Customer Reviews

Patience

5 star:		(135)
4 star:		(70)
3 star:		(27)
2 star:		(18)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

My review may be a bit biased being a fan since the early days of Wham!. With his newest release "Patience" fans and listeners get to see a rounded out George, complete with dance hits and introspective ballads. "Amazing" & "Flawless" are sure to get your toes tapping, and "Amazing" already boasts dance mixes that are snappy. "Shoot the Dog" and "Freeek" were released as singles, and although I scooped them up, didn't appreciate them as much as I do now. If you can get past the controversy of "Shoot the Dog" you just might find yourself enjoying this song.

"Patience" is almost a biographical tour de force of George's life, ranging from family death ("My Mother had a Brother), George's life in London ("Round Here), an homage to his departed partner ("Please send me someone--Anselmo's Song) and a thank you to his Texan Partner ("American Angel"). Of the ballads "Precious Box", "American Angel" and "Please send me Someone" really struck home and I found myself truly listening to not just the song itself but the words behind it. As an aside "Please send me Someone" is brilliantly arranged, without a hint of sappiness that could have made this song heavy.

One of the dedications of this album is to the patient fans who waited many long years for this solo release. George Michael's releases have been few and far between, but I'd rather them be solid memorable albums such as these, than a forgettable flash in the pan.

I hope that listeners will look beyond the pop 80's star with a checkered history and rediscover an artist.

George Michael has always been ballsy; even when in Wham!, he was a perfectionist who refused to suffer the banality of the music business, forcing his way to the production boards and doing what he does best: crafting immortal records. Ten years before TLC, he signed himself into slavery with a small and greedy label, knowing that the power of his success would sooner or later attract a bigger label (with bigger lawyers...) to pull him out of it. Then when Sony wanted to dictate marketing obligations (despite the fact that the artist usually pays for such things as well as having to endure them), he took them on, too, knowing full well he could lose but needing to get the air cleared. When "the incident" occurred, he made lemonade (and one of the best damn club records of the decade, make that video, too!) from a lemon situation. (Note-I meant nothing by "making lemonade" but it's too good to pass) In the process he "one-upped" Sony enough that they wanted him back after the much publicised split. They got him back, but I'll tell you i know it wasn't on the cheap! Despite the fact that George was clinically depressed and feeling creatively dry at the time, he dutifully fulfilled his obligations to Dreamworks with a sublime, understated effort that will hold great catalogue value for that label in years to come. He doesn't hold a grudge, he just wants to create his art HIS way and get the same respect he gives. Which is really where "Patience" comes in...

George has collected thoughts and observations over the last few years and applied his genius talent for writing and recording to a savory and substantial assortment of musical vignettes which run the gamut in terms of music, politics, and places in life. There is something here for everyone, and all offered with loving honesty and a caring dose of cynicism that is always balanced with the knowledge that something better is out there. George is loath to express misery for it's own sake, and there is always a nobility to his negative observations. For example, "Precious Box" obstensibly tells the tale of a lonely worker whose only refuge, make that only COMPANIONSHIP is the daily dose of celebrity that shines behind the glass of his t.v. screen (this theme pops up more on the album...). The techno-driven music is some of the best damn composing he's ever done, building a monotonous and icy tension perfectly-synched with the lyrical delivery and, like the protagonist in the song, heating to near meltdown without really collapsing. The lyric sees all sides of the celebrity/paparazzi /stalker issue in exacting detail, while offering useful commentary in the process. I don't think George has ever been near-psychotic and isolated in a flat with a t.v. as a shrine, but he GETS what such a person would go through. That's what has always set him apart, even as a "pop" star. He has a genuine grasp of humanity that far too many of his contemporaries prefer to fake for the occasional photo op. Counterbalancing "Precious Box", the whisper-soft title track "Patience" grasps the complexity of human viewpoints that compose the current East-West conflict. I'm near sure that both songs will go 'over the head" of people most needing to listen to them, but a true artist does not pander to the masses, he will please them in time. George does this brilliantly with the haunting, life-affirming "Amazing", which was running non-stop in my head for months. It's well-titled, original and a true breath of fresh air. Why it wasn't a big hit Stateside I'll never know...
Space prevents commentary on every track, but I've got to mention "Shoot the Dog" (reportedly absent on the US version. My copy is an Argentine import) and "Flawless". Among George's many musical talents (singing, writing horn parts, meticulously choosing the CLASSIEST synth sounds)is his singular and downright classy nack for using samples in way that ADDS prestige to the sampled material as well as enhancing his own composition without overpowering either in the process. With George, everyone gets paid for use AND gets more sales on their own sides in the bargain! Listen to "Fast Love" for more of this approach.
"Freek!" is a case of having to get something out, even if it's overall effect isn't exactly positive in nature. There are very well-couched drug references in there that gay men will get and no one else will, and George hasn't offered commentary, he may even be unaware of the double meanings (i doubt it). I think he's documenting a moment in sexual history without advocating or damning it, like a good reporter that you can dance to.
"Cars and Trains" is a delightful and deceptively-saccharine take on self-destruction and how many of us, especially those hurt in childhood, will actually finish the job of our absent tormentors. George doesn't claim to know why, he just wants us to knock it off. "Through" is George throwing a bit of melodrama our way; being openly gay allows him that affectation now, so he'll take it. I'm sure it was written in an honest emotional state, I'm also sure George isn't through.
This album, like "Listen Without Prejudice" seems destined to be an under-received classic. Years from now people will be waxing nostalgic to a great work they never bought in the first place... I'm through.

This album is an interesting one. I have listened to George Michael ever since he first sang Wham Rap! and I must say that this ablum is one of the most interesting he has written. In this album I think the lyrical content is maybe not as strong as his ealier album Older or even some of the tracks on Listen without Prejudice. However I still love this album. It has a fantastic track that is just awesome in "Amazing", along with many beautiful ballads that need repetitive listening before you understand where they are coming from.

The weakest song is "Shoot the Dog", which is not bad but in this company it looks somewhat out of place. If you are new to George Michael I would say try Listen Without Prejusice, Older and then listen to Patience. It will make more sense that way, as you will see the maturity and progression in his music...

All in all 4.5 out of 5..A great last album.. One not to be missed!!!

George Michael has a voice which touches, motivates, lifts and sometimes chills me depending upon his mood, his lyric and his music. This CD is nothing short of WELCOME and pure ARTISTRY. I was a fan of his in the 80's when he was with WHAM but have become a die-hard fan since he matured and got off the pop train he was riding back then. I have listened to George plaintively, soulfully, and impressively spin his art and he always, always genuinely exposes the listener to his life, emotion and spirit in his music while entertaining, enlightening and helping us to remember the common threads of humanity and nature we all share. He is nothing less than phenomenal on this CD and offers the listener both ballads to cling to and upbeat dance music to move to (either way with Mr. Michael's talent and voice is winning combination) and you are in for a treat.

Apparently everyone wrote a review for the IMPORT version of "Patience"....I KNEW I should have gotten the import!! Anyways, this album is great! The man has one of THE best voices in pop music ever. His voice is so clear and pure that it's an injustice to not listen to him sing. Standout songs for me on this album are "Patience", "Amazing", "John and Elvis are Dead", "Cars and Trains", "Flawless", and "Freek". But THE best song has got to be "My Mother Had a Brother". Oh my word...He was singing that song!! "Through" is another huge highlight showcasing George's vocal talents and the emotion he puts in a song. Well, be sure to check this album out. Maybe with enough sales George Michael will think about touring in the US again! :)

The sheer variety of numbers on this new album makes it a very worthy purchase.

Want disco-ish pace with maverick lyrics? You've got it (Flawless, Freek).

Want heart-rending ballads that GM is a master of? Sure (Patience, My Mother had a Brother, Through).

The arrangements are modern, the sounds contemporary, the themes pithy (Shoot the Dog, John and Elvis are Dead), and the silky voice of GM very much in the vintage first-rate flair.

While this is not George's pinnacle, and I surely hope there's a lot more to come from this star of our generation, this album delivers the soft-yet-thumpy pizzazz you've come to expect from him.

Crisp, clean, immaculate, highly recommended.

I've been a casual George Michael fan. I had 'Faith' and it's undeniably a great record. I sort of lost track of George over the years but recall liking just about everything I heard from him on the radio. Picked up 'Ladies and Gentleman' and got a renewed interest and decided to give 'Patience' a try. Pleasantly surprised to say the least!

My first thought is: 'How can anyone give this record a bad review'? There are so many brilliant and beautiful pop moments here, it baffles me how any fan of adult pop music (not ashlee simpson, britany spears trash) can have a bad word for 'Patience'. Perhaps it's because I've been a casual fan of George's work and don't expect God-like performances every time. Don't know, don't care. This is great stuff.

From the beautiful 'Patience' (I and II), and the heart-breaking 'My Mother had a Brother', to the dance-floor tracks 'Flawless', 'Amazing' and 'Precious Box' this record exudes an artist at the top of his game. How can you *not* groove to the infectuous 'Cars and Trains' or get caught up in 'Freek's cyber-raunch beat? Immaculate production, passionate vocals (George's voice has never sounded better). When he throws down his white-boy soul voice on 'Through' and others, you can't help but get chills. Seriously. That's terrific stuff.

If it has a flaw, it may be that it tends to jump abruptly from slow, emotive ballads to bouncy dance numbers, but with songs this strong, it's a minor point. While 'American Angel' may be a little hard to swallow (no pun intended) and 'Shoot the Dog' a bit silly, the rest of 'Patience' is brilliant and doesn't deserve anything less than the highest praise. Easily 5 stars.

I must first say that I was never a fan of dance music. But George has got me to love dance music again. George has taken a deepy honest approach to this cd. You can feel his pain, joy, and love in this cd.

"American Angel" is one of my favorite tracks on this cd. In this track you can hear that he has learned to love again after years of so much pain. When I hear him sing this track I feel like I am right there in the studio with him. A beautiful track.

Another wonderful song on this cd is "Through". A very honest song, dealing with George being under the microscope after his arrest.

"Amazing" is a track he wrote for his partner of 8 yrs. An upbeat dance tune. A great song about someone who is thankful that someone else was there for them at the bad times in thier life.

"Please Send Me Someone (Anselmo's Song)" is a song George wrote former partner who had died. A wonderful track.

This cd is a treasure. Includes other wonderful songs like: "John And Elvis Are Dead", "Pantience", "Flawless (Go To The City)", "Round Here", "Precious Box", and "Cars And Trains".

Lastely I just include "My Mother Had A Brother" as one of the best tracks. He wrote this one for his mother. An amazing song.

This is the best I have ever heard George sound.. This is his coming out party. He is at the top of his game. Amazing.

I dunno. I've read the other reviews and don't get it. The songs on Patience are F-Fantastic. I think there is great variation and the lyrics and singing combine to create a really moving and interesting album from top to bottom. There is not one song I don't like, my favorites being maybe Amazing and Precious Box. I have listened to Patience many times now and my appreciation for it grows each time. I think George is really a savior for popular music and it's a pitty the corrupt music industry won't allow him to be heard in the USA. Give the album 2 full listens and you'll be hooked too...IMHO! wade

I have to say this CD is one of his best (not that there's many to compare it too ;). His voice is so strong and he sings on this CD like to he used to. If you're a fan you'll know what I mean. I think this one is as good as or maybe even better than Listen Without Prejudice. He's been through alot of heartache and these songs are full of emotion. Some are sad, but others will have you on your feet. Amazing is a lovely song about his partner and gay or straight it makes you appreciate the power of love. I'd recommend this to all GM fans (if there's any of you who don't have it), and to all those who remember him from the eighties. You're in for a nice surprise. I have the import version, and I've never heard the US version of this CD so I can't comment on that, but I will say it's alot cheaper on Amazon than on the British website where I bought it!