George Michael Announces New Album ‘Symphonica’

It’s been a while since we’ve heard from the legend that is George Michael.

The global superstar George Michael has announced his latest album ‘Symphonica’, his sixth solo album, which is due for release  on 14th March 2014.

‘Symphonica’ was recorded during the tour of the same name of 2011 and ‘12 and was produced by the legendary Phil Ramone alongside George himself.

On 14th March, ‘Symphonica’s’ lead single ‘Let Her Down Easy’ will be released on iTunes/digital platforms accompanied by a new video directed by Vaughan Arnell.

To coincide with the announcement of ‘Symphonica’, from 20th January, George is donating a track from the album – ‘Praying For Time’ – for free download. Full details can be found on www.georgemichael.com. So if you fancy getting a sneak peak make sure you get in on the action.

Just like the tour, the ‘Symphonica’ album comprises lovingly arranged and sung versions of carefully selected highlights from George’s amazing back catalogue, plus interpretations of songs by some of George’s favourite artists. George’s ‘A Different Corner’, ‘Praying For Time’ and ‘Cowboys and Angels’ are well-known and well-loved, but they blossom in their new setting. He also revisits such intriguing gems as ‘John And Elvis Are Dead’ and the gorgeous ‘Through’.

The covers are just as surprising and inspired. Ewan MacColl’s ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’ is George at his most tender, but there’s a knowing swagger to ‘My Baby Just Cares For Me’ as covered by Nina Simone. George breathes new life into the standard ‘Wild Is The Wind’, previously performed by a host of artists including David Bowie.

Heart-stopping versions of Terence Trent D’Arby’s ‘Let Her Down Easy’ and ‘Idol’, a highlight of Elton John’s 1976 album, Blue Moves, may not be the most predictable of choices, but George Michael was never predictable.

And if you’re a hardcore George Michael fan, you’ll be pleased to know that a documentary filmed during George’s Symphonica performance in Paris, where he became the first contemporary artist to perform at the legendary Palais Garnier Opera House, will be aired on television stations worldwide.

Produced by Phil Ramone and George Michael and executive produced by David Austin, ‘Symphonica’ will be released on a hardback, deluxe, 17-track CD edition; a standard 14-track CD; a standard 14-track digital version and on Pure Audio Blu-Ray through Virgin EMI/Universal Music Group.