George Michael

Ladies & Gentlemen-Best of George Michael

Ladies and gentlemen, this is better than you may think

Review Score:

(10/10)
A lot of people may stumble upon this 2-CD George Michael compilation and laugh, and you can't really blame them: in George's post-"Faith" career, more attention has been paid to his personal antics than the music itself. First there was the I-never-meant-to-be-such-a-big-star drama that surrounded "Listen Without Prejudice," which wouldn't have been so bad if his wrongful complaints weren't so transparent (anyone with a brain could tell you the way to rebel against the commercial end of the music industry wouldn't be refusing to appear in your own videos, but refusing to make them altogether). Then there was the ultra-serious "Older," which was artistically respectful enough, but themes like death and AIDS would certainly scare off fans of "I Want Your Sex." And then of course there was the infamous Public Restroom Incident. No wonder his music has gotten lost in the shuffle.

However, with enough time gone by, it's easier to separate the art from the artist, and this collection contains some of the best blue-eyed soul you are likely to find in contemporary music. George's rich and soulful voice is exquisite on classic ballads like "Careless Whisper," "One More Try," and "Kissing a Fool," while the funk quotient is turned up dangerously high on "Fastlove" and "Star People" (the two saving graces from "Older"). Additionally, "Freedom 90" still generates head bobs and "Father Figure" is still one of his most moving performances to date. But whether he tackles a tender ballad or an itchy dance number, George's love of music and singing is not only obvious, it's infectious...who else could take a ridiculous line like "I'd love to see you naked, baby" (from the irresistible "Too Funky") and make it sound like so much fun?

We're also treated to some delicious rarities: first George turns in a gorgeous vocal with Astrud Gilberto for a fine reading of the Bossa Nova classic "Desafinado," and just when you think you've heard all the remakes of "I Can't Make You Love Me" you can stomach, he offers up the best version of the tune since Bonnie Raitt. The spectacular Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis remix of "Monkey" is included, and then of course there's the disco-happy "Outside," an ode to sex in the great outdoors that serves as a hilarious (and danceable) flip-off to his arrest.

The only complaint is the curious exclusion of the main version of "I Want Your Sex." Actually recorded as a three-part suite, we're given Part II here, with different verse lyrics and a bold horn section...certainly not the guilty pleasure you recall dominating radio in the late 80's. But to sweeten the deal, Epic Records has priced this to be one of the cheapest two-disc sets you are likely to find, so it's high time we all forgive George for the times he may have shocked or annoyed us. Chock full of first-rate pop/soul, immaculately produced and sung to perfection, "Ladies and Gentlemen" represents the George Michael so many of us remember, love, and miss.

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