Songs From the Last Century

On songs from the last century, george michael is determined to demonstrate just how much he's matured since the carefree days of wham! By offering his own interpretations of some of the century's classic songs, he manages to shake off any lingering remnants of his boyband past. George michael has one of the most versatile and beautiful voices ever recorded - a voice more suited for jazz or soul than pop - a fact that his own records have often only glossed over. Much better, therefore, to have him cover songs made famous by the likes of nat king cole and bing crosby.

A hint: there are no Wham songs on George Michael's 10-tune tribute to the music of the 20th century. There is a song by the Police ("Roxanne"), but the reggae ballad is rendered in such a turgid manner, it resembles nothing so much as a lounge singer stoned on Quaaludes. Elsewhere, the silver-tongued former club kid covers Rodgers & Hart ("Where or When"), U2 ("Miss Sarajevo"), and Ewan MacColl ("The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face"). He pours so much calculated sentiment on top of each track that the entire record oozes a prefab corniness even Hallmark would recoil at. This is not to deny the power of George Michael's velvety, potent voice (although it does sound much better singing catchy dance-pop ditties) nor the fact that he's selected an interesting selection of ballads and folk and torch tunes. And Phil Ramone's production never veers from the middle of the road, unobtrusively shifting from smooth big-band jazz to Disney movie-ish harp accompaniment. If this CD is Michael's attempt to join the company of great song interpreters of the past, from Frank Sinatra to Billie Holiday, he will have to take a lot more chances and lose the sappy reserve. --Mike McGonigal