Songs from the Last Century

Last updated

Songs from the Last Century
Songs from the Last Century (George Michael album - cover art).jpg
Studio album by
George Michael
Released6 December 1999 (1999-12-06)
Recorded1999
Length43:11
Label
Producer
George Michael chronology
Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael
(1998)		Songs from the Last Century
(1999)		 Patience
(2004)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [1]
BBC (mixed) [2]
NME Star full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [3]
The Rolling Stone Album Guide Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [4]

Songs from the Last Century is the fourth solo studio album by English singer-songwriter George Michael, released on 6 December 1999 by Aegean Records and Virgin Records. Produced by Phil Ramone and George Michael, it was his only album of cover versions. It consists mainly of old jazz standards plus new interpretations of more recent popular songs, such as "Roxanne" by the Police and "Miss Sarajevo" by U2 [lower-alpha 1] and Brian Eno with Luciano Pavarotti. "Roxanne" was released as a single in other countries except the United Kingdom.

Contents

History

This album is the only album in Michael's entire solo catalogue to not reach number one on the UK Albums Chart, peaking at number two instead. It was kept off the top spot by Shania Twain's Come On Over . [5]

A music video for "Roxanne" was shot in Amsterdam, in the so-called Red District, using ordinary people, not actors, who really live their lives on the street.

Another version exists of the album's opening track, "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?", sung by Michael with Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti at one of his famous "Pavarotti and Friends" live shows. This version is included on the limited edition of Michael's 2006 greatest hits album, Twenty Five .

Track listing

  1. "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" (E.Y. Harburg, Jay Gorney) – 4:22
  2. "Roxanne" (Sting) – 4:11
  3. "You've Changed" (Bill Carey, Carl Fischer) – 4:25
  4. "My Baby Just Cares for Me" (Gus Kahn, Walter Donaldson) – 1:45
  5. "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" (Ewan MacColl) – 5:19
  6. "Miss Sarajevo" (Adam Clayton, Brian Eno, Dave Evans, Larry Mullen, Paul Hewson) – 5:11
  7. "I Remember You" (Johnny Mercer, Victor Schertzinger) – 4:12
  8. "Secret Love" (Paul Francis Webster, Sammy Fain) – 2:39
  9. "Wild Is the Wind" (Dimitri Tiomkin, Ned Washington) – 4:02
  10. "Where or When" / "It's All Right with Me" (Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart / Cole Porter) (instrumental) (hidden track) – 7:00

Personnel

Credits adapted from AllMusic. [6]

Charts

Certifications and sales

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [38] Gold35,000^
Belgium (BEA) [39] Platinum50,000*
Canada (Music Canada) [40] Gold50,000^
France (SNEP) [41] 2× Gold200,000*
Germany (BVMI) [42] Gold150,000^
New Zealand (RMNZ) [43] Platinum15,000^
Spain (PROMUSICAE) [24] Platinum100,000^
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland) [44] Gold25,000^
United Kingdom (BPI) [45] 2× Platinum600,000 [46]
United States—152,000 [47]
Summaries
Europe (IFPI) [48] 2× Platinum2,000,000*
Worldwide—3,600,000 [49]

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Notes

  1. ↑ "Miss Sarajevo" was originally released under the name Passengers, a side project consisting of U2 and Brian Eno.

Related Research Articles

<i>MTV Unplugged</i> (Alanis Morissette album) 1999 live album by Alanis Morissette

MTV Unplugged is the first live album by Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette, released by Maverick Records in the United States on November 9, 1999. It comprises songs performed by Morissette on the television program MTV Unplugged. Twelve tracks were included on the album, but Morissette also performed "Baba", "Thank U" and "Your House" during the live taping. These were later released as B-sides on the "King of Pain" single release. The first single, "That I Would Be Good", was moderately successful, and two other tracks, "King of Pain" and "You Learn" were released as singles outside North America. As of March 2012, the album has sold 673,000 copies in the U.S.

<i>Cry</i> (Faith Hill album) 2002 studio album by Faith Hill

Cry is the fifth studio album by American country music singer Faith Hill. It was released October 15, 2002, via Warner Bros. Nashville. The album was Hill's attempt at expanding her crossover appeal following the success of singles like "Breathe", "The Way You Love Me", and "There You'll Be". Hill co-produced the album along with Marti Frederiksen, Byron Gallimore, and Dann Huff.

<i>Genius Loves Company</i> 2004 studio album by Ray Charles

Genius Loves Company is the final studio album by rhythm and blues and soul musician Ray Charles, posthumously released August 31, 2004, on Concord Records. Recording sessions for the album took place between June 2003 and March 2004. The album consists of rhythm and blues, soul, country, blues, jazz and pop standards performed by Charles and several guest musicians, such as Natalie Cole, Elton John, James Taylor, Norah Jones, B.B. King, Gladys Knight, Diana Krall, Van Morrison, Willie Nelson and Bonnie Raitt. Genius Loves Company was the last album recorded and completed by Charles before his death in June 2004.

<i>Lionel Richie</i> (album) 1982 studio album by Lionel Richie

Lionel Richie is the debut solo studio album by American singer Lionel Richie, released on October 6, 1982, on Motown Records. Originally intended as a side project at the suggestion of Motown, it was recorded and released while Richie was still a member of the Commodores; he left the group shortly after the album's release. The first single from the album, "Truly", topped the Billboard Hot 100. Follow-up single "You Are" reached number four, and "My Love" reached number five. The album reached number one on the Cashbox albums chart on December 11, 1982.

<i>Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1</i> Studio album by George Michael

Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 is the second solo studio album by the English singer-songwriter George Michael, released on 3 September 1990 by Columbia Records. The album was Michael's final album of all-new material on Columbia until 2004's Patience. Listen Without Prejudice was a stark departure from Michael's previous album, 1987's Faith, with largely acoustic instrumentation and a sombre intensity in many of the lyrics and melodies. While the album topped the UK Albums Chart, disappointing sales in the United States led to Michael's legal battles against Sony Music, in which he accused the corporation of not fully supporting him as an artist.

<i>Songs from Black Mountain</i> 2006 studio album by Live

Songs from Black Mountain is the eighth studio album by Live. It was released in most countries on April 10, 2006, but was released on May 9 in Canada, May 29 in the UK and June 6 in the US. It was their only release through Epic Records. The first single, "The River", was released on March 21, 2006. It is the last album to feature lead vocalist Ed Kowalczyk before his departure from the band in 2009. It is also the final studio album to feature the original lineup. Kowalcyzk rejoined in 2016, but Taylor, Dahlheimer, and Gracey were all fired from the band by the end of 2022.

<i>Unforgettable... with Love</i> 1991 studio album by Natalie Cole

Unforgettable … with Love, also known as simply Unforgettable, is the twelfth studio album by American singer Natalie Cole. Released on June 11, 1991, the album includes covers of standards previously performed by her father, Nat King Cole. It was also her debut for Elektra Records, after being given her release from EMI Records.

<i>The Book of Secrets</i> 1997 studio album by Loreena McKennitt

The Book of Secrets is the sixth studio album by Loreena McKennitt, released in 1997. It reached #17 on the Billboard 200. The lead single of the album, "The Mummers' Dance," remixed by DNA, was released during the winter of 1997–98, and peaked at #18 on the Billboard Hot 100, and #17 on the Modern Rock Tracks chart. The album is certified double-platinum in the United States. It has now sold more than four million copies worldwide.

<i>Ultimate Prince</i> 2006 greatest hits album by Prince

Ultimate Prince is a greatest hits album by American recording artist Prince. It was released on August 22, 2006, by Warner Bros. Records. The two-disc set contains a disc of some previously released hits, and another of extended remixes of hits and a B-side, most of which had only been previously released as 12-inch singles.

<i>Twenty Five</i> (album) 2006 greatest hits album by George Michael

Twenty Five is the second compilation album by English singer-songwriter George Michael released in the UK on 13 November 2006, celebrating the 25th anniversary of his music career. It was released on 13 November 2006 by Sony BMG. It debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and number 23 on the Billboard 200, and it reached the top 20 on most other album charts. After Michael's death in December 2016, the album re-entered the Billboard 200 at a new peak position of number 12.

<i>Destiny</i> (Gloria Estefan album) 1996 studio album by Gloria Estefan

Destiny is the seventh studio solo album released by Cuban-American singer Gloria Estefan, but is the nineteenth of her career overall. It shipped 1.6 million copies worldwide in its first month of release.

<i>Home Before Dark</i> 2008 studio album by Neil Diamond

Home Before Dark is the twenty-seventh studio album by American singer-songwriter Neil Diamond. Released on May 5, 2008, it was the artist's second album for American Recordings.

<i>If on a Winters Night...</i> Album by Sting

If on a Winter's Night... is the ninth studio album from British musician Sting. The album is a collection of Christmas and winter-themed songs mostly written by others, including folk songs, madrigals and religious hymns from past centuries. Dozens of musicians appear on the album in various configurations, including jazz, folk and classical players.

<i>The Last Ship</i> (album) 2013 studio album by Sting

The Last Ship is the eleventh studio album by English musician Sting, released on 20 September 2013 in Germany and on 24 September 2013 in the UK and US. It contains songs written for and inspired by the musical The Last Ship, which was then in production and would premiere in June 2014. The Last Ship is the first full-length LP of original material released by Sting since his 2003 album Sacred Love.

<i>Morning Phase</i> 2014 studio album by Beck

Morning Phase is the twelfth official studio album and twelfth overall by American singer Beck. The album was released in February 2014 by his new label, Capitol Records. According to a press release, Morning Phase is a "companion piece" to Beck's 2002 album Sea Change. Almost every credited musician who recorded parts for Sea Change returned to record for Morning Phase, with the sole exception being Sea Change producer Nigel Godrich.

<i>Xscape</i> (album) 2014 compilation album by Michael Jackson

Xscape is the second posthumous album by American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson. It was released on May 9, 2014, by Epic Records, MJJ Music and Sony Music Entertainment. Xscape is the tenth release by Sony and/or Motown since Jackson's death in 2009. L.A. Reid, chairman of Epic Records, curated and served as executive producer for the album, enlisting Timbaland to lead a team of record producers, including Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, Rodney Jerkins, Stargate, and John McClain, to remix and contemporize the eight selected tracks. The album was #1 in its first week of release in worldwide sales.

<i>Beautiful Lies</i> (Birdy album) 2016 studio album by Birdy

Beautiful Lies is the third studio album by British musician Birdy, released on 25 March 2016 by Atlantic Records. The album includes the singles "Keeping Your Head Up", "Wild Horses", "Words", and "Hear You Calling".

<i>Glow</i> (Brett Eldredge album) 2016 studio album by Brett Eldredge

Glow is the third studio album by American country musician Brett Eldredge. Released on October 28, 2016, by Atlantic Nashville this is his first Christmas album.

<i>MTV Unplugged</i> (Shawn Mendes album) 2017 live album by Shawn Mendes

MTV Unplugged is the second live album by Canadian singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes. The album was recorded at The Theatre at Ace Hotel, Los Angeles in September 2017. The album was released worldwide on November 3, 2017.

<i>Thanks for the Dance</i> 2019 studio album by Leonard Cohen

Thanks for the Dance is the fifteenth and final studio album by Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen, released posthumously through Columbia Records and Legacy Recordings on November 22, 2019. It is the first release following Cohen's death in November 2016, and includes contributions from various musicians, such as Daniel Lanois, Beck, Jennifer Warnes, Damien Rice and Leslie Feist. The song "The Goal" was released with the announcement of the album, on September 20, 2019.

References

  1. ↑ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Songs from the Last Century – George Michael". AllMusic . Retrieved 15 January 2018.
  2. ↑ Packer, Nigel (5 December 1999). "CD Review: George Michael". BBC News Online . Retrieved 15 January 2018.
  3. ↑ "Songs From The Last Century". NME . 12 September 2005. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  4. ↑ Cross, Charles R. (2004). "George Michael". In Brackett, Nathan; Hoard, Christian (eds.). The New Rolling Stone Album Guide (4th ed.). Simon & Schuster. pp.  540. ISBN   0-7432-0169-8.
  5. ↑ 1999 Top 40 Official Albums Chart UK Archive, 18 December 1999. Retrieved 6 August 2014.
  6. ↑ "George Michael – Songs from the Last Century Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 20 October 2014.
  7. ↑ "Australiancharts.com – George Michael – Songs from the Last Century". Hung Medien. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  8. ↑ "Austriancharts.at – George Michael – Songs from the Last Century" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  9. ↑ "Ultratop.be – George Michael – Songs from the Last Century" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  10. ↑ "Ultratop.be – George Michael – Songs from the Last Century" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  11. ↑ "Top RPM Albums: Issue 10010". RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  12. ↑ "Hits of the World" (PDF). Billboard . Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  13. ↑ "Dutchcharts.nl – George Michael – Songs from the Last Century" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  14. ↑ "Hits of the World" (PDF). Billboard. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  15. ↑ "Lescharts.com – George Michael – Songs from the Last Century". Hung Medien. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  16. ↑ "Offiziellecharts.de – George Michael – Songs from the Last Century" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  17. ↑ "Album Top 40 slágerlista – 2000. 1. hét" (in Hungarian). MAHASZ. Retrieved 18 May 2016.
  18. ↑ "Hits of the World" (PDF). Billboard. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  19. ↑ "Italiancharts.com – George Michael – Songs from the Last Century". Hung Medien. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  20. ↑ ジョージ・マイケルのアルバム売り上げランキング (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on 23 October 2012. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  21. ↑ "Charts.nz – George Michael – Songs from the Last Century". Hung Medien. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  22. ↑ "Norwegiancharts.com – George Michael – Songs from the Last Century". Hung Medien. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  23. ↑ "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  24. 1 2 Fernando Salaverri (September 2005). Sólo éxitos: año a año, 1959–2002 (1st ed.). Spain: Fundación Autor-SGAE. ISBN   84-8048-639-2.
  25. ↑ "Swedishcharts.com – George Michael – Songs from the Last Century". Hung Medien. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  26. ↑ "Swisscharts.com – George Michael – Songs from the Last Century". Hung Medien. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  27. ↑ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  28. ↑ "George Michael Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  29. ↑ "ARIA Charts – End Of Year Charts – Top 100 Albums 1999". ARIA. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  30. ↑ "End of Year Album Chart Top 100 – 1999". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  31. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten 2000" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  32. ↑ "Rapports annueles 2000" (in French). Ultratop. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  33. ↑ "Chart of the Year 2000". Mogens Nielsen. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  34. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten – Album 2000" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  35. ↑ "Year in Focus – European Top 100 Albums 2000" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 17, no. 52. 23 December 2000. p. 9. OCLC   29800226 . Retrieved 19 January 2019– via American Radio History.
  36. ↑ "Top 100 Album-Jahrescharts" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  37. ↑ "End of Year Album Chart Top 100 – 2000". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 19 May 2016.
  38. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 1999 Albums" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association . Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  39. ↑ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – albums 2000". Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  40. ↑ "Canadian album certifications – George Michael – Songs from the Last Century". Music Canada . Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  41. ↑ "French album certifications – George Michael – Songs from the Last Century" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique . Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  42. ↑ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (George Michael; 'Songs from the Last Century')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie . Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  43. ↑ "New Zealand album certifications – George Michael – Songs from the Last Century". Recorded Music NZ . Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  44. ↑ "The Official Swiss Charts and Music Community: Awards ('Songs from the Last Century')". IFPI Switzerland. Hung Medien. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  45. ↑ "British album certifications – George Michael – Songs from the Last Century". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 27 October 2017.Select albums in the Format field. Select Platinum in the Certification field. Type Songs from the Last Century in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  46. ↑ "George Michael on the charts". Music Week . Intent Media. 11 January 2017. Retrieved 12 January 2017.
  47. ↑ Keith Caulfield. "Ask Billboard: George in the USA". Billboard. Retrieved 26 May 2016.
  48. ↑ "IFPI Platinum Europe Awards – 1999". International Federation of the Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  49. ↑ "George Michael Eyeing Universal U.K." Billboard. Retrieved 26 May 2016.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.