Buy Now
- Critic score
- Publication
- By date
-
Mar 17, 2014An unadventurous set list reworks some of his most thoughtful and sombre songs with a selection of classic covers, all given a lush production gloss by the late Phil Ramone. What lifts it to a higher plane is Michael’s smooth and expressive singing.
-
Apr 30, 2014Symphonica certainly offers a heady, luxurious soirée, proving genuinely moving in parts, but it’s also quite exhausting and yes, occasionally bewildering.
-
Apr 1, 2014Michael is in good form but he's coasting, doing no more than he needs to, satisfying fans without surprising.
-
MojoMar 21, 2014Symphonica is decidedly upmarket, but more picks in keeping with its ballsy take on the Newley & Bricusse standard Feeling Good wouldn't have hurt. [Apr 2014, p.90]
-
Mar 21, 2014Competently organised and confidently delivered, it’s an engaging set, but ultimately, like all live albums, essentially a souvenir.
-
Mar 18, 2014A swank live set of classic makeout ballads.
-
Q MagazineMar 17, 2014Symphonica feels supper-club safe. [Apr 2014, p.103]
-
Mar 17, 2014To be fair, he can croon the stuffing out of the most well-worn covers (Brother Can You Spare a Dime is a searingly emotional trip through several octaves), but it's at the expense of spontaneity.
-
Mar 17, 2014Mainly for completists, then, but they'll feel lavishly rewarded.
-
UncutMar 17, 2014An ultra-gentrified karaoke set. [Apr 2014, p.77]
-
Mar 18, 2014There’s no getting around the fact that his versions of “Feeling Good” or “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” pale compared to those of Nina Simone and Roberta Flack.
User score distribution:
-
Positive: 10 out of 13
-
Mixed: 1 out of 13
-
Negative: 2 out of 13
-
Dec 14, 2020I still have to watch a more perfect live performer than #GeorgeMichael incredible talent.
-
Apr 17, 2014