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Released: 15th March 2004.

George Michael's first new studio album in eight years is aptly named "Patience", but was it worth the wait?

Since the release of his previous LP, George Michael's popularity has declined. Once a dead cert for massive hits, his last two singles, "Freeek" and "Shoot The Dog", failed to set the chart alight. Despite these relative flops, both songs appear on the album, with "Freeek" renamed "Freeek 04" to go with a new mix.

Also appearing on the album is George's latest single, "Amazing", his first top five hit in years, and deservingly so. The song sounds like it came fresh out of the 1980s, when the singer was at his peak.

Songs like "My Mother Had A Brother" and "Through" are no more than lesser versions of some of George's biggest ballads. "John And Elvis Are Dead" is the best ballad on the album, but what's with the line "If Jesus Christ is alive and well, how come John and Elvis are dead"?

Tipped to be a future single, "Flawless (Go To The City)" uses the tune from "The Ones" hit of the same name. The marriage of an electro dance tune and George's chilled vocals makes a weird combination.

If you are expecting to find another "Careless Whisper" here, you'll leave disappointed. "Patience" isn't necessarily bad, but it is nothing compared to the artist's impressive back catalogue. As this is supposedly George Michael's last album, it is a shame he won't go out with a bang.

(Dazzle)

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