George Michael

Songs From The Last Century

music to be played on the background

Review Score:

(6/10)
After the massive sales of his elegantly titled compilation `Ladies & Gentlemen' many were looking forward to whatever the genius was going to release afterwards. He had plenty of time to come up with original compositions, instead he chose to release a collection of own interpretations of his personal favorites.

Releasing an album consisting of cover versions only is always a risk. `Songs From The Last Century' is pleasing enough, but it again proves that a good voice alone is not enough to make credible cover versions. The song selection is fine, but the production not risky enough. His vocals are excellent, and do most songs justice, but it never becomes exciting. He has tried to make sophisticated art, but it is all very kitsch. The best example is `Roxanne'. `The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' is a song you should not try to cover, and George's version is uninteresting.

The album is pleasant enough, but George should try to come up with original material if he wants to get real critical and commercial acclaim. Music to be played on the background, but never to be really heard.

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