After his brush with death from acute pneumonia, George Michael's and finally back with a gorgeous circus-themed music video for his new piano-driven "Let Her Down Easy," the lead single from English singer-songwriter's newest sixth studio album "Symphonica," the first album of new material since 2004, out today! Having often made the news for all the wrong reasons, Michael was hoping to put the focus back on his music. Despite fears that one of the best voices of his generation might never perform again, Michael made a slow recovery and eventually resumed his tour.
Michael's in-concert album "Symphonica," was recorded after his recovered from pneumonia, reiterates his resilience as a consummate live entertainer. Produced by Michael and Phil Ramone, the legendary American producer who passed away last year at 79, "Symphonica" is a far cry from the kind of fare served up in the '80s by the singer and his former Wham! buddy Andrew Ridgeley. As befits a man of 50, this record is more refined. With elegant strings and horns adding color without being intrusive, it places the onus firmly on a smooth, expressive voice that is still in magnificent fettle.
The most interesting covers are the less obvious ones. Michael excels on Terence Trent D'Arby's touching 1993 classic "Let Her Down Easy," a poignant, subdued song written by a concerned father about his teenage daughter's coming of age. But, despite the bumpy ride behind "Symphonica," this polished return is an overdue reminder of a great British voice that might even be getting better with age. He says the orchestral accompaniment on "Symphonica" gave him the opportunity to showcase his famously mellifluous vocal skills.
The cautionary tale told in the Vaughn Arnell-directed black and white circus-themed clip follows the love story of two circus performers - a handsome, love-experienced ringmaster and a virginal young acrobat - who have a romantic interlude. It's already a given that the young man is going to have his way with the girl who retires to her home where she strips naked and is greeted by her co-star. But, as the title suggests, the song's lyrics implore the guy to not lead the girl on and just deflate her hopes for a future relationship as gently as possible. It's very sexual and very emotional. Watch the heartbreaking tale play out below.
Michael's in-concert album "Symphonica," was recorded after his recovered from pneumonia, reiterates his resilience as a consummate live entertainer. Produced by Michael and Phil Ramone, the legendary American producer who passed away last year at 79, "Symphonica" is a far cry from the kind of fare served up in the '80s by the singer and his former Wham! buddy Andrew Ridgeley. As befits a man of 50, this record is more refined. With elegant strings and horns adding color without being intrusive, it places the onus firmly on a smooth, expressive voice that is still in magnificent fettle.
The most interesting covers are the less obvious ones. Michael excels on Terence Trent D'Arby's touching 1993 classic "Let Her Down Easy," a poignant, subdued song written by a concerned father about his teenage daughter's coming of age. But, despite the bumpy ride behind "Symphonica," this polished return is an overdue reminder of a great British voice that might even be getting better with age. He says the orchestral accompaniment on "Symphonica" gave him the opportunity to showcase his famously mellifluous vocal skills.
The cautionary tale told in the Vaughn Arnell-directed black and white circus-themed clip follows the love story of two circus performers - a handsome, love-experienced ringmaster and a virginal young acrobat - who have a romantic interlude. It's already a given that the young man is going to have his way with the girl who retires to her home where she strips naked and is greeted by her co-star. But, as the title suggests, the song's lyrics implore the guy to not lead the girl on and just deflate her hopes for a future relationship as gently as possible. It's very sexual and very emotional. Watch the heartbreaking tale play out below.
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