Older cover

Released 30 years ago

Older

giorge mijael · 1996

58 min · 11 tracks · contemporary R&B

A sophisticated blend of blue-eyed soul and pop, reflecting introspection over smooth grooves and lush arrangements.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Jesus to a Child Start here — This track encapsulates the album's themes of love and loss, featuring tender lyrics paired with an evocative melody that highlights Michael's vocal prowess.
  • →
    Fastlove — With its infectious groove and upbeat tempo, Fastlove demonstrates Michael's ability to merge dance-pop with deeply personal reflections on romance and desire.
  • →
    You Have Been Loved — This poignant ballad showcases vulnerability through its haunting melody and lyrics about longing and heartbreak, marking a significant emotional high point on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends personal storytelling with polished production, creating an engaging yet familiar sound.

What we noticed

  • The album closes with a gradual tempo decrease, allowing for a reflective finish that contrasts with the upbeat opening.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • gradual builds and payoffs
  • introspective emotional exploration

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Established George Michael's continued mainstream appeal and personal storytelling.
Themes
romantic longing· mid-'90s introspection· dance floor desire
Career context
Released on May 13, 1996, Older marked George Michael's fourth studio album, coming four years after his hugely successful album, Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1. At this point in his career, Michael was transitioning from the commercial pop success of the late '80s and early '90s to a more mature sound and lyrical depth, influenced by personal experiences and societal issues.
Stylistic neighbors
Tom Misch· Anderson .Paak· Jordan Rakei

Tracklist

  • 1 Jesus to a Child Start here 6:51
  • 2 Fastlove 5:24
  • 3 Older 5:33
  • 4 Spinning the Wheel 6:21
  • 5 It Doesn’t Really Matter 4:50
  • 6 The Strangest Thing 6:01
  • 7 To Be Forgiven 5:21
  • 8 Move On 4:45
  • 9 Star People 5:16
  • 10 You Have Been Loved 5:30
  • 11 Free 3:02

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata