deliver. But, the fact is, Michael is a truly gifted singer and musician, who has only grown better and better over time. The songs all have a clear sound and a nice emotional feel, whether it is a slower song or a laid-back groove. The music holds down a nice neutral ground between R&B, jazz, and dance, and he shows true mastery of everything.

There is no doubt that this is his most deeply personal and heartfelt songwriting here. Most of the songs are ballads or soft, mid-tempo numbers and Michael pours every bit of emotion he can surmise into these songs. The most somber song on the album is the opening track 'Jesus to a Child', a quiet reflection on love lost and the painful day-by-day struggle to come to grips with it. Interestingly enough, it was chosen as the first single. 'Fastlove' is a bouncy disco number about getting hot and bothered with a girl and getting her in bed for a quickie just for the sake of it (well, that's the vibe I got from it, whoever he wants to get into bed with is his business, na'mean?). The title track 'Older' is a nice, melancholy number that serves as the album's theme - letting go, moving on, and growing older, as the title suggests. The next song 'Spinning the Wheel' is one I've recently re-discovered due to some relationship troubles I've been going through. The way he words and phrases this number is just perfect to me. Just listen to it. The instrumentation on the song is excellent as well, with a complete horn section over the midtempo percussion and keyboards, it is effortlessly funky, but clean and polished enough to flow well with the album. Next comes one of my favorite songs 'It Doesn't Really Matter', another song coping with the pain of losing your one and only love. With its sparse percussion and organ playing, this is the kind of song I'd like to hear in an after-hours jazz club, going down hard with a shot of whiskey. It has such a laid-back feel and relaxed aura that I wouldn't be surprised if Michael recorded the song while reclining on a couch (something Marvin Gaye was known for doing to create a relaxed atmosphere in the recording studio). The same goes for 'To Be Forgiven' and 'Move On' both songs that concern repentence and redemption, and feature jazz-like instrumentation that border closely on easy listening of the Sinatra standard, except that Michael's voice has so much soul, it stands on it's own. And, in spite of the dour subject matter, both songs (particularly 'Move On') are such catchy, finger-snapping grooves in the basslines and jazzy horn interjections, they could appeal to just about anyone and any mood. Finally, there is 'You Have Been Loved' which basically closes the album and it is one of the most beautifully-written songs on the entire album. I don't know how to explain it except to say that it touches the soul, no matter how ravaged you may feel inside because of the pain of life, there is relief. And there is healing. That's the note this album concludes on: Healing of the mind, body and soul.

This album, as well as 'Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1', really opened my eyes to this man's range as a writer, singer, and musician and how much he'd matured musically and grown as an artist since the sex-filled youthful energy of his late '80s work (which I was never a big fan of). Much to my dismay, 'Older' was not well-received by critics or much of the public in the United States when it was first released for reasons I'm not really sure of (aren't most critics arrogant snobs anyways?). Eventually, though, time serves great art. And, the more time goes by, the more this work stands on its own. It's style, class and elegance is something sorely-missing from a lot of singers nowadays. This is by far Michael's best album ever.

Older is one of the best albums from the 1990's in my opinion. It was a long wait since his last album in 1990, but this fan wasn't disapointed. The death of his lover caused George to reevaulate his life, and this deeply introspective album is very dark and depressing, but it's truly beautiful in its own ways. His words come from wisdom and experience, you can feel his pain in each song. There wasn't a song that didn't resonate in my soul when listening to this album, even to this day. The album is very jazzy in a sense, and there isn't much uptempo material other than the hit Fastlove, and another single from the album, Star People.

The songs are so beautifully written, and sung with every bit of passion and emotion that sits in his soul. He poured himself into this album, and its truly remarkable. Songs like Jesus to a Child will stand as classics forever. Other truly great songs here are It Doesnt Really Matter, You Have Been Loved, and Older, only not a filler track is to be found anywhere on this collection.

This album is perfect when you are feeling sad, and want to understand yourself. Just turn out the lights, sit by the fire, have a glass of wine and enjoy this truly compelling collection of material, its his best yet.

George Michael's last album of original material, "Older", is his most stylized and sophisticated effort. The songs continue much in the vein of "Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. I" but with an added element of gentleness. Most of this album consists of ballads or soft, mid-tempo numbers and Michael delivers his most delicate singing here. The music bounces between R&B, jazz, and dance, with some exotic middle eastern melodies and languid saxophone solos mixed in here-and-there that work well. Much of the album also features busy yet feather-like percussion that keeps it from drifting into "boring ballad" land. Michael plays much of the instrumentation himself and proves to be a fine musician & arranger.

This album is a bit of a rarity in a way; many of the songs have a gentle, slow feeling but the sound as a whole is so stylish and graceful that the album doesn't put you to sleep. This album contains none of the sex-filled, youthful energy found on his first album (except for the catchy disco song "Fastlove"), but rather, as the title explains, showcases the work of an artist who is indeed getting older (and better). Singers of the world beware of this album, this man has got style & skill to spare.

This post "FAITH" CD suffers the same fate as "Listen Without Prejudice". After the smash success of "Faith" most of GM's fans wanted and demanded another remake. Like his previous CD release, "Listen Without Prejudice", George Michael went down a different path. On the first few listens, "OLDER" doesn't grab you the same way as "FAITH" did.

But this is one of those rare CD's that rewards the listener APLENTY if they're willing to give the songs some time. With each repeated listen, layers of instrumentation and subtle shadings start to come thru the mix. George Michael has NEVER sounded as subtle as he does here. He shows maturity, growth, and depth not only in his songwriting, but also in his singing. He does not go for the jugular like he did almost a decade earlier (nine years separated the two CD's releases) with his still best-selling "FAITH" CD. When this CD was released in 1996, GM was almost a decade older (hmmm.....maybe thus the title's name?).

I can only applaud his courage and willingness to take risks, even if it means taking a dive commercially. I don't think CD sales for "OLDER" were as bad as "Listen Without Prejudice". Many fans have speculated if "OLDER" might be "Listen Without Prejudice, Volume TWO", but George Michael has never admitted or confirmed this, so we will keep guessing. Parts of "OLDER" are so moving that I am almost close to tears, especially listening to it late at night when the world is asleep. This is one CD to be savored and enjoyed for its painstaking attention to details. It shows what great care George Michael has gone to present a product that is close to his heart. It also shows what a great artist George Michael really is and how we've taken his name and dragged it thru the mud just because of a careless indiscretion in a Hollywood men's restroom, a fact he will probably never live down (a sad shame). I wish his longtime fans will give "OLDER" a chance and get grooved to the beautiful songs George Michael has presented us. Hell, he even throws in "FAST LOVE" which sounds like a carry over from "FAITH". All in all, a beautiful work of art from "Curious George". Well done.

This album is easily in my top 10 albums of all time. And considering that albums from Pantera, Metallica, Anthrax, and Megadeth are also there, that must mean something. My roots lay in heavy music, but you just have to give props where props are due.

I love this album so much because it's George Michael laying it all out there for everyone to see. His lyrics are honest and his vocals are mind-blowing.

Every time I listen to "You Have Been Loved," I have to fight back the tears. How heart-wrenching to listen about a Mother's son dying and her trying to figure out why it all happened. "For what's the use in pressing palms when children fade in Mother's arms." - Amazing. A Mother is "Searching for her crime" to figure out why such a horrible thing has befallen her. George is distressed over the futility of trying to explain why bad things happen. Just amazing.

This album is a piece of art. I can't say enough good things about it.

~Slick

"Older" may be an album of his that gets lost in the mix, but if you're a fan of his in any way, it's well worth the listen. Despite taking six years to release, it's typical George Michael, and therefore wonderful. Included are the upbeat songs like "FastLove" and "Star People", as well as the slower and moving ones such as "You Have Been Loved" and "Jesus To A Child". I also enjoy "The Strangest Thing" and "To Be Forgiven". Even though George has been a star for 20 years now, I still feel he is slightly underrated as an artist. Each album of his leaves me impressed. If this album doesn't hook you right away, give it another try sometime, perhaps when you're "Older".

When it came down to the 90's, George Michael really did have a huge share of blows. He lost a major court battle with Sony music, in regards to demanding to be released from his contract due to artist rights, as well as dealt with the devistating deaths of his then partner, and his mother from complications of cancer. Nevertheless, he continued his way into his music. Unfortunately, that wasn't there in America because of a long-term absence from making music. George went on to Dreamworks SKG in America for his 1996 album, Older, which sadly wasn't there in record sales in America. He still showed his status overseas with the album selling over 8 million. Unfortunately for American die hard George Michael fans, Older had been out of print for a very long time until just now.

The 2008 re-release of George Michael's 1996 album Older, has finally made it to C.D. yet again. In response to the surprise success George has recently had with his music returning to the American airwaves thanks to the ABC show Eli Stone, and his second greatest hits collection, Twenty-Five earlier this year, Older still feels like a breath of fresh air. While the songs have been remastered very well, the album doesn't really add any gimmicks or extras from the original release. Still, the album contains a lot of classic songs that feel more subdued and intimate, in regards with his 1990's surroundings of life. The album includes the mellow and somber hits Jesus To A Child and You Have Been Loved, all the way to the strong dance beats of Fastlove and Spinning the Wheel. The songs here show a feeling that is much deeper in heart and soul, than what George had showed with success with his earlier records, Faith & Listen Without Prejudice Volume 1, that matches the deep and dark moods within the soul of the album.

All in all, Older shows what George Michael has done best throughout his career, and that really is making quality music from the soul, not for overexposure or cheap tricks, unlike other acts today that are just about hype than heart like Miley Cyrus or Britney Spears. If you have not yet heard the moods from Older, you now have a second chance to hear what feels more than just Jesus To A Child, and just simply the heart and soul of a great overlooked treasure that is George Michael.

Album Cover: B

Songs: B+

Price: B 1/2+

Remastering: B+

Overall: B 1/2+

1,500th Review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Older" features a George Michael fresh out of a very public and nasty legal battle with his prior label, Sony. You'd think that he would release an album immersed in bitterness and anger, but, fortunately, that's not the case. We're instead treated to a remarkably mature album full of warm grooves and blue-eyed soul so elegantly produced, it's almost too pretty for this world. The opening ballad, "Jesus to a Child," spends nearly seven minutes grooving along as Michael mourns over the loss of his lover. "You Have Been Loved" is a near tear-jerking track about a mother who's son is dying of AIDS, and in "Spinning the Wheel," we find our hero seething in frustration over a cheating lover. When he sings the lyric "I will not accept this as a part of my life," he does so with such conviction you can't help but believe him. Make no mistake: "Older" is a dark record, but there are bright moments. The funked-up "Fastlove" is a tribute to the one night stand, and it makes brilliant use of the hook from Patrice Rushen's "Forget Me Not." "Older" wasn't a bust on the charts, but it didn't do as well as the mammothly huge "Faith." If you want to witness how well George Michael has evolved from his hunky dory days in Wham!, you needn't look any further than this fine disc.

George Michael took 6 years before releasing this album, and understandably so. The wait was worth it. Each song in the album is brilliant. I've been listening to this CD since I bought it when it was released and every song never fails to inspire me (yes, including fast love =)). One of 1996's best albums!

I bought this album when it first dropped in the spring of 1996. Five years later, my wife and I STILL have it on rotation. For me, Michael's almost-perfect voice and phrasing, coupled with the mature, American jazz-British soul-Brazilian jazz brew, make this without question one of the top albums of the 1990s. I believe the critics panned the album because of Michael's "hubris" in wanting to be treated as a mature artist as oppose to being locked into his Wham! days (which I enjoyed also). Don't sleep: "Older" is Exhibit A in why you never should take a critic's word at face value. This is a masterpiece.