Symphonica
by George Michael
  • Record Label: Island
  • Release Date: Mar 18, 2014
User Score
7.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 2 out of 13
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  1. jetronic63
    Apr 17, 2014
    8
    Comprising a blend of familiar standards and George's own compositions, the tracks are given lush reworkings and together with Phil Ramones production, float serenely towards you. Having heard most of what is included here before, I am still engaged by the album and for George Michael fans at least, it is a compelling and valuable addition to the library. There are not many artists thatComprising a blend of familiar standards and George's own compositions, the tracks are given lush reworkings and together with Phil Ramones production, float serenely towards you. Having heard most of what is included here before, I am still engaged by the album and for George Michael fans at least, it is a compelling and valuable addition to the library. There are not many artists that have the style or talent George has and its showcased to great effect here. My favourites include the Terence Trent Darby penned Let Her Down Easy, perhaps for its relative freshness as much as its beautifully sparse piano/string arrangement. The band and George also get to stretch their legs on Feeling Good giving a mid album lift to the set. Negatives for me include the production on some of the tracks where a push on the upper frequencies has left the vocals sounding a little sibilant - I am being picky though and I have noticed this on George's material before, so maybe he just likes it like this. As a whole it errs on the safe side and as I have already said, there is not much here that will be unfamiliar to many listeners. Having said that, its an enormously enjoyable listen shot through with beauty and feeling from one of the most talented artists we have.… Expand
  2. Carlos1979
    Dec 14, 2020
    10
    I still have to watch a more perfect live performer than #GeorgeMichael incredible talent.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
60

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. PopMatters
    Apr 30, 2014
    60
    Symphonica certainly offers a heady, luxurious soirée, proving genuinely moving in parts, but it’s also quite exhausting and yes, occasionally bewildering.
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  2. AllMusic
    Apr 1, 2014
    60
    Michael is in good form but he's coasting, doing no more than he needs to, satisfying fans without surprising.
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  3. Mojo
    Mar 21, 2014
    60
    Symphonica is decidedly upmarket, but more picks in keeping with its ballsy take on the Newley & Bricusse standard Feeling Good wouldn't have hurt. [Apr 2014, p.90]
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