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Rating: A 1998 box set that includes some of George Michael's hits, a songwriter of genuine and private songs, which find their perfect combination in R&B. Just the first CD is one of the most beautiful around, in my opinion. The beautiful "Jesus to a Child" opens the collection in a sumptuous way thanks to the smooth and clean accompaniment and the sinuous voice capable of gracefully and accurately describing love.
"Father Figure" has soul sounds, always fluid and intense; followed by the wonderful "Careless Whisper", one of the greatest ever, thanks to the sax and the graceful yet humble lyrics, addressed to someone important who probably does not reciprocate the feelings.
The next track features a duet with another great: Elton John, whose verses stand out from the scene since the song is by the latter. But the most beautiful song is perhaps the following "You Have Been Loved" with a background of clarinet, and intervals marked despite having a lazy pace; the lyrics are very sad, where faith in God is questioned by the inability to protect those we care about.
"Kissing a Fool" is more upbeat, also thanks to the piano, and talks about the quirks of people, the difficulty of loving or being loved, as does the next track, where the focus narrows to the couple's relationship.
Another wonderful song is "Cowboys and Angels" which features a beautiful piano intro, followed by bass and tuning forks accompanying the beautiful and longing lyrics. But "Praying for Time" is also a masterpiece, creating a stunning melody thanks to the reflective voice, which accuses venality and materialism, blaming them for the fact that God has turned away and "Stopped Keeping Score".
Opening the next "One More Try" are always very fine effects, including keyboards, while the lyrics talk about the vicissitudes of poverty, but also of love; with a sensational George Michael.
And that was just the first disc; the other one, although less delicate and evanescent, is still up to par, featuring more funk songs, including duets of Michael with Mary J. Blige, Aretha Franklin, and the Queen in the cover of "Somebody to Love".
This "Ladies & Gentlemen" is a beautiful collection from this great singer.
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