George Michael Album: “Songs From the Last Century”

Description :

Contains a hidden track at the end of track 10. Personnel includes: George Michael (vocals); Rob Mathes, Torrie Zito, Rob Mounsey (arranger, conductor); Jeff Mironov, Hugh Burns, Phil Palmer, Howie Gondewe (guitar); Elena Barere, Laura Hamilton (violin); Sue Pray, Maryhelen Brennard (viola); Richard Locker, Diane Barere (cello); Corky Hale, Stacey Shames (harp); Pamela Sklar, Katherine Fink (flute); Virgil Blackwell (clarinet, bass clarinet); Diane Lesser (oboe); Kim Laskowski (basoon); Rich Dallesio (English horn); Jim Hynes, Tony Kadleck (trumpet); Charlie Pillow, Andy Snitzer, Ken Hitchcock (woodwinds); Rob Mathes, Rob Mounsey (piano); Chris Cameron, Peter Gordeno (keyboards); David Finck (acoustic bass); Steve Walters (bass); Lewis Nash, Shawn Pelton, Frank Tontoh (drums); Danny Cummings (percussion). Recorded at Right Track Studios, New York, New York. Includes liner notes by Phil Spector. SONGS FROM THE LAST CENTURY was nominated for the 2001 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. Whatever you want to say about the ubiquitous George Michael, you can't brand him as lacking in the confidence department. It somehow isn't surprising that he would take it upon himself to capture the legacy of the past hundred years on SONGS FROM THE LAST CENTURY. What is surprising are the unique choices--this isn't a standard set of standards. George has managed to span and reflect the last hundred years with 10 tracks, few of which come close to belonging to that fraternity of the century's hackneyed covers. The songs are all presented, whether they be Depression-era ballads ("Brother Can You Spare a Dime") or punk/new wave anthems ("Roxanne"), in a blowsy, bluesy, super-laid-back style. With all his pop-dance leanings and overblown hits, it's almost easy to overlook a key facet of George Michael's success; the man can sing. On tracks like Rodgers & Hart's "Where or When" and the breathy, breathtaking cover of that U2/Eno side project the Passengers' "Miss Sarajevo," George's lilting tenor smooths its way right into the heart. The perfect time capsule for upcoming generations regarding the 1900s it's not, but it does stand as a fine collection of timeless tunes from timed eras.

Although I love some of the tracks on this CD I cannot help but be a bit disappointed with others. Ever since George Michael's sexy rendition of 'Kissing a Fool' I've been looking out for a whole album of similar songs and I guess this is it ... well sort of.

Favourites on this album are Roxanne, You've Changed, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Secret Love (the big band backing is superb!) These he does exceedingly well. As for the rest, Brother Can You Spare A Dime is over-dramatic, My Baby Just Cares For Me is not bad, but too short and badly scored (the instruments sound very synthetic) and the harp backing on I Remember You destroys an otherwise listenable song - a fuller backing would have been a great improvement.

The other choices are OK, but quite unmemorable, which brings me to my next gripe about this album - the selection can hardly be called representative of the century's music, with some pretty obscure songs on this album. It would have been helpful to have the rationale behind the choice of each song included in the CD cover notes.

And finally, why so short? I was just getting into the mood of the album when it ended far too abruptly.

My overall impression of this album is that George Michael wanted to get out an album before the century ended and left it a bit late, resulting in a mediocre offering that does not live up to expectation, at least from this fan.

Amazon can't get its story straight. This is from amazon.co.uk: Reviews On Songs From The Last Century, George Michael seems determined to demonstrate just how much he's matured since the carefree days of Wham!; by offering his own interpretations of some of the century's classic songs, he manages to shake off any lingering remnants of his boyband past. Michael has one of the most versatile and beautiful voices ever recorded--a voice more suited for jazz or soul than pop--a fact that his own records have often only glossed over. Much better, therefore, to have him cover songs made famous by the likes of Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby. "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", "Brother Can You Spare A Dime", "Where Or When" and other standards are all performed to stunning effect, lushly backed by an orchestra that's as restrained and powerful as Michael's voice. He also manages to toss some surprisingly inspired choices into the mix: on "Roxanne", he wisely realises that no one can sing like Sting and opts for a more delicate approach, while his version of "Miss Sarajevo" (from the U2/ Brian Eno collaboration Passengers) elevates this obscure track to the classic status of the other standards. --Robert Burrow

This is exactly what I've been waiting for years since the days of "Final" in 1986. I must admit that if you are a fan of WHAMish songs, this album is not for you. However, if you love G. Michael's vocal, then go for it and stack a couple of this CD, because you'll either wear them out fast or give them to your loved ones. What else can I say?.. Very well chosen songs, meaningful music and a superb, soft, jazzy vocal. I guess this is real George, or at least what I've wanted to hear from him...

I hear this CD as his best work to date as I can tell that he recorded this doing exactly the way HE wanted to. The passion is strong through each song and the re-inventions are worthy of the work.

I also want to tell George (since I believe he will read this someday) "I get it". Which I doubt more than 1% of the world did. It clicked after a few plays.

For people that liked this or other George Michael work, I highly reccomend the new CD "Revival" by Sam Harris. As well as his "Standard Time".

Thanks George. It's absolutely wonderful!

Mr. Michael has recorded a CD which will, in years from now, will be viewed as one of the best vocal CDs recorded.

This CD is a stunning display of Mr. Michael's vocal talents and sharp sense of humor (Secret Love). The songs flow seamlessly from one to the next creating an adhesiveness not found on many CDs.

Songs From The Last Century may not be for George Michael fans looking for an earlier George Michael sound. This CD showcases his mature voice with full range and rich nuance. This is a richly rewarding singer's CD. (Phil Ramone and Mr. Michael are also commended on the selection of songs.)

I find Amazon's editorial review of this CD to be unfounded and without merit. After re-reading Amazon's editorial review it's no wonder Nietzche disdained critics.

Mr. Michael and Mr. Ramone are to be applauded on an exemplary CD.