George Michael - Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael
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Free Music Notes for Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael
Free Music Review: Almost but not quite: The Best of George Michael
Hit: 4 Stars
As cheesy as some of George Michaels' music may seem, between his solo work and his time with Wham, he created some of the most enduring melodic pop of the 80's. While his 90's work found him drifting into middle-age minus the effervescence (Older) and the new century found his music less interesting than his public exploits (Patience is not that bad, however), this collection shows Michael's influence to be strong and bearing repeat hearings.
Dividing this CD into two volumes is interesting in that it forces his contrasts into a sharp relief. While his ballads became some of his biggest hits, Michael's also tended to get cheesier as he got older...mistaking stateliness for maturity. It was in the period where he created "Faith," when he was willing to try all sorts of styles, including the exquisite "Kissing a Fool's" light jazz. There are still some incredible songs in his ballads disc (subtitled "For The Heart"), like "Father Figure" and his version of "I Can't Make You Love Me." No less an elder statesman than Elton John gave his seal of approval on their live duet of "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me." It was both his last number one single and played a significant role in reestablishing Elton's star-power in the 90's. There is also no denying the emotional force in "Jesus to a Child" (the best song on "Older") and the John Lennon derived "Praying For Time."
However it's the second "For The Feet" disc that is the real heart of George Michael's mega-success. Everything here, even the lame "Older" stuff, is instant party music. He was a master at effortless hooks, making staples like "Freedom 90" and his duet with Aretha Franklin, "I Knew You Were Waiting For Me" classic pop. He remains a great interpreter, as his covers of Seal's "Killer" and Elton's "Don't Let..." prove. This also contains the set's biggest flaw in that "I Want You Sex" isn't the worldwide hit version, but part II from the Faith CD, which just seems ignorant.
That is part of the reason for the four-star rating of "Ladies and Gentlemen." Had George clipped this to a single disc of actual hits (maybe even splitting it between a disc of Wham and a disc of his solo recordings) minus the filler ("Desafinado," "Waiting For That Day"), this could have been a dynamite time capsule of Michaels' career. Since he has released three more albums since, perhaps it's time for an update. Till then, I put in disc two every so often for the perfect pop that is "Faith" and "Too Funky."
Free Music Review: If this is the best????
Hit: 1 Stars
I would hate to hear his music that is considered mediocre. Please, I can't believe that any of you like this trash.
One more thing: Tell George to stop smoking pot.
Free Music Review: Some decent songs by George Michael
Hit: 4 Stars
I don't like everything he writes, but there are some great songs in this collection. I prefer the "for the heart" disc, to be honest, as there are some fantastic songs and melodies on this CD. George Michael's solo material is very inventive and original, although to be honest I've always found more appealing his "Older"-era music; the more tortured, closeted melodies, and not the more contemporary dance-party "Amazing" material. Just my own preference though.
Some great songs on both of these discs.
Free Music Review: Can't explain what it is, but I really dig his music
Hit: 5 Stars
I am not gay, though I wish I had the fashion sense. I am not into pop music, though not all of this is really Pop. I am not into his Wham stuff all that much, but ever since he broke out on his own I have just loved his sound. It is some of my favorite music, and the only music I like that sounds anything like it.
And though I take a lot of flack for it I still get all his stuff and I make no bones about it. People may not appreciate his talent for this art form as much as I do but at least they let me enjoy the music just the same.
To that end this is a great compilation of some of his best work. I keep only a few CDs in the car with me but this one, even though it is a double disc set, is one of them. It is that good, even people who don't think they like him still seem to enjoy this disc set. I am sure if you have ever liked him you will enjoy this compilation. The newer stuff on here is OK, but it is really more about the older stuff on this set. For newer stuff there are a couple of other discs out there, but none are as good as this.
Free Music Review: Must have for All Geoge Michael Fans
Hit: 5 Stars
I like to keep my reviews short. Buy this CD if you are a George Michael Fan period.