Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1 (CD - 1990)

Personnel: George Michael (vocals, guitar, keyboards, bass, percussion); Phil Palmer (guitar); Emily Burridge, Alfia Nakipbekova (cello); Andy Hamilton (saxophone); Chris Cameron (piano, keyboards); Tony Patler (keyboards); Deon Estus (bass, background vocals); Ian Thomas (drums); Danny Cummings (percussion); Shirley Lewis (background vocals).

Recorded at Sarm West and Metropolis Studios, London, England.

George Michael's follow-up to the massive success of Faith found him turning inward, trying to gain critical acclaim as well as sales. Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1 is not an entirely successful effort; Michael has cut back on the effortless hooks and melodies that crammed not only Faith but also his singles with Wham!, and his socially conscious lyrics tend to be heavy-handed. But the highlights -- the light, Beatlesque harmonies of "Heal the Pain," the plodding number one "Praying for Time," and also "Waiting for That Day" as well as the Top Ten "Freedom" -- make a case for his talents as a pop craftsman. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

From its odd, defensive title to the announcement that none of the album's videos would include the photogenic singer/songwriter, George Michael's second solo album consciously repositioned the ex-Wham! frontman as a mature artist rather than a teenybopper idol. Indeed, the video for "Freedom '90," which shares only its title with Wham's 1984 hit, features the ritual burning of Michael's trademark leather jacket.

Career intent aside, LISTEN WITHOUT PREJUDICE is an excellent adult-pop album opening with the tender "Praying For Time" and continuing through nine more excellent, well-sung, and melodic examples of smooth commercial pop, the highlight being the angry "They Won't Go When I Go." Although a more dance-oriented LISTEN WITHOUT PREJUDICE, VOLUME TWO was due for release shortly after the first volume, it was never issued. This projected follow-up may be yet another casualty of the protracted legal battle between George Michael and Sony Music that derailed the singer's career for over half a decade. minimize