The disc itself is presented in black on black, reminiscent of AC/DC’s Back In Black album and Metallica’s self-titled ‘black album’ Metallica. I like the subtleness of this styling, but I’m not sure it suits this album. Included in the HFPA release is a download code for the MP3. Yes, I don’t know why they bother adding this either. Okay, it is a value added offer, but where is my FLAC version of the album? Some HFPA releases give this option, but it is certainly not included on the majority of releases. This is one reason why I still love the SACD Hybrid format. It is a standard Redbook CD, when played on any CD player, and a high resolution disc when played on a compatible SACD player. Honestly, I'm amazed that the SACD format never replaced CD as it offers the best of both worlds.

That all said, let's take a look at the songs shall we?

Through is a George Michael original (from Patience) and it is a beautifully peaceful song to start the album with. The guitar strumming introduction, intermingled with vocals, sets the scene as Michael progresses in vocal range towards the the chorus. In this song, as in all, the orchestral backing is subtile and adds to the song. It reminds me of how much I adore Metallica’s S&M album as again, the orchestra takes their music in a different direction whereby one could easily say that that is how their music should have sounded all along. In a similar way, I don’t know as I want to listen to a new George Michael album without a backing orchestra. It is a perfect fit.

My Baby Just Cares For Me is upbeat and jazzy. It is a song that would do any jazz club in New Orleans proud. The horn section in this song is perfectly balanced and I appreciate this as sometimes the brashness of that instrument can overpower a song.

A Different Corner slows things down with gorgeous vocals and acoustic guitar and bass strumming. It is a simple and uncomplicated rhythm, but one that highlights Michael’s vocal capabilities. This is another George Michael original datIng back to the mid-80s and the final Wham! release, Music From The Edge Of Heaven.

Praying For Time was originally the lead single on Michael’s second solo album Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1. It is an incredibly moving song and one that I would say rivals any socially motivated song in music history.

Let Her Down Easy is a song I absolutely love. It was originally written and recorded by Terence Trent D’Arby on his album Symphony Or Damn. The song is just so soothing, especially as it is presented in a lullaby style. George Michael performs it beautifully.

The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face is an absolute classic and one of the best renditions of the song I have ever heard.

Feeling Good has to be one of the best songs to ever include wind instruments. It is epic! George Michael performs this tune beautifully and certainly has the vocal range to pull it off. That said, I still love Nina Simone’s version on I Put A Spell On You.

John And Elvis Are Dead is a homage to fallen artists that have changed and influenced so many creative individuals. It is a good song that was first featured on Michael’s album Patience, but I’m not sure how I feel about the song in general. As part of an album experience, it works, but as a song on its own, I’m not so sure.

Any fan of Sting and The Police will love Michael’s version of Roxanne. Michael plays it with a jazz styling and given that I have mixed opinions of The Police, I find that this version is exceptional and changes the relationship I have with the song.

One More Try was originally released on Michael’s highly successful debut solo album Faith. Needless to say, it is a George Michael classic and one that any fan will thoroughly enjoy.

Going To A Town is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. Prior to hearing it on this release, I had never heard the song before. To say that I was completely blown away is an understatement. The original was written and recorded by Rufus Wainwright for his album Release The Stars.

Cowboys And Angels is another George Michael original from Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1. It is a nice jazz inspired tune, but it is the worst song on the album for Michael’s vocal sibilance.

Idol is an Elton John and Bernie Taupin collaboration from John’s 1976 album Blue Moves. It is a beautiful song that sadly hasn’t received the acknowledgement I believe it deserves. It is always wonderful to see artists cover a lesser known song and make it their own. I feel George Michael has achieved just that.

Brother Can You Spare A Dime is an American Classic and one that George Michael has recorded and previously released on Songs From The Last Century. Despite being written during the Great Depression, the song is timeless and certainly has not aged.

You Have Been Loved was originally featured on Michael’s album Older. It features some magical jazz drumming and is just a lovely ballad.

Wild Is The Wind has been recorded by some of the great performers of the world, including Johnny Mathis, Nina Sìmone, and David Bowie. It really doesn’t matter which version you listen to as the song is simply gorgeous. That said, Michael’s rendition is beyond reproach.

You’ve Changed is the final track and closes the album on a perfect jazz feel that will make you want to listen to the entire album again.

Honestly, George Michael is an amazing jazz vocalist. That certainly isn’t an opinion I ever thought I would have made, especially knowing his dance/pop recording history. It just proves that if one is truly talented, they can adapt and evolve.

Symphonica is about as good as it gets. It is recorded and mastered with superb precision and the selection of songs is perfect for any mood, or time of day. It is an album that you simply must own, or at the very least listen to.

Symphonica is available on Vinyl, HFPA (Blu-Ray), CD, and TIDAL Hi-Fi.