George Michael, Patience Review

Overall Rating

Smooth album containing, as usual, superb observations of the human condition as well as a few personal experiences thrown in. You could play it through the whole day on repeat.

A cover version of "The One's" "Like Perfection" could have been cut a little shorter.

The album begins with a simple, and common, view of the human condition with the track of the same title "Patience". This portrays, in my opinion, an accurate view of the "act first, think later" way of life this world seems to be heading to. It inspires a need for observation in life, the need to sit back and decide things for yourself when all influence is removed.

"Amazing" is a great tune. It says little more than a blatant compliment to the person that you hold love for. Simple, as that's all it needs to be. This message is delivered in a great up-beat tempo which makes you leave your chair or at least has your limbs flapping wildly to the beat.

"John and Elvis are dead" again is an observation, this time of the blind faith of ones chosen religion. It does not condemn religious belief, rather points out that all have the right to hold something they believe in without having something rammed down their throat. The tune is cleverly put together and extremely easy to listen to.

"Cars and trains" has to be one of my favourites on this album. The rhythm is very clever and at a fast walking tempo. It points out the millisecond moments in a life time where suicide is contemplated or even preferred to a given situation. This should not be taken literally, more like a comparison. Don't write this on off as some weird tune, listen to it carefully as it really is only meant to be a conveyance of "why oh why does this happen?!" - excellent track.

"Round Here" is a sigh of relief for being back in the UK, soaking up the UK weather, scene and frankly his home. He's obviously happy to be back but decides to portray this in history and memories. It's, again, an upbeat tune which leaves little left for disappointment. Very smooth.

"Shoot the Dog". If you haven't listened to this song closely, I urge you to read the lyrics whilst it's playing. Its a frank criticism of the current political climate and leadership - mainly UK and USA. The video is great fun but the lyrics really need reading to fully appreciate it as they are hard to catch perfectly when just the song playing. Great pumping tune.

"My mother had a brother" is a tune about an uncle of his whom was possibly homosexual but regretfully was unable to live with his "affliction". It's a message which he urges his mother (also dead unfortunately) to convey to his uncle that his life is wonderful and manageable even though he has "come out". A clever tune once again with excellent beat control and tempo. Melodic.

"Flawless", the only cover on this album, is actually more of a parody of the original. It pokes plenty of jibes at the world of the supermodels and the superficial lifestyle. The video to this song is a must-see as it portrays many different types of people and what they would be doing in their own flat, all by themselves without anyone watching - dancing around etc.. This picture, accompanied with the song, indicates a need for one to compliment ones self on your own appearance and not to accept magazine-beauty as the "perfection" being sought. - A firm message but delivered in a song which could have been somewhat shorter - with the video it works perfectly.

"American Angel" is a very straight forward personal message towards George's partner. It's soft, melodic with the occasional lyric going a little astray but is pleasant enough.

"Precious Box" seems a clever description of life in LA. The tune is up-beat and flows well and has some lyrics which are very indirect. It's background listening quality, I found, as the lyrics are hard to follow when just played, reading them at the same time, at least once, is worth it.

"Please send me someone to love" - A dedication to a partner George had who unfortunately died. Again, it's up-beat and nicely put together with simple lyrics which depict he has moved on and ready to continue his life with someone new, perhaps someone he already knows - almost asking with this song. Nice tune but nothing that sets it out from the others in the album.

"Freeek '04" is a repeat of this odd tune which is fantastic criticism, or simple opinion, of the blatant availability of porn on the internet. Very intricate beat with a mechanical feel to the tune which almost deserves to be in a film like the Terminator. Very strong, stands out and should be listened to carefully for it's excellent message. Superb.

"Through" is a typical example of an artist who reflects on his popularity in the media eye (good or bad). Many artists have done this and this is Georges. A very nice tune itself, lyrics which send a directed message to both people around him as well as the media.

"Patience Part II" ends the album, a simple instrumental to the opening track of the album. The use of the piano in both parts of this song is lovely (John Lennon's piano no less). Nice ending.

Overall, the album is great. George is lyrical to the extreme, READ his songs as well as listen and suddenly you will enjoy his talent as a song-writer five-fold. Nice one G.M., I thoroughly enjoy it!