“Listen Without Prejudice”… this is the daily struggle of the TTL product review team. Sometimes we have to put ourselves through some pretty painful stuff, but we bite our lip and take it in stride. It’s pretty easy to listen to George Michael’s music without prejudice though, as it’s basically perfect pop music and George has one of the most soulful voices around (rest in peace). I was an early convert: “Everything She Wants” hooked me as a yung new wave freak, and the 12-inch extended mix remains a sure shot floor-filler in 2017. "Last Christmas" is the only Xmas song I can seriously fuck with. The humongous breakdown and choir refrain in “Father Figure” still gives me chills to this day. Not to mention the fact that George is pretty much the main reason it’s acceptable for me to rock a 5-o’clock shadow on a daily basis and not be considered a bum or a wino. (Okay, maybe I am prejudiced! I digress…) Yes, this record contains one of George’s biggest anthems: “Freedom ’90” (which I’m only just now realizing is built around the “Funky Drummer” break), but dig a little deeper and you’ll be blown away by the heartfelt street soul of “Soul Free” and Sade-esque jazz shuffle of gorgeous noir ballad “Cowboys And Angels.” Other highlights: “Waiting For That Day” (another Funky Drummer loop), “Mothers Pride” and “Waiting (Reprise).” This 2017 pressing marks the first time the album has been available on vinyl since its initial release 27 years ago, gorgeously housed in high-gloss jacket with printed inner sleeve and code for digital download. Recommended.

• high-gloss outer sleeve
• high-gloss printed inner sleeve
• digital download included
• music label: Epic 2017

reviewed by hannibal chew 10/2017