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!

George Michael, Patience has some cracking up-tempo numbers that are mixed with relaxed tunes and dramatic ballads. Please Send me Someone does seem to chug along like Ivor The Engine. American Angel is nice but did he have to use the line: "...horny cowboy with your stars and stripes"? I would have preferred: "Horny checkout girl with your lettuces so ripe." Anyway Patience is a superb return to form even though it's taken Mr. Michael 25 light years to produce this fine collection. Was the wait worth it? Um.....YES.

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

George Michael, Patience... The King is back!! What a masterpiece!!! The most moving ballads and feet tapping upbeat tempos! Sheer brilliance!