One of the most famous and successful artists of the modern pop culture is doubtless George Michael. The English singer and songwriter started his career back in 1982 as part of duo Wham! Later he pursued a solo career and his debut solo album Faith has made him one of the most popular performers of the world. George Micheal has received the status of the Most Played Artist on Bristish Radio in the last 20 years and each of his albums has become a best-seller. This year marking the 25 years of his musical career both as part of the band and as a solo artist the singer releases a compillation of his hits, lesser known songs and brand new creations called Twenty Five. The album is presented in two editions, one containing two and the other three CDs. The first two discs follow George’s career from the very beginning, and the third one offers less familiar songs and some new works. Twenty Five is a collection that comprises the whole story of George Michael’s life as an artist and provides the opportunity to follow what he was like at the beginning of the 1980s and what his music sounds like these days. The album makes it clear why the singer is called a superstar and gives a panoramic view on his music.
The album is arranged in a special order, so that the chronology of the career development is partially preserved, and at the same time slow and reflective songs alternate with more up-tempo and emotional ones, and well known are followed by new or previously unreleased creations. The opener Everything She Wants, funny Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go and a global hit Freedom pertain to the creative work of Wham! Faith is a song at least the chorus of which everybody knows by heart, while Òîî Funky and Freeek! Are mostly associated with Michael’s scandalous nature and his ability to work in many directions. Fastlove and Spinning The Wheel take us to early 1990s and As, a duet with Mary J. Blige, is a more contemporary masterpiece about endless love. Other collaborations include a new version of song Heal The Pain recorded with Paul Mccartney and a legendary composition Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me refined by the presence of sir Elton John. The former Sugababes member Mutya appears on a brand new work This Is Not Real Love. Such works as Praying For Time, Father Figure, One More Try and world’s favorite slow dance track Jesus To A Child present a more serious and a deeply thinking Michael, whereas the old song Last Christmas is still a very popular Christmas anthem. A geniously performed song Brother Can You Spare A Dime? at Pavarotti & Friends show is a real refinement on Twenty Five, which is a really profound collection of a brilliant artist’s very best songs.
Despite all the scandals that surround George Michael’s figure, his troubles with law and a number of indecent videos he remains an idol for millions of his fans. His unusual appearance due to his half Greek origin and the wide range of the voice have won their hearts and now everything he does is approved and supported. The artist is going on a grand world tour devoted to the anniversary of his career in the nearest future and it is quite possible that he outdoes The Rolling Stones and U2 in the respect of the total take from the concerts. And even if that does not happen, the name of George Michael will always be associated with luxury, success and a starry life. Having celebrated twenty-five years of his musical life the singer has crossed a certain boundary and is now ready for new beginnings. That is why we might well be soon expecting a new full-length album from the British genius and it is almost a fact that it is going to be as popular and hit-filled as all his previous works. Meanwhile George Michael has presented the world with a wonderful collection that tells a lot about his inner world and the succession of events in his creative work.
