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Janae Chebret
Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1: George Michael's Acoustic Masterpiece
George Michael was one of the most successful pop stars of the 1980s, but by 1990 he was ready for a change. He wanted to show his introspection and social conscience, and to escape the image-driven expectations of the music industry. He released Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1, a mostly acoustic album that showcased his songwriting skills and soulful voice.
The album was a departure from his previous work, which was dominated by dance-pop hits and glossy production. Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 featured stripped-down arrangements, bossa nova influences, and covers of songs by Stevie Wonder and Gladys Knight. It also contained some of his most personal and political lyrics, addressing topics such as poverty, war, homophobia, and AIDS.
The album was critically acclaimed, but it did not match the commercial success of his debut solo album Faith. Michael also faced a legal battle with his record label Sony, who wanted him to produce more mainstream material and promote it with videos and tours. Michael refused, claiming that he wanted his music to be judged on its own merits, without prejudice.
Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 is now regarded as one of George Michael's finest albums, and a testament to his artistic vision and integrity. It is an intimate and beautiful album that reveals his depth and sensitivity as a singer-songwriter. It is also a rare example of a pop star who dared to challenge the status quo and follow his own path.
The album featured some of Michael's most memorable songs, such as "Praying for Time", a haunting ballad that lamented the state of the world and the indifference of the wealthy. The song was accompanied by a simple video that showed only the lyrics on a black background, reflecting Michael's desire to avoid being seen as a sex symbol. Another highlight was "Freedom! '90", a catchy anthem that declared Michael's independence from his past image and musical style. The song was also notable for its video, which featured supermodels lip-syncing to Michael's vocals while his belongings from the Faith era were destroyed.
Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 also showcased Michael's versatility as a singer and songwriter, as he explored different genres and influences. He paid tribute to one of his idols, Stevie Wonder, by covering his song "They Won't Go When I Go", a dark and soulful meditation on death and salvation. He also ventured into jazz territory with "Cowboys and Angels", a complex and elegant song that featured a saxophone solo by Andy Hamilton. He also demonstrated his knack for writing catchy pop hooks with "Heal the Pain", a Beatlesque song that expressed his longing for love and companionship.
The album received positive reviews from critics, who praised Michael's maturity and craftsmanship. However, it also faced some controversy and challenges. Michael was sued by the Rolling Stones for using an uncredited sample of their song "You Can't Always Get What You Want" in his song "Waiting for That Day". He also had a falling out with his record label Sony, who he accused of not promoting the album properly and restricting his artistic freedom. He filed a lawsuit against Sony in 1992, which he eventually lost in 1994. The legal dispute delayed the release of Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 2, which was supposed to be a dance-oriented companion to Vol. 1. The album was never completed, and some of its songs were released on other projects.
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