Whatever you want to say about the ubiquitous George Michael, you can't brand him as lacking in the confidence department. It somehow isn't surprising that he would take it upon himself to capture the legacy of the past hundred years on SONGS FROM THE LAST CENTURY. What is surprising are the unique choices--this isn't a standard set of standards. George has managed to span and reflect the last hundred years with 10 tracks, few of which come close to belonging to that fraternity of the century's hackneyed covers.

The songs are all presented, whether they be Depression-era ballads ("Brother Can You Spare a Dime") or punk/new wave anthems ("Roxanne"), in a blowsy, bluesy, super-laid-back style. With all his pop-dance leanings and overblown hits, it's almost easy to overlook a key facet of George Michael's success; the man can sing. On tracks like Rodgers & Hart's "Where or When" and the breathy, breathtaking cover of that U2/Eno side project the Passengers' "Miss Sarajevo," George's lilting tenor smooths its wayright into the heart. The perfect time capsule for upcoming generations regarding the 1900s it's not, but it does stand as a fine collection of timeless tunes from timed eras.

George Michael , the artist who has made his presence felt in the music industry for the past two decades is still going strong. A Person who is very well respected and looked up to as an idol for a lot of new artist(s) , and who's voice is one of the most distinguished ones. He's an artist with a lot of talent in song writing and music composition , be it a fast or a slow song.

His " Songs from the past century " is a however a unique collection of classic hits previously recorded by very well known artists , but now they have the touch of George Michael to them. Result : A must buy for every George Michael Fan.

The album comprises exclusively of slow tracks with the spice of Jazz and Blues , something different , something nice though. If you're a George Michael fan looking some uptempo numbers , this is not the cd for you. However if you like a quiet evening with good slow music playing in the background , this is one cd to buy. Some of the tracks which make the artist and the album worth the recognition are " Roxanne " , " Ms.Sarajevo " , " The First time ever i saw your face ".

The album is perfect for those into slow songs or easy listening , don't expect fast tracks or jazzy uptempo numbers. It's a good buy , I'm George Michael Fan , but it took me time to really like the album , the songs grow on you as and when you listen to them and now i like atleast six tracks out of the 10 tracks.

This album proves that George Michael can truly adjust to different styles of music which most of the artist(s) fail to achieve.

I admit, I too was nervous about hearing this album but being a long time fan, I couldn't resist making the purchase. Wasn't initially impressed; I nearly stopped playing it after hearing 'Roxanne'. A serious misstep, but everyone can make a mistake, people. After taking in the full CD, I'd had to say, it's one of the better albums of cover songs I've heard in quite some time. Well worth the price of admission on the strength of George's reading of the Roberta Flack classic 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face'. When she hears it, she'll be proud.

CD shows style and true talent of george michael.

Upbeat and well arranged songs bring out his unique style and reveal a new george michael.

Worth twice the money.

I remember in his "Cover to Cover" concert that he had such a talent to make other people's songs sound just as if they were his own. He also has been recording covers and they all have been amazing (most recent ones are Stevie Wonder's "As" and Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me."). It was apparent that I could expect a good album from him, but he easily exceeded my expectation and came out with another excellent album. What is most amazing to me is that he picked all different types of songs, and make an album, and all ten songs makes this album whole and complete. I mean there is no better arrangements or worse arrangements. They are all well arranged and produced that it makes this album a high quality one. I am very amazed how he recorded "Roxanne" and "Miss Sarajevo" with the sound that is really "Jazzy." This album makes you wonder if this is the same artist that wrote "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" (Not that it's a bad song). The entire album tends to be indeed slow, but very romantic. I'm very glad that he worked on this project. The great artist is the one that could take chances even if risks involved are great. This album certainly proved that he is one of the greatest artist of the 20th century.