Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fan of George's, May 26, 2004
By A Customer
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.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Good Dose of Thoughtful, Honest Songcraft, January 8, 2005
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.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Personal album worth the wait, May 18, 2004
George Michael made his fans wait 8 years for a new album. And it's a good one. Not his best - but it shows his growth as a songwriter and an artist.If you thought the songs on "Older" were emotional, wait until you hear these songs! George seems to have removed all the barriers between his personal thoughts and emotions and is letting everything hang out. Similar to "Older", George is no longer confining himself to standard lyrical and rhythmic pop standards. This means that the beauty of the songs tend to reveal themselves after repeated listens, and not on the first hearing. But the payoff is worth the patience. I'll go over the songs (and some of my favorite lyrics): 1. Patience - "Look into the eyes of any patient man...there's a piece of God staring back at you."
2. Amazing - this should be a hit! It's got a very infectious groove with that wonderful 80's handclap.
3. John & Elvis Are Dead - I read this lyric before I heard the song and I just said "Wow." I have no idea if this is a true story but it's pretty incredible. Definitely not a standard pop song. "If Jesus Christ is going to save us from ourselves, how come peace, love and Elvis are dead?"
4. Cars & Trains - a good song about being stuck in a cycle of destructive behavior.
5. Round Here - autobiographical song that even name drops Andrew Ridgeley! A tribute to his upbringing. This song really soars when the chorus kicks in. "Andy says it's time to show them all round here"
6. My Mother Had A Brother - another amazing song about George's uncle who committed suicide at about the same time George was born. Very personal song. This song really builds lyrically and musically. "But mama will you tell him from your boy the times have changed."
7. Flawless (Go To the City) - dancefloor anthem! This is about 8 minutes of dancing pleasure similar to Pet Shop Boys "New York City Boy"
8. American Angel - love song to George's significant other. Pretty standard song.
9. Precious Box - this song confuses me a bit. I'm not sure what it's about. I think it might be about George's TV. Lol "Precious keeps me company. Keeps me from being alone"
10. Please Send Me Someone (Anselmo's Song) - good latin-flavored beat. The song itself doesn't come off as bleak as the lyric. It's about finally being ready to move on after the loss of a loved one.
11. Freeek! '04 - this song has about 25 songwriters because it contains a number of samples. Despite all those songwriters, the song is only OK. It's the most obviously socially critical song on the album but it's not as good as previous efforts such as "Mother's Pride."
12. Through - this is a weeper. For most of the album, George sings in a very vocally controlled and restrained fashion. Finally, he lets loose on this song! It gives me chills. I hope he's not really through. "I've enough of these chains. I know they're of my making."
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~ George Michael
~ George Michael
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by George Michael 
