Even the most loyal of fans will be disappointed that after a decade’s wait, the new George Michael album is a recording of one of his London concerts from 2011, albeit a rather special concert .
Performed with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra, Symphonica turned out to be the last album to be produced by the legendary Phil Ramone. But, surely such an album should have been released a few months after the tour?
Not that Michael’s own performance is bad, quite the opposite. It’s just a shame that Michael’s output since 1990 consists of two new albums and a handful of covers. Of the new covers, Terrence Trent D’Arby’s Let Her Down Easy has become a radio favourite, and Elton John’s Idol from his Blue Moves album will be cherished by Michael’s loyal fan base.
Although it is lovely to hear orchestral arrangements of Michael’s own Praying for Time, A Different Corner and Cowboys and Angels, what the fans really, really want are a few new quality tunes. Will the troubled George Michael ever deliver?
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