Symphonica (George Michael album) cover

Symphonica (George Michael album)

giorge mijael · 2014

79 min · 17 tracks · contemporary R&B

A lush orchestral backdrop enhances George Michael's emotive vocals, intertwining classic pop with soul-infused reinterpretations.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Through Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Feeling Good — Michael's rendition transforms this classic into a powerful declaration, showcasing his ability to convey deep emotion through nuanced phrasing and vocal control.
  • →
    Praying for Time — This track stands out with its poignant lyrics and reflective mood, allowing Michael to connect personal struggles with broader social themes.
  • →
    One More Try — The heartfelt delivery and stripped-back arrangement highlight Michael's vocal strength, making it a quintessential representation of his emotional range.
  • →
    You Have Been Loved — This song encapsulates themes of loss and longing, with Michael’s interpretation adding layers of vulnerability that resonate deeply.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The orchestral arrangements and vocal performances create a distinctive sound, though the album's cohesion is uneven.

What we noticed

  • The album features lush orchestral arrangements that accompany George Michael's vocals, creating a rich sonic texture.
  • Several tracks are reinterpretations of classic songs, blending Michael's style with the original compositions.
  • The pacing varies significantly, with some tracks maintaining a slow tempo while others build to more dynamic climaxes.
  • The final track concludes with a soft fade-out, leaving an open-ended feeling rather than a definitive close.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

  • lush orchestral arrangements enhance emotion
  • dynamic journey with varied pacing
  • soulful interpretations of classics
  • for reflective evening listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek high-energy party anthems

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — A strong release after a long hiatus, showcasing continued artistic vitality.
Themes
personal struggle· orchestral nostalgia
Moods
Uplifting· Dreamy
Career context
Released in 2014, Symphonica marks George Michael's first album of original material in a decade following his 2004 release, Patience. This album came after a tumultuous period in his life, including health issues and legal troubles, which added a layer of depth to his interpretations of classic tracks.
Stylistic neighbors
Tom Misch· Anderson .Paak· Jordan Rakei
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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • You Have Been Loved

    The narrative shifts from reflection to direct address, evoking raw emotion as the narrator grapples with a sense of profound loss.

Tracklist

  • 1 Through Start here 5:09
  • 2 My Baby Just Cares for Me 1:56
  • 3 A Different Corner 4:14
  • 4 Praying for Time 4:58
  • 5 Let Her Down Easy 3:50
  • 6 The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face 5:24
  • 7 Feeling Good 3:15
  • 8 John and Elvis Are Dead 4:31
  • 9 Roxanne 4:20
  • 10 One More Try 5:14
  • 11 Going to a Town 4:45
  • 12 Cowboys and Angels 7:24
  • 13 Idol 4:29
  • 14 Brother Can You Spare a Dime 4:52
  • 15 You Have Been Loved 5:41
  • 16 Wild Is the Wind 4:15
  • 17 You’ve Changed 4:44

What to play next

Patience
Listen next

Patience

2004

Continues the emotive vocal style with a modern pop sound and rich production.
Songs from the Last Century
Go back to

Songs from the Last Century

1999

Explores classic songs with orchestral arrangements, setting up for Symphonica's style.
Full giorge mijael discography Where to start with giorge mijael Artists like giorge mijael
contemporary R&B funk jazz

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

21

21

Adele

Both share a dramatic emotional depth with orchestral arrangements enhancing personal narratives.

In the Lonely Hour

In the Lonely Hour

Sam Smith

Similar themes of heartache and vulnerability, paired with lush production and soulful vocals.

You Want It Darker

You Want It Darker

Leonard Cohen

Explores personal struggle through rich orchestration and poignant lyrical introspection.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata