One thing I don't understand is why this album got so many bad reviews from professional
sites and specialized magazines. In my humble personal opinion, this is possibly George Michael's
best album so far, and I'll tell you why.
We all know that the media expected George Michael to disappear after his much-publicized
arrest in Hollywood, but turns out he used it for the better. He released a greatest hits compilation
with some new tracks, plus an outrageous video in which he mocked his unfortunate experience
and also suffered a lawsuit from the officer that arrested him(the charge was later dismissed).
What else had he to do?
Well, I believe he has surprised us all. In this compilation of covers, he and producer Phil Ramone
(famed for his works with, for example, Frank Sinatra and Pavarotti) came up with an album
of incredible taste which will please not only his dance floor fans but people like me who never really
noticed Michael's existence until his famed appearance in the Freddie Mercury Tribute in 1992.
Now for the goodies: The most memorable tracks in the CD are, undoubtedly, "My Baby Just Cares
for Me", a 50s hit in the voice of Nina Simone. He gave it a very good treatment and updated some of the
some of the verses ".. .not even Ricky Martin's smile", making it sound just like if it had been played at the time
of its composition. Beautiful also is Ewan McCall's "The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face" and
The Police's "Roxanne", in which Sting's reggae is transformed into a wonderful jazzy piece.
I guess the only minus side of the CD is the fact that it only has 10 tracks (eleven if you count
the hidden instrumental track, "It's Alright With Me ". Perhaps George would like to come up with
a follow-up. Suggestion: "I Loves You Porgy", by Gershwin, wonderfully performed by so many
singers, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone....
Useful links
Purchase the album
George Michael's official site
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