Patience

by

George Michael

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My review may be a bit biased being a fan since the early days of Wham!. With his newest release "Patience" fans and listeners get to see a rounded out George, complete with dance hits and introspective ballads. "Amazing" & "Flawless" are sure to get your toes tapping, and "Amazing" already boasts dance mixes that are snappy. "Shoot the Dog" and "Freeek" were released as singles, and although I scooped them up, didn't appreciate them as much as I do now. If you can get past the controversy of "Shoot the Dog" you just might find yourself enjoying this song.

"Patience" is almost a biographical tour de force of George's life, ranging from family death ("My Mother had a Brother), George's life in London ("Round Here), an homage to his departed partner ("Please send me someone--Anselmo's Song) and a thank you to his Texan Partner ("American Angel"). Of the ballads "Precious Box", "American Angel" and "Please send me Someone" really struck home and I found myself truly listening to not just the song itself but the words behind it. As an aside "Please send me Someone" is brilliantly arranged, without a hint of sappiness that could have made this song heavy.

One of the dedications of this album is to the patient fans who waited many long years for this solo release. George Michael's releases have been few and far between, but I'd rather them be solid memorable albums such as these, than a forgettable flash in the pan.

I hope that listeners will look beyond the pop 80's star with a checkered history and rediscover an artist.

Appropriately titled "Patience" finally came out 8 long years after "Older." After mixed reaction and somewhat disappointing chart performance of "Freeek!" and "Shoot The Dog" in the UK, I was very curious how this album would turn out.

The latest single, "Amazing" is a good tune though it's not as memorable as his previous singles. It's catchy, and continues with the trend of adding a hint of disco. "Flawless (Go To The City)," one of the more memorable tunes in this album is a nice uptempo song that is way overdue. For those who have been Wham! fan, "Please Send Me Someone" is a very light touch easy-to-groove song, just like many Wham! songs.

The entire album is deeply personal, so much more than "Older." The question is, is that a good thing? I believe it could be too whiney for some. To me, I place myself in the middle. I can't really stand his public display of affection anthem, "American Angel." However I could really sympathize and appreciate him personally after listening to "My Mother Had A Brother," about his uncle who committed suicide. Throughout the album, lyrics are very simple like Boyzone or Westlife (or any other boy bands) could sing these songs. It's already a proven fact that George Michael has an amazing voice, but this album hardly showcased it.

Though this album clearly shows his emotional struggle and growth throughout his life, it's far from being a masterpiece. "Older" and "Listen Without Prejudice" were both much superior albums. Ballads' melodies are simply forgettable. Two previous singles "Freek! 04," "Shoot The Dog" are mismatch, and awkwardly placed in this collection. After listnening this album over and over, I am growing to like this album, but I always want to reach for his previous album after listening to this one. Just like reaching for water after eating food with not so good taste. Not bad, but could be better.