5 comments about Oliver! (Deluxe Edition) (1963 Original Broadway Cast) [CAST RECORDING].

1. I saw this play on Broadway when it opened. I still know the lyrics!



2. "Oliver!" is not a musical to be analyzed song-by-song or voice-by-voice. It is a musical to be enjoyed as a whole. While a couple of the songs did enjoy some popular success, there is really no stand-out among them; and none of the voices is out of the ordinary.
   However, every song either propels the plot or reveals character traits. And every voice portrays the person it represents.
   So--Sit back, close your eyes, relax, visualize the version of "Oliver!" you have seen (either the movie or on stage), and relive your theater experience. You will not be sorry.



3. Charle's Dickens'musical adaptation for "Oliver Twist" showed to be a most acclaimed work of art. This is the very original version, which makes it as twice as valuable as any other version, although the movie soundtrack is quite good. Wonderful songs and a very attractive story make this an experience for all.



4. Although this original cast recording includes all the musical numbers, I can see why songs like "My Name" and "That's Your Funeral" were not embraced by the 1968 Academy Award winning film; they simply do not measure up to the high standards of the other tunes. Also, the orchestration lacks the lushness and fullness of the film. The singers of this and the film version both give credible performances; however, I would have to give the nod again to the film performers, if only because this collectors edition has a thin recording studio sound. It is evident from the information brochure that is included that this cast recording was hastily gotten together and seemingly lacked the numbers of choral boy singers to overcome its musical deficiencies.
   
   
   
   
   
   



5. I love the songs from Oliver! -- learned them as a child from the LP of the film and from a songbook. They are so sprightly and clever, with melodies that capture the lilt of the words perfectly. I remember them as very tuneful and fun to sing. So I am disappointed in the musical style on this recording.
   
   Everyone seems to be shouting instead of singing. I expected Fagin to "patter" in that speaking-singing hybrid, but on this recording MOST of the characters do it, and in a loud, forced voice -- the Artful Dodger, Nancy, and the kids' chorus. The ones that aren't pattered are belted out in the "Oom-Pah-Pah" style. The score comes across as not very nuanced or varied, which is a shame.

5 comments about Hello, Dolly! (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack).

1. This is an amazing soundtrack! The insert even had history on the film, as this cd celebrates the anniversary of the film release. It is a treat to listen to, and all songs are performed by the original cast of the film!!



2. very good. amazing that Michael Crawford started off in this movie then did the Phantom of the Opera. he's amazing



3. Released in 1969, the movie Hello Dolly, while performing well at the box office, and even garnering an Oscar Nod for Best Picture, was considered a failure, often due to the miscasting of Barbra Streisand as the title character (ironically, she is the film's only saving grace). The soundtrack did not perform much better, and as of this day, still has not been certified gold.
   
   But even so, this is a must-own album for Barbra Streisand fans. While she does not perform on all tracks, the ones she does perform on are far and away the soundtrack's best offerings. "Just Leave Everything to Me," written specifically for the movie, is a wonderful introduction, "Put on Your Sunday Clothes" is great fun, and extremely catchy, "Before the Parade Passes By," while clearly an attempt to recreate "Don't Rain on My Parade" from Funny Girl, is still well done, and the title song, a duet with Louis Armstrong, is fantastic, if a bit overlong.
   
   Unfortunately, the songs not featuring Barbra are not worth listening to at all. They are dull, not sung well, and just try to fill up space in what was probably promoted as a Barbra Streisand album. Because of that, I can only give this album three stars. Buy it for her tracks (which are 5-stars at least), but skip the rest.



4. At the time the film was released, and still today, many people ponder the fact that Barbra was 20 or so years too young to play the part. This may have been true, yet the fact remains that she is terrific in the part. On the whole, this is a fine film musical, true to the original. Very funny and hugely entertaining. There have been a lot more succesful film musicals that weren't nearly as well done. The CD is enjoyable, though I agree with others that much of the music has been needlessly abbreviatted. And the overture should most definetly have been included. Still BS is great, and you can hear what Michael Crawford's REAL singing voice is (not the breathy, over miked noise he now passes off).



5. There are very few soundtrack Cds from this period that haven't had a makeover (even "Goodbye Mr Chips" which has yet to be released on DVD)This CD is only the LP version cleaned up and transferred, leaving so much of the lavish music which can be heard in the film, on the cutting room floor. You will wonder at the end of "Just leave Everything to Me" where is the sparkling overture we are so used to in the film? You wont hear it here, nor the full dance segments from "Dancing", nor the Waiter's Gallop AT ALL. Can someone please shake up Fox and get them to release a restored and complete version of this classic score?

5 comments about The Legendary Bobby Darin.

1. This album literally lives in my car CD player. It is one of the best collection of Bobby Darin songs (hits and other songs) found on one CD, and I never tire of it.
   I must admit, my favorites are the "swingers", "On The Street Where You Live", "Once In A Lifetime", "More", "Charade" , but I am also fond of "Call Me Irresponsible", "The Good Life", "If I Were A Carpenter" and "Softly As I Leave You". To be honest, I never cared very much for his "teeny bopper" songs such as "If A Man Answers" which is found on this album. And, as one of the few Bobby Darin fans who dislikes "Splish Splash", I am glad that song is featured in a medley of other songs. But including these songs only proves how well this collection showcases the versatility of Bobby Darin and the wide variety of popular music he sang.
   
   
   
   
   
   



2. If you love Bobby Darin, this is a great collection of his music. A few of the songs were recorded live, which is fun because it shows his sense of humor. The sound quality is not up to todays standards, but gives you that old LP sound, which I like.



3. I like ths CD. I wasn't a big fan until I saw the movie "Beyond the Sea". I like Bobby Darin, but I enjoyed the "Beyond the Sea" CD with Kevin Spacey singing a little bit more.



4. Few performers led a more exciting and ultimately tragic life like that of Bobby Darin's. Not expected to live past 16 due to a heart condition, Bobby managed to squeeze an extra 26 years and become one of the most legendary performers in American popular culture. Darin was a gifted singer who could master jazz, showtunes, rock, pop, folk and gospel like few others, and was also successful as an actor, scoring a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination for his motion picture work, and was also skilled at dancing and impersonations.
   
   The 24 song "The Legendary Bobby Darin" is a most excellent snapshot of Bobby's versatility and dedication as an artist. Each song is sung with passion and soul, as Bobby ventures from showtunes ("Hello Dolly", "On The Street Where You Live") to great American standards (his amazing version of "More", "Moon River", "Call Me Irresponsible") to folk ("If I We Were A Carpenter"), all done with his trademark style and dedication. Only Frank Sinatra was able to trump Bobby Darin's talent as a vocalist, and even Frank couldn't nail "Mack The Knife" half as good as Bobby.
   
   Because this collection is marketed by Capitol, early Atco hits like "Dream Lover" and "Queen Of The Hop" are omitted, while "Mack The Knife", "Beyond The Sea" and "Splish Splash" are included in live versions, all of which demonstrate that Bobby was just as, if not more, exciting onstage as he was on the turntables.
   
   The liner notes by Will Friedwald are absolutely a joy to read, and the remastering job is fantastic. Right now, Bobby is in Heaven, hopefully thrilled to know how loved he still is today.



5. Bobby Darin was a consummate entertainer who could reach out to his adoring audiences and lead them wherever he wanted them to go. He knew his life would be a short one because he had a bad heart; and every time he sang he poured so much genuine feeling and soul into his performance it touched people everywhere. This CD gives us a generous sampling of just some of Bobby's greatest hits recorded both live and in the studio; and every moment of this CD proves Bobby was more than a male singer--he was a force.
   
   The CD track set begins with "Once In A Lifetime;" the drums at the beginning signal the beginning of a high energy number--and, sure enough, Bobby delivers this number with a faster than usual tempo. The power of Bobby's voice makes this the ultimate rendition of "Once In A Lifetime." The romantic ballad "More" follows; Bobby again speeds up the tempo along with musical arranger Richard Wess. The effect is an especially energetic rendition of "More." The lush musical arrangement works wonders, too.
   
   One live number that stands out would have to be "Beyond The Sea" recorded in concert in Los Angeles in 1973. Bobby delivers this with passion and high octane energy; the audience enjoys every minute of it, too! You also get a live recording of "Mack The Knife" when Bobby performed at The Flamingo in Las Vegas in November, 1963. Bobby has a playful and very positive rapport with his audience even though these days one or two of his comments would be considered embarrassingly dated. The high quality control of the actual song "Mack The Knife," however, stuns me as Bobby Darin delivers this flawlessly.
   
   "On The Street Where You Live" from My Fair Lady gets a much faster than usual tempo from arranger Richard Wess and Bobby; but I think you will enjoy this number very much. "Hello, Dolly!" gets the royal treatment from Bobby and the musicians; Bobby delivers this as if he feels genuinely thrilled to see his friend Dolly again after many years. The tempo of "Hello, Dolly!" eventually speeds up to the normal tempo; and the arrangement complements Bobby's vocals perfectly. Bobby's sensitive interpretation of "The Good Life" touched me greatly; and Bobby again sings "Moon River" with panache and sensitivity. Great!
   
   "Call Me Irresponsible" shines brightly like a golden nugget; and "Softly, As I Leave You" glistens like gold! The backup chorus on "Softly, As I Leave You" enhances the beauty of this number. In addition, "Venice Blue" tells how a man is so sad that his love affair is over than even the entire city of Venice turns blue before his very eyes.
   
   There is another live track in which Bobby performs a playful medley of four of his greatest earlier hits: "Splish Splash/Beyond The Sea/Artificial Flowers/Clementine." Finally, the last track on the CD is another live track recorded in November of 1963 when Bobby truly believed that this would be his last live concert. (He subsequently changed his mind.) "The Curtain Falls" doesn't merely explore Bobby's feelings as he ends this particular concert; it also makes the perfect ending to this album. As Bobby sings this ballad about the end of his concert career; we also recognize that there is another meaning: "The Curtain Falls" gives us the perfect ending to this album as well.
   
   The liner notes include an informative essay about Bobby Darin and his career by Will Friedwald; and you get excellent photos of Bobby, too. The liner notes also provide the song credits and recording dates.
   
   Bobby Darin remains a formidable force whose star still shines brightly long after his life ended. Bobby will always be a legend; and long after most "celebrities" are dead and buried we will still remember Bobby very fondly. I highly recommend this excellent CD for Bobby Darin fans; and people who enjoy classic pop vocals will cherish this one for ages to come.
   
   Enjoy!

5 comments about Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind.

1. This record opens with "Still Within The Sound Of My Voice", one of the most beautiful songs ever written, superbly arranged, played and performed by all involved. It then segues on with the title track, which is another masterpiece. Linda's voice is in top form, musicianship is particularly inspired, with a rhythm section formed primarily by the great Carlos Vega and Russ Kunkel on drums and the wonderful Lee Sklar on bass.
   
   I personally prefer Bette Midler's version of "I Don't Know Much" ("All I Need To Know", on her "No Frills" album) to Linda's, but you can't have all, right? You got four Jimmy Webb compositions, a cool multiple co-performance by angelic-voiced Aaron Neville (especially on the Nick Lowe/Paul Carrack number "I Need You", a perfect take on Sixties Motown R&B), powerful arrangements and on top of this Linda's unerring ability to make it all sound so easy and simple.
   
   "Cry Like A Rainstorm" has the same dramatic impact of a subsequent Ronstadt album like "Winter Light", but the choice of material here is more adventurous (no big, already well-known Bacharach standards). The perfectly classic production values combine the adoption of a large orchestra and a Gospel choir with a natural feel to Linda's performance that will resurface again in the basic, quasi-'live' "We Ran" rock album almost ten years later.
   
   What are you waiting for?



2. This is a great pop release from Linda Ronstadt. Linda has one of the best female voices of all time and in large part because of her range and ability to do so many different styles of music.



3. After reading all the reviews numerous times, I bought the album, despite not ever hearing even one song off of it. I recognized it as a GREAT album on the first hearing, and it has only gotten better. Thanks to ALL the reviewers. I agree that there is not one bad song on the whole thing, although we all have our favorites. It was very much worth the time to find this outstanding album.



4. This CD showcases Linda's tremendous vocal talent and there are many great moments scattered throught the 12 songs that comprise "Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind." I am not really an Aaron Neville fan so the duets, except for "I Need You", really didn't do much for me. The Skywalker Symphony Orchestra compliments Linda's style very well, however David Campbell's arrangements are a little heavy-handed and overly dramatic when compared to Nelson Riddle's earlier work with Linda. But, all in all, this is a fine addition to Linda's discography.



5. I love this cd thankyou amazon for finding it for such a low price including the shipping and handling it was cheaper than than any store! Thankyou again!

5 comments about Ultra-Lounge: Christmas Cocktails, Part One.

1. It is what exactly what it says it is. Nice jazz renditions of Christmas classics. Pour your self an eggnog and enjoy



2. This is such a hip Christmas disc! Every one who hears it loves it. It is one of our favorite holiday discs.



3. Christmas Cocktails, part one gives you twenty-one awesome tracks to make you feel toasty warm all over this holiday season! The quality of the sound is excellent and anyone who likes lounge music is bound to want this album.
   
   There are several highlights of this album. The first track is Billy May's "Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer Mambo." This tune's Latin beat uses the brass, percussion and perfect timing to make a great arrangement. Peggy Lee's "Winter Wonderland" is another track I really like; her excellent diction bolsters her performance. Moreover, listen for Ray Anthony's medley of "Christmas Trumpets/We Wish You A Very Merry Christmas;" this one's wonderful, too.
   
   The incomparable Julie London does a perfect job on "I'd Like You For Christmas;" her voice conveys all the romance a man could ever want from a woman. Of course, Kay Starr's excellent "(Everybody's Waitin' For) The Man With The Bag" features Kay singing at her best; the big band style arrangement lacks nothing, either.
   
   Dean Martin croons his way through "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm;" and Jackie Gleason and Jack Marshall give us a great medley of "I'll Be Home For Christmas/Baby, It's Cold Outside." Now THIS is mood music!
   
   Nancy Wilson performs a charming, sensitive rendition of the classic "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?;" and the immortal Nat King Cole performs "The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)."
   
   There are three bonus tracks. I especially liked the one that features several different artists encouraging people to contribute to "Toys For Tots;" and Billy May's eclectic version of "Jingle Bells" is a cute way for Capitol Records to wish us all a Merry Christmas.
   
   The liner notes feature an essay by R. J. Smith; and we get two drink recipes--including one of the famous Hot Toddy. The artwork is excellent.
   
   In short, if you like lounge music--and especially pop Christmastime music from the 1950s and 1960s--you have got to get this album. It's worth every penny you'll spend on it.



4. Am I the only one who can't seem to download the music into iTunes? My computer won't even acknowledge the existence of the CD. Grrrrrr - that's not the true Christmas spirit... (or IS it?)



5. Nothing can be finer that Ultra Lounge - never a bad thing to say.

5 comments about Candide (1956 Original Broadway Cast).

1. After more than half a century, the original cast album of "Candide" still glitters, so to speak. Although this production flopped on Broadway, this album has become a cult classic, primarily due to Barbara Cook's clear, sweet, and warm soprano, a "sui generis" voice, unlike the many generic Broadway sopranos of today.
   
   Although this is not my favorite "Candide" overall, the style of some of the performances being a little stilted, Cook is certainly my favorite Cunegonde.



2. This is an American Classic...fantastic score performed by the original cast. Can't be beat! Should be in the collection of everyone who enjoys American musical theatre - and opera.



3. I currently own two recordings of Candide, this one and the 1997 revival. It is hard to say which one is better; however it is easy to say this one is more important. This is the original. Many have come after it (including a revised version by Bernstein himself) but this is the basis for them all. Each revision is different in some way, so you really should own this one to know the true Candide. In circles of major Broadway fans this recording is considered the definitive way to sing "Glitter and Be Gay" and I must say it is really quite amazing. Candide leans heavily into the styling's of operetta so some west side story fans may be surprised with what they hear, but it is still beautiful music. So why even consider another recording? The 1997 recording has almost the full orchestrations and they sound glorious. Some reworking of libretto and plot may not be, but hearing the magnificent composition of Bernstein is well worth the investment. Bottom line: If you can only get one, this is the one to get. Favorite song: "It Must Be So"



4. An uneven disk. Some parts are very good, but much of the story line is absent and the tension expected between the fuzzy headed romantic thoughts of some characters and the devious real world does not happen. It seems diluted and while better than the Soundheim stuff of later years is still not at the level expected for this work.



5. Wonderful, though I prefer the rich maturity of Barbara Cook's voice now to the beauty and purity of it in her youth.

5 comments about A Year with Frog and Toad (Original Cast Recording).

1. My daughter and I love the stories, and put to music, they are even more fun.



2. After seeing a local production of "A year with frog and toad" we found this CD and we are so happy we did. My 4 year old daughters LOVE this CD--and it is fun for adults to listen to also. We all sing along with the songs and it pretty much plays continuously in our car. I grew up reading the frog and toad series and it's so fun to be able to share it both in book and music form with my children.



3. We just love this family CD. The songs are so much fun... Even I find myself lost in imagination as I listen to these songs - It reminds me of simpler times when a book is all you needed for entertainment. A must for Frog & Toad lovers!!!!



4. We've seen the musical twice now and would love to see it again. The songs are catchy, clever and cute. The characters are wonderful and richly developed. The songs go along perfectly with the stories if you have the book (if you don't you should get it). This is fun for our kids and I like it too!
   Absolutely delightful!



5. This is a delightful musical designed to appeal to children of all ages. (I'm 65 and found it magical!) Although I sure it's better to see the show than just hear it, this cast recording captures the energy of the show quite well. Most importantly, the valuable message of the show comes through very well on this recording. The message of the show is to answer the important question: "What is friendship?" Frog and Toad teach us the true meaning of this wonderful word in a way that is fun to hear!!

5 comments about One Heart.

1. I'm a huge Celine Dion fan. I just love her voice and the way she uses it. For me, this is my favorite album of hers. I love every song on it except for one... and that doesn't happen very often with any artist or album for me.



2. I love Celine Dion's music and this is no exception. I love almost every single track on here, I know the words to every single song and I play it at least once a week. My fiance is sick of it, but I adore her and never get tired of listening to her. Her voice certainly has no changed and is still as powerful and beautiful. I would definetely recommend adding this to the collection.



3. As usual Celine displays wonderful vocal ability but the material isn't that exciting. This is my least favorite recording by her.



4. This is a good upbeat cd.
   1) I Drove All night-Pop/dance song, really good. Her vocals really shine. Excellent.
   
   2)Love is All we Need-Pop song, kind of sounds like a Britney Spears song but with better vocal work. Good.
   
   3)Faith-Pop song, upbeat with a slower tempo. It's ok.
   
   4)In His Touch-A slow ballad song. Kind of boring I skip it.
   
   5)One Heart-A dance/pop song. Very upbeat.
   
   6)Stand By Your Side-A ballad song. Kind of boring I skip it.
   
   7)Naked-Upbeat pop song. Very beautiful lyrics.
   
   8)Sorry For Love- A re-hash from 2002. It's a slower verison of the song but well done.
   
   9)Have You ever been in Love-A re-hash of 2002. The same version. Still a great song.
   
   10)Reveal-Dance song. I love this song. Beautiful lyrics, and a great beat.
   
   11)Coulda Woulda Shoulda-A pop song it's ok but I usually skip it.
   
   12)Forget me Not-A ballad song, it's kind of catchy.
   
   13)I know What Love is- A ballad song, kind of boring but her vocals are good I usually listen to it.
   
   All in all a good cd. I wasn't surprised at all because it was a change for Celine (not all ballads). All a follower of Celine for a over a decade I wish they didn't repeat 2 songs from the other Cd. It isn't her best but pretty good.



5. I love every single Celine Dion album, but this one has a special place in my heart, tied with the previous album. She taps into such amazing songwriters and lyricists that none of her songs could be confused with any previous song she's sung. Each song is a new, fresh, unique experience. After loving her from her French albums to her very first English release to her most recent endeavors, she doesn't disappoint and knows how to keep the music fresh and relevent. Her music doesn't become dated or tired. This album, in my opinion, is very much under-rated, and I'm surprised it hasn't had more attention. It certainly deserves airtime on the radio much more than some of the tripe that's out there right now.

5 comments about Chicago - The Musical (1996 Broadway Revival Cast).

1. Makes the enjoyment of the show continue after you leave the theater. Definitely see the show before you by the soundtrack.



2. Chicago - The Musical (1996 Broadway Revival Cast)
   
   One of the top 10 best Broadway cast albums ever! A revival which surpasses the original. A must own for anyone who likes Broadway shows. Bebe Neuworth, Ann Reinking & James Naughton are stellar. Plenty of razzle dazzle and fun.



3. Chicago is a classic, and that classic status remains in the revival recording. Bebe Neurwith is truly a delight as Velma Kelly, and shines in the star number of "All That Jazz", but it's the men who steal the show. James Naughten and Joel Grey are perfect as Billy Flynn and Amos Hart. Every single one their numbers is absolutely perfect are true classics. There are, however, two downsides. First is that the film soundtrack exceeds vocally with Catherine Zeta-Jones as a belting Velma. Second, and ultimately, Anne Reinking's rendition of "Roxie" is downright awful. I love her versions of "Funney Honey" and "Me and My Baby", but "Roxie" is disgusting. In all, however, a wonderful, fun, and classic recording.



4. I understand that many of you who have bought this CD will be Broadway lovers (and I am one myself)and you will be used to the lead roles having amazing powerful voices. But just as important as good singing is good acting. I think that Ann interpreted Roxie as a wannabe who had the enthusiasm but lacked the talent, which makes her raspy tones and sing-speak completely plausible. It also supports the theme that you can use other things than talent to get yourself to the top This may not be the way you like Roxie played, but you shouldn't shun Ann's interpretation. It's a good thing if there is more than one way of having a character played, I think so anyway.
   Personally I love the Miramax film, but I enjoy comparing these 2 and seeing the differences.



5. The revival edition of CHICAGO could be a whole lot better (like the original or the movie soundtrack.) But it is good none the less.
   Bebe Nuewirth is fun to listen to on the recording, but Ann Reinking is HORRIBLE! She can't sing and she can't act as well as Ms. Nuewirth.
   I recomend this recording to all Chicago and Kander and Ebb fans.

5 comments about Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1.

1. I've been listening to this CD since it was released. I may not play it for years but once it lands in my CD player, it stays there for a long time. Once it gets under your skin you'll hear it in your head all the time. A real grower, you need to listen to it and let it grow on you.
   
   I think the poor initial reaction to Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1 was that the first song, "Praying For Time" was plodding upon first listen. Unlike the song "Faith" which invites you in with the Hammond B-3 Church like chords, "Praying for Time" sort of stands at the door, and you have to walk past it to get to "Freedom 90."
   
   Once in the door, expect Beatlesque melodies (Heal the Pain sounds like a Rubber Soul outtake), impeccable ballads (Mother's Pride)and Philly Soul (Soul Free). Too bad the album was unappreciated the first time around. I sure would have liked to hear Vol. 2.



2. This is an amazing CD! From start to finish it echoes the depth and wonder within George Michael's soul. He is an amazing singer. The beginning starts out wonderful with praying for time and then it leads into a heart felt emotional roller coater. The CD to me can chronicle beautifully the beginning and demise of a relationship and the feelings and emotions that come from such an event. It is really sad that Volume II was never released.....Oh well maybe one day. Buy and listen to this CD you will not be disappointed- An utter masterpiece.



3. Loved all the songs on this CD, particularly Praying for Time, Mother's Pride, Cowboys and Angels, and Soul Free. George's songs and music go beautifully together - he is so talented.



4. After years of owning this album and never taking the time to really listen to it (due in no doubt to the stupid media problems and George's absense from the vids and the vids absense from Mtv) I rebought this on cd and after a listen straight through I came to several conclusions. A. YES, this cd needs desperately to be remastered as it sounds so sonically dead and harmonically hollow. B. This has without a doubt got to be one of the most underrated albums of the past 20 years. and C. George Michael is also one of our generation's most talented, honest and gifted singer/songwriter/producers in the history of modern pop music. Whereas we've all heard Freedom 90' and Praying for time (pure brilliance) it's the little gems on this disc that blow your socks off. "Heal the pain" is a gorgeous acoustic guitar driven song with a chorus that sticks in your head like peanut butter, "Soul Free" and "Mother's pride" are beautiful in execution and production. BUT the truest gem on this disc is the last track "Waiting (Reprise)". Two minutes and twenty seconds of pure, unguarded emotion. If this song doesn't give you goosebumps your emotionally dead. The vocals, lyrics and sparse arrangement make this tiny, short song HUGE and powerful. This little slice of musical heaven was just a precursor to the forthcoming honesty and emotional depths George was on his way to mining on all his subsequent material. Less is more, and in this case..... less was more than plenty. This song will go down in my books as one of the greatest, PUREST songs ever committed to vinyl. No wonder he opens all his shows with it. When he sings "HERE I AM!" you can't help but think "YES! And thank god for that!".



5. Hmmm... if it is 2006 and you are reading this review because you are considering buying this CD, all I can ask is who are you? I cannot believe that anyone who likes George Michael would not already own this CD, seeing as it has been out for over 16 years.
   
   That said, this is one of my favorite CDs; definitely in my Top 10. This is actually the first CD that I found a way to "wear out" and had to buy a second copy (basically, repeated plays throughout the years resulted in the disc getting scratched, dinged and skipping during playback). This CD is consistent from start to finish, without a weak song. It is also a much better album than "Faith" and holds up better over repeated listens.
   
   This CD was underrated back in 1990, basically because of its somewhat somber tone, and because it did not have as many radio-friendly tracks as "Faith". In fact, outside of "Freedom '90", it has no "radio friendly" material on it. However, this CD is a consistently rewarding listen. It is somber without being gloomy. It retains George Michael's brand of pop music, and his unique sound, without being "commercial". This was certainly not another "Faith" and in fact the only song from "Faith" that might sound at home on this release would be "Hand to Mouth". Otherwise, the album is a definite departure (albeit a very positive departure) for George.
   
   Considering the time when this thing came out (i.e. the year of "Ice Ice Baby", "U Can't Touch This" and "Cherry Pie") this album was actually ahead of its time. It is one of the few releases from 1990 (along with Depeche Mode's "Violator") that have aged well.
   
   My only complaint is that this CD (along with the rest of George's solo and Wham! output) is in dire need of remastering. As with most releases of the time, the CD sounds hollow (i.e. not deep enough bass, too much treble, very "tinny" sounding). There is a warmth and depth to these songs that only a good remastering job could really bring out. Considering George has patched up his relationship with Sony, and considering other than his back catalogue, George doesn't have much else to offer these days, I am surprised that this (and his other releases) have not yet been remastered.
   
   That said, if you are considering buying this (again, where have you been the past 16 years?) you won't be disappointed.