George Michael, Patience Review

Overall Rating

Too many to list, read my review text and then dispense with your negativity and go and buy Patience immediately.

A couple of weak tracks do not spoil the overall flavour of this superb album.

I don't usually write music reviews, but seeing as Patience is George Michael's last dance into retail outlets, and I've been a big fan throughout his career, I thought I'd throw my opinion into the ring.

Patience: A simple piano (John Lennon's in fact) and Mr Michaels's voice, absolutely first class.9/10

Amazing: A classy pop song, which stirs you up into an excitable frenzy. 8/10

John And Elvis (Are Dead): A nice upbeat title I'm sure you'll agree but I have to take my hat off to Mr Michael here, he has delivered an absolutely cracking track that both fans and newcomers alike will enjoy. It's not what you'd expect either; a lovely dreamy melody plays behind beautiful vocals and with well crafted lyrics; this is the superb overcoat of the album. 9.6/10

Cars and Trains: Right, I've listened to this track a few times now and I still can't call it. It has a nice mid tempo beat but meanders about like an intermediate learner driver. This may well improve with age though it actually starting to grow on me 6.5/10 (subject to change).

Please Send Me Someone: Whilst I can appreciate Mr Michael's plight, I have to say that this track is a bit of a mess. Its jangly guitars and bizarre melody, made me want to pluck hairs off kittens. It really does bounce along like a demented cement mixer. Worst track on the album without question . Although I have to say that I like it the more I listen to it. Hypocrite? Yes. 5.5/10 (subject to change)

Round Here: Another track vying for attention as the best on Patience. George writes about his upbringing and his sheer luck at having such a fortunate life in Bushey, Watford. I have to agree with him here, city dwellers are all lucky in that respect. Knocking about a football with Dave Austin and having a laugh is the name of the game and I wanna play the game with you. It also proves that Kingsbury Park fair holds memories for many of us. Fantastic. 9.8/10.

Shoot The Dog: Massively slagged of by all the tabloids (except the Mirror) at the time of release (some decades ago) but unjustifiably so. The song has a lovely melody that makes you want to swing to the bossanova beat. How or why he was condemned for writing lyrics about Tony Blair and George Bush is beyond me. This is what pop is all about, have a go at the Muppets along with a nice backing track. Tidy. 8/10.

Flawless: Now this has taken a number of listens to get into, mainly because I didn't like 'The Ones' original hit of the same name but I've got to say that this is a real grower. It has a nice throbbing baseline with the sample "Absolutely flawless" played about a gazillion times but there's something about the way the song builds throughout that makes you want to perform ludicrous dance moves within the arena that is your living room. 9.0/10

Freek: Elton John said this song was gubbins but he must have been listening to some old plinketty plonk Gary Barlow tracks that week. This song is indeed a quality release, good pumping baseline with a nice buzzing modem (bit of clich though) sound thrown into the mix. 8/10

My Mother Had A Brother: A moving song about GM's uncle who committed suicide when he himself was born. Wonderful vocals accompany a simple instrumental backing to create another power house ballad to go into the collection. 8.0/10

American Angel: A track about his boyfriend Kenny although I'd rather he wrote it about Kenny from South Park. It doesn't really do it for me. George can't be faulted for his singing; in fact he can't be faulted throughout this album cos he's absolutely on top notch form. But this song goes nowhere fast, I wish he'd just recorded this on Kenny's answer phone instead Kenny G's that is, just to annoy the fella. 5/10

Precious Box: This reminds me of the song Missing by Everything But The Girl; again another splendid rhythm charges along together with the whispering voice of Mr M. I don't really know what his precious box is or what's in it, but that doesn't really matter because this is a marvellous song. 9.0/10

Through: A very moving track, filled with drama and a disappointed George Michael. I'm assuming this is about how the media/tabloids have treated him over the years. You can't blame him really if that's the case, he's tried to keep his head down and get on with the job of being a recording artist only for papers like the Sun to produce "George Down The Toilet" articles. Here he pulls out his emotional wardrobe and empties the contents all over Mr Murdoch's shiny shoes. 9/10

Patience (Reprise): A minute and half instrumental of Patience, it's a brilliant end to what is essentially a top notch album.

Overall verdict: A tremendous album with only a couple of weak tracks creaking the floorboards (most GM fans will problem disagree with me about American Angel and Please Send Me Someone though). Jump into your nearest record store and purchase this great album immediately! If you need another reason then remember you'll be holding a piece of history, this is his last standard CD release ever. Go get it tiger!
Overall 9.4/10