George Michael - Songs from the Last Century

A hint: there are no Wham songs on George Michael's 10-tune tribute to the music of the 20th century. There is a song by the Police ("Roxanne"), but the reggae ballad is rendered in such a turgid manner, it resembles nothing so much as a lounge singer stoned on Quaaludes. Elsewhere, the silver-tongued former club kid covers Rodgers & Hart ("Where or When"), U2 ("Miss Sarajevo"), and Ewan MacColl ("The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face"). He pours so much calculated sentiment on top of each track that the entire record oozes a prefab corniness even Hallmark would recoil at. This is not to deny the power of George Michael's velvety, potent voice (although it does sound much better singing catchy dance-pop ditties) nor the fact that he's selected an interesting selection of ballads and folk and torch tunes. And Phil Ramone's production never veers from the middle of the road, unobtrusively shifting from smooth big-band jazz to Disney movie-ish harp accompaniment. If this CD is Michael's attempt to join the company of great song interpreters of the past, from Frank Sinatra to Billie Holiday, he will have to take a lot more chances and lose the sappy reserve. --Mike McGonigal Amazon.com

George can't go wrong!

This is a CD that is different than his others. The songs are from my parents' generation. What I find is that he has great talent and a beautiful voice no matter what he sings. I will be sharing this with my mom and I know that she will love it too! August 11, 2008

The Reviewer is Wrong!

The reviewer for Amazon totally missed the mark with his comments. This a solid CD and the highlight is George's version of Roxanne. I have seen Sting interpret this song many different ways, but I have never heard it sung as well as this version which now supplants the Sting and Brandford Marsalis version as my favorite. I purchased the CD specifically for that song. January 21, 2008

George Michael Songs From the Last Century

Amazing tribute from George to a vintage songbook. His renditions are beautiful - mellow, upbeat and fun - with his unique style. His melodic voice is a great tribute to these classics. A special treat, a step out of the box, for George Michael fans - as well as those not so familiar with his music. December 7, 2007

Songs to help you sleep

A lot of pure sap poured into this CD. Granted, I enjoy several of them (good late night listening when you want to unwind) but some of these really push the envelope of corny ("The first time ever I saw your face", for instance. My goodness, I could feel myself lapse into a coma...)
In another song, "You've changed", if you listen close to the line, "You've forgotten the words.... I love you", at that break before "I love you", I would swear you can hear George Michael stifle a yawn. This entire CD is a stifled yawn.

Thumbs down the review if you must... but you know I'm right. November 12, 2007

Lyrics not as printed

I purchased this CD because I did a search for specific lyrics I wanted to hear. These lyrics were listed as being part of the CD. I purcahsed the CD for that reason only and the introductory lyrics were not part of the music. I was very disappointed. October 17, 2007

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