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{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2011}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2011}}
{{Infobox Album | <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Albums -->
{{Infobox Album | <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Albums -->
Name = Patience |
| Name = Patience
Type = Album |
| Type = Album
Artist = [[George Michael]] |
| Artist = [[George Michael]]
Cover = Patience.jpg |
| Cover = Patience.jpg
Border = yes |
| Border = yes
Released = 18 March 2004 |
| Released = 18 March 2004
Recorded = 2002–2004 |
| Recorded = 2002–04
Genre = Pop, [[Dance music|dance]], [[Soul music|soul]] |
| Genre = Pop, [[Dance music|dance]], [[Soul music|soul]]
Length = 70:15 <small>(UK)</small>, 63:09 <small>(US)</small> |
| Length = 70:15 (UK)<br />63:09 (US)
Label = [[Sony Music Entertainment]] |
| Label = [[Sony Music Entertainment]]
Producer = [[George Michael]] |
| Producer = George Michael
⚫
| Last album = ''[[Songs from the Last Century]]''<br />(1999)
Reviews =
⚫
| This album = '''''Patience'''''<br />(2004)
⚫
* [[Allmusic]] {{rating|3|5}} [{{Allmusic|class=album|id=r684308|pure_url=yes}} link]
⚫
| Next album = ''[[Twenty Five (album)|Twenty Five]]''<br />(2006)
⚫
* [[BBC]] (positive) [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3501604.stm link]
⚫
| Misc =
⚫
* ''[[Blender (magazine)|Blender]]'' {{rating|3|5}} [http://www.blender.com/guide/new/52270/patience.html link]
{{Singles
⚫
* ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' (C) [http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,643197,00.html link]
| Name = Patience
⚫
* ''[[Mojo (magazine)|Mojo]]'' (positive)<ref>Mojo Magazine, Apr 2004, p. 103</ref>
| Type = studio
⚫
* [[MSN Music]] {{rating|3.5|5}} [http://music.msn.com/music/album/george-michael/patience.1/ link]
⚫
| single 1 = [[Freeek!]]
⚫
* ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]'' {{rating|5|5}}<ref>Q Magazine, Apr 2004, p.104</ref>
⚫
| single 1 date = 18 March 2002
⚫
* [[Slant Magazine]] {{rating|2.5|5}} [http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/george-michael-patience/416 link]
⚫
| single 2 = [[Shoot the Dog]]
⚫
* [[Stylus Magazine]] D+ [http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/george-michael/patience.htm link]
⚫
| single 2 date = 29 July 2002
⚫
* ''[[The Guardian]]'' {{rating|3|5}} [http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2004/mar/12/popandrock.shopping4 link]
⚫
| single 3 = [[Amazing (George Michael song)|Amazing]]
⚫
* ''[[Uncut (magazine)|Uncut]]'' (mixed) [http://www.billboard.com/album/george-michael/patience/624665#/album/george-michael/patience/624665/review link] |
⚫
| single 3 date = 1 March 2004
⚫
Last album = ''[[Songs from the Last Century]]'' </br> (1999)|
⚫
| single 4 = [[Flawless (Go to the City)]]
⚫
This album = '''Patience''' <br /> (2004) |
⚫
| single 4 date = 28 June 2004
⚫
Next album = ''[[Twenty Five (album)|Twenty Five]]'' <br> (2006) |
⚫
| single 5 = [[Round Here (George Michael song)|Round Here]]
⚫
| Misc = {{Singles
| Name = Patience
| single 5 date = 1 November 2004
| Type = studio
| single 6 = [[John and Elvis Are Dead]]
| single 1 = [[Freeek!]]
| single 6 date = 3 October 2005
⚫
| single 1 date = 18 March 2002
⚫
| single 2 = [[Shoot the Dog]]
⚫
| single 2 date = 29 July 2002
⚫
| single 3 = [[Amazing (George Michael song)|Amazing]]
⚫
| single 3 date = 1 March 2004
⚫
| single 4 = [[Flawless (Go to the City)]]
⚫
| single 4 date = 28 June 2004
⚫
| single 5 = [[Round Here (George Michael song)|Round Here]]
| single 5 date = 1 November 2004
⚫
| single 6 = [[John and Elvis Are Dead]]
| single 6 date = 3 October 2005
}}
}}
}}
}}


'''''Patience''''' is a 2004 album by [[George Michael]]. The much delayed follow-up to ''[[Older (album)|Older]]'', it was very successful, debuting at number one on the [[UK Albums Chart]], and at number two in Australia on 22 March 2004. The work became one of the fastest selling albums in the United Kingdom, selling over 200,000 copies in the first week alone. The record reached the top five on most European charts, and peaked at number twelve in the United States. It is considered as the album of George Michael's comeback to the spotlight in the new millennium, receiving critical acclaim. It sold around ten million copies worldwide, spanning six hit singles (the first two of which, "[[Freeek!]]" and "[[Shoot the Dog]]", were released as early as 2002 already by [[Polydor Records|Polydor]], when the album was originally due, whereas the last, "[[John and Elvis Are Dead]]", was only sold through the Internet).
'''''Patience''''' is a 2004 album by [[George Michael]]. The much delayed follow-up to ''[[Older (album)|Older]]'', it was very successful, debuting at #1 on the [[UK Albums Chart]], and at #2 in Australia on 22 March 2004. The work became one of the fastest selling albums in the UK, selling over 200,000 copies in the first week alone. The record reached the top five on most European charts, and peaked at #12 in the US. It is considered as the album of Michael's comeback to the spotlight in the new millennium, receiving critical acclaim. It sold around ten million copies worldwide, spanning six hit singles (the first two of which, "[[Freeek!]]" and "[[Shoot the Dog]]", were released as early as 2002 already by [[Polydor Records|Polydor]], when the album was originally due, whereas the last, "[[John and Elvis Are Dead]]", was only sold through the Internet).


==1998–2002==
==1998–2002==
''Patience'' was George Michael's first album composed of original material since 1996, and his first for [[Sony Music Entertainment]] since 1990's ''[[Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1]].''
''Patience'' was George Michael's first album composed of original material since 1996, and his first for [[Sony Music Entertainment]] since 1990's ''[[Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1]].''


His single "[[Freeek!]]" was successful in Europe going to number one in Italy, Spain and Denmark in 2002 and reaching top ten in the UK and top five in Australia. It made twenty-two charts around the world. However, his next single "[[Shoot the Dog]]" proved to be highly controversial when released in July 2002. It was highly critical of [[George W. Bush]] and [[Tony Blair]] in the leadup to the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]]. The video showed a cartoon version of Michael astride a [[nuclear weapon|nuclear]] [[missile]] in the Middle East and Tony and [[Cherie Blair]] in bed with President Bush. The latter image was apparently intended as a homage to the 1986 video for "[[Land of Confusion]]" by [[Genesis (band)|Genesis]]. The cartoon was produced by the makers of ''[[2DTV]]'', a satirical animated television show broadcast weekly on [[ITV]] (independent television) in the United Kingdom. The song itself was a partial cover of [[The Human League]]'s 1981 hit, "[[Love Action (I Believe in Love)]]", building on instrumental samples from the song and featuring the same rap interlude.
His single "[[Freeek!]]" was successful in Europe going to #1 in Italy, Spain and Denmark in 2002 and reaching top ten in the UK and top five in Australia. It made 22 charts around the world. However, his next single "[[Shoot the Dog]]" proved to be highly controversial when released in July 2002. It was highly critical of [[George W. Bush]] and [[Tony Blair]] in the leadup to the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]]. The video showed a cartoon version of Michael astride a [[nuclear weapon|nuclear]] [[missile]] in the Middle East and Tony and [[Cherie Blair]] in bed with President Bush. The latter image was apparently intended as a homage to the 1986 video for "[[Land of Confusion]]" by [[Genesis (band)|Genesis]]. The cartoon was produced by the makers of ''[[2DTV]]'', a satirical animated television show broadcast weekly on [[ITV]] (independent television) in the UK. The song itself was a partial cover of [[The Human League]]'s 1981 hit, "[[Love Action (I Believe in Love)]]", building on instrumental samples from the song and featuring the same rap interlude.


In an interview with MTV, George Michael said the song was primarily intended to highlight what he saw as a lack of consultation by Tony Blair about the decision. "People are looking at the song in context of an attack on America, as opposed to an attack on Tony Blair. And really, my attack is that Tony Blair is not involving the British in this issue. He's perfectly happy staying up to watch the [[FIFA World Cup|World Cup]] and enjoying the [[Golden Jubilee|Jubilee]] (of Queen [[Elizabeth II]]), all things I'm perfectly guilty of, but there's a serious discussion about Iraq, which hasn't taken place. We don't know what [[Saddam Hussein]] is capable of, the British public has no idea."
In an interview with MTV, Michael said the song was primarily intended to highlight what he saw as a lack of consultation by Tony Blair about the decision. "People are looking at the song in context of an attack on America, as opposed to an attack on Tony Blair. And really, my attack is that Tony Blair is not involving the British in this issue. He's perfectly happy staying up to watch the [[FIFA World Cup|World Cup]] and enjoying the [[Golden Jubilee|Jubilee]] (of Queen [[Elizabeth II]]), all things I'm perfectly guilty of, but there's a serious discussion about Iraq, which hasn't taken place. We don't know what [[Saddam Hussein]] is capable of, the British public has no idea."


"Shoot the Dog" was not released as a single in the United States over sensitivity to the [[September 11 attacks|11 September 2001 attacks]]. While it reached the top five in Spain, Italy and [[Denmark]], it failed to reach the top ten in the UK and its chart performance was disappointing by George Michael's career standards.
"Shoot the Dog" was not released as a single in the US over sensitivity to the [[September 11 attacks|11 September 2001 attacks]]. While it reached the top five in Spain, Italy and [[Denmark]], it failed to reach the top ten in the UK and its chart performance was disappointing by Michael's career standards.


He has also recorded a version of "The Grave" (written by [[Don McLean]] as a protest against the [[Vietnam War|Vietnam war]]) to emphasise his opposition to the invasion of Iraq. It was released as part of the [[War Child (charity)|War Child]] charity album ''Hope''. Michael performed the song on long-running British [[UK Singles Chart|chart show]] ''[[Top of the Pops]]'' on [[BBC Television]] on 7 March 2003, introduced by the writer and stand-up comedian (and fan of George Michael) [[Ben Elton]]. It was Michael's first appearance on the show since 1986, when he performed "[[The Edge of Heaven]]" as one half of [[Wham!]]. He ran into conflict with the show's producers for an anti-war, anti Blair t-shirt worn by some members of his band.
He has also recorded a version of "The Grave" (written by [[Don McLean]] as a protest against the [[Vietnam War|Vietnam war]]) to emphasise his opposition to the invasion of Iraq. It was released as part of the [[War Child (charity)|War Child]] charity album ''Hope''. Michael performed the song on long-running British [[UK Singles Chart|chart show]] ''[[Top of the Pops]]'' on [[BBC Television]] on 7 March 2003, introduced by the writer and stand-up comedian (and fan of George Michael) [[Ben Elton]]. It was Michael's first appearance on the show since 1986, when he performed "[[The Edge of Heaven]]" as one half of [[Wham!]]. He ran into conflict with the show's producers for an anti-war, anti Blair t-shirt worn by some members of his band.
Line 62: Line 51:


==Return to Sony Music and final album==
==Return to Sony Music and final album==
On 17 November 2003, George Michael re-signed with [[Sony Music Entertainment]] after a [[George Michael Vs Sony|legal battle]] with the company led to his contract being sold to rival record companies [[Virgin Records]] and [[DreamWorks Records]] on 14 July 1995. Michael claimed that his contract with Sony was stifling him and was keeping him in "professional slavery".
On 17 November 2003, George Michael re-signed with [[Sony Music Entertainment]] after a [[George Michael Vs Sony|legal battle]] with the company led to his contract being sold to rival record companies [[Virgin Records]] and [[DreamWorks Records]] on 14 July 1995. Michael claimed that his contract with Sony was stifling him and was keeping him in "professional slavery".


George Michael announced that ''Patience'' will be the last record on sale to the public. He told [[BBC Radio 1]] on 10 March 2004 that future music that he puts out will be available for download with fans encouraged to make a donation to charity. He said: "I've been very well remunerated for my talents over the years so I really don't need the public's money. I'd like to have something on the Internet which is a charitable download site where anyone can download my music for free. I'll have my favourite charities up there and people will hopefully donate to that." He stated that the decision will put less pressure to produce a new album every so often and allow him to have more of a private life.
Michael announced that ''Patience'' will be the last record on sale to the public. He told [[BBC Radio 1]] on 10 March 2004 that future music that he puts out will be available for download with fans encouraged to make a donation to charity. He said: "I've been very well remunerated for my talents over the years so I really don't need the public's money. I'd like to have something on the Internet which is a charitable download site where anyone can download my music for free. I'll have my favourite charities up there and people will hopefully donate to that." He stated that the decision will put less pressure to produce a new album every so often and allow him to have more of a private life.


==Chart success==
==Chart success==
The first single off ''Patience'' released in 2004, "[[Amazing (George Michael song)|Amazing]]", went to number one in Italy and Spain. The song reached number four in the UK and number six in Australia and the song made twenty-two different charts.
The first single off ''Patience'' released in 2004, "[[Amazing (George Michael song)|Amazing]]", went to #1 in Italy and Spain. The song reached #4 in the UK and #6 in Australia and made 22 different charts.


''Patience'' went on sale in most of the world in late March and debuted at number one in the UK and number two in Australia and has sold well in Europe. The album went on sale in the US on 18 May 2004, however it did not contain "Patience Pt. 2" or George's scathing anti-Tony Blair song "Shoot the Dog". It debuted in the US at a rather disappointing twenty-nine but after many TV specials such as on ''[[The Oprah Winfrey Show]]'' the following week it reached its chart peak of number twelve.
''Patience'' went on sale in most of the world in late March and debuted at #1 in the UK and #2 in Australia and has sold well in Europe. The album went on sale in the US on 18 May 2004, however it did not contain "Patience Pt. 2" or Michael's scathing anti-Tony Blair song "Shoot the Dog". It debuted in the US at a rather disappointing #29 but after many TV specials such as on ''[[The Oprah Winfrey Show]]'' the following week it reached its chart peak of #12.


The fourth single, "[[Flawless (Go to the City)]]" performed well in the charts reaching top ten on the UK Singles Chart and peaked at number eight. It became a huge dance hit, especially in the United States reaching number one on ''Billboard'''s [[Hot Dance Club Songs]].
The fourth single, "[[Flawless (Go to the City)]]", performed well in the charts reaching top ten on the UK Singles Chart and peaked at #8. It became a huge dance hit, especially in the US reaching #1 on ''Billboard'''s [[Hot Dance Club Songs]].


In November 2004, Sony released a fifth single from ''Patience'' – "[[Round Here (George Michael song)|Round Here]]". Featuring the album version as the lead track and the album version of "Patience" as the b-side, the only real lure for fans was the video for "Round Here". The single stalled in the UK charts at number thirty-two.
In November 2004, Sony released a fifth single from ''Patience'': "[[Round Here (George Michael song)|Round Here]]". Featuring the album version as the lead track and the album version of "Patience" as the B-side, the only real lure for fans was the video for "Round Here". The single stalled in the UK charts at #32.

{{Album reviews
|rev1 = [[Allmusic]]
⚫
|rev1score = {{Rating|3|5}} [{{Allmusic|class=album|id=r684308|pure_url=yes}} link]
|rev2 = [[BBC]]
⚫
|rev2score = (positive) [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3501604.stm link]
|rev3 = ''[[Blender (magazine)|Blender]]''
⚫
|rev3score = {{Rating|3|5}} [http://www.blender.com/guide/new/52270/patience.html link]
|rev4 = ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''
⚫
|rev4score = (C) [http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,643197,00.html link]
|rev5 = ''[[Mojo (magazine)|Mojo]]''
⚫
|rev5score = (positive)<ref>Mojo Magazine, Apr 2004, p. 103</ref>
|rev6 = [[MSN Music]]
⚫
|rev6score = {{Rating|3.5|5}} [http://music.msn.com/music/album/george-michael/patience.1/ link]
|rev7 = ''[[Q (magazine)|Q]]''
⚫
|rev7score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref>Q Magazine, Apr 2004, p.104</ref>
|rev8 = [[Slant Magazine]]
⚫
|rev8score = {{Rating|2.5|5}} [http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/george-michael-patience/416 link]
|rev9 = [[Stylus Magazine]]
⚫
|rev9score = (D+) [http://www.stylusmagazine.com/reviews/george-michael/patience.htm link]
|rev10 = ''[[The Guardian]]''
⚫
|rev10score = {{Rating|3|5}} [http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2004/mar/12/popandrock.shopping4 link]
|rev11 = ''[[Uncut (magazine)|Uncut]]''
⚫
|rev11score = (mixed) [http://www.billboard.com/album/george-michael/patience/624665#/album/george-michael/patience/624665/review link]
|noprose = yes
}}


==Track listing==
==Track listing==
{{tracklist
{{tracklist
| headline = UK edition
| headline = UK edition
| total_length= 70:15
| total_length = 70:15
| writing_credits = yes
| writing_credits = yes
| title1 = Patience
| title1 = Patience
Line 123: Line 138:
| length14 = 1:30
| length14 = 1:30
}}
}}

{{tracklist
{{tracklist
| headline = US edition
| headline = US edition
| total_length= 63:09
| total_length = 63:09
| writing_credits = yes
| writing_credits = yes
| title1 = Patience
| title1 = Patience
Line 154: Line 170:
| writer9 = Michael
| writer9 = Michael
| length9 = 7:39
| length9 = 7:39
| title10 = Please Send Me Someone (Anselmo’s Song)
| title10 = Please Send Me Someone (Anselmo's Song)
| writer10 = John Barry, Hal David, Michael
| writer10 = John Barry, Hal David, Michael
| length10 = 5:26
| length10 = 5:26
Line 165: Line 181:
}}
}}


: *An alternative version of "Please Send Me Someone", the B-side to "Flawless (Go to the City)", appears only on Japanese pressings of the album.
*An alternative version of "Please Send Me Someone", the B-side to "Flawless (Go to the City)", appears only on Japanese pressings of the album.


==Charts and certifications==
==Charts and certifications==
Line 173: Line 189:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Chart (2004)
!Chart (2004)
!Peak<br />position
!Peak position
|-
|-
|align="left"|[[ARIA Charts|Australian Albums Chart]]<ref name="hung">[http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=George+Michael&titel=Patience&cat=a Peak positions]. Retrieved 3 May 2011.</ref>
|align="left"|[[ARIA Charts|Australian Albums Chart]]<ref name="hung">[http://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=George+Michael&titel=Patience&cat=a Peak positions]. Retrieved 3 May 2011.</ref>
Line 314: Line 330:
{{succession box
{{succession box
| before = ''[[Feels Like Home (Norah Jones album)|Feels like Home]]'' by [[Norah Jones]]
| before = ''[[Feels Like Home (Norah Jones album)|Feels like Home]]'' by [[Norah Jones]]
| title = [[European Top 100 Albums]]
| title = [[European Top 100 Albums]]
| years = 3–10 April 2004 (2 weeks)
| years = 3–10 April 2004 (2 weeks)
| after = ''[[Anastacia (album)|Anastacia]]'' by [[Anastacia]]
| after = ''[[Anastacia (album)|Anastacia]]'' by [[Anastacia]]
}}
}}
{{succession box
{{succession box
Line 332: Line 348:
{{succession box
{{succession box
| before = ''Feels like Home'' by Norah Jones
| before = ''Feels like Home'' by Norah Jones
| title = [[Sverigetopplistan|Swedish Albums Chart]] number-one album
| title = [[Sverigetopplistan|Swedish Albums Chart]] number-one album
| years = 26 April 2004
| years = 26 April 2004
| after = ''Baby Dry Your Eye'' by [[Marit Bergman]]
| after = ''Baby Dry Your Eye'' by [[Marit Bergman]]
}}
}}
{{succession box
{{succession box
| before = ''Swan Lee'' by [[Swan Lee]]
| before = ''Swan Lee'' by [[Swan Lee]]
| title = [[International Federation of the Phonographic Industry|Danish Albums Chart]] number-one album
| title = [[International Federation of the Phonographic Industry|Danish Albums Chart]] number-one album
| years = 26 March 2004 – 2 March 2004 (2 weeks)
| years = 26 March 2004 – 2 March 2004 (2 weeks)
| after = ''Anastacia'' by Anastacia
| after = ''Anastacia'' by Anastacia
}}
}}
{{succession box
{{succession box
| before = ''Feels like Home'' by Norah Jones
| before = ''Feels like Home'' by Norah Jones
| title = [[MegaCharts|Dutch Albums Chart]] number-one album
| title = [[MegaCharts|Dutch Albums Chart]] number-one album
| years = 3 April 2004
| years = 3 April 2004
| after = ''Feels like Home'' by Norah Jones
| after = ''Feels like Home'' by Norah Jones
}}
}}
{{end}}
{{end}}
Line 352: Line 368:
==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}

{{George Michael}}
{{George Michael}}


Revision as of 21:59, 2 February 2012

Untitled

Patience is a 2004 album by George Michael. The much delayed follow-up to Older, it was very successful, debuting at #1 on the UK Albums Chart, and at #2 in Australia on 22 March 2004. The work became one of the fastest selling albums in the UK, selling over 200,000 copies in the first week alone. The record reached the top five on most European charts, and peaked at #12 in the US. It is considered as the album of Michael's comeback to the spotlight in the new millennium, receiving critical acclaim. It sold around ten million copies worldwide, spanning six hit singles (the first two of which, "Freeek!" and "Shoot the Dog", were released as early as 2002 already by Polydor, when the album was originally due, whereas the last, "John and Elvis Are Dead", was only sold through the Internet).

1998–2002

Patience was George Michael's first album composed of original material since 1996, and his first for Sony Music Entertainment since 1990's Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1.

His single "Freeek!" was successful in Europe going to #1 in Italy, Spain and Denmark in 2002 and reaching top ten in the UK and top five in Australia. It made 22 charts around the world. However, his next single "Shoot the Dog" proved to be highly controversial when released in July 2002. It was highly critical of George W. Bush and Tony Blair in the leadup to the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The video showed a cartoon version of Michael astride a nuclear missile in the Middle East and Tony and Cherie Blair in bed with President Bush. The latter image was apparently intended as a homage to the 1986 video for "Land of Confusion" by Genesis. The cartoon was produced by the makers of 2DTV, a satirical animated television show broadcast weekly on ITV (independent television) in the UK. The song itself was a partial cover of The Human League's 1981 hit, "Love Action (I Believe in Love)", building on instrumental samples from the song and featuring the same rap interlude.

In an interview with MTV, Michael said the song was primarily intended to highlight what he saw as a lack of consultation by Tony Blair about the decision. "People are looking at the song in context of an attack on America, as opposed to an attack on Tony Blair. And really, my attack is that Tony Blair is not involving the British in this issue. He's perfectly happy staying up to watch the World Cup and enjoying the Jubilee (of Queen Elizabeth II), all things I'm perfectly guilty of, but there's a serious discussion about Iraq, which hasn't taken place. We don't know what Saddam Hussein is capable of, the British public has no idea."

"Shoot the Dog" was not released as a single in the US over sensitivity to the 11 September 2001 attacks. While it reached the top five in Spain, Italy and Denmark, it failed to reach the top ten in the UK and its chart performance was disappointing by Michael's career standards.

He has also recorded a version of "The Grave" (written by Don McLean as a protest against the Vietnam war) to emphasise his opposition to the invasion of Iraq. It was released as part of the War Child charity album Hope. Michael performed the song on long-running British chart show Top of the Pops on BBC Television on 7 March 2003, introduced by the writer and stand-up comedian (and fan of George Michael) Ben Elton. It was Michael's first appearance on the show since 1986, when he performed "The Edge of Heaven" as one half of Wham!. He ran into conflict with the show's producers for an anti-war, anti Blair t-shirt worn by some members of his band.

The album also makes great use of samples, for example. "Freeek!" samples "Try Again" by Aaliyah, "Breathe and Stop" by Q-Tip, and "N.T." by Kool & the Gang. "Shoot the Dog" samples the Human League song "Love Action (I Believe In Love)" (it also features the "Gotta get up!" line taken from George's 1996 hit, "Fastlove" but is not credited for the writing credit goes to George already). "Please Send Me Someone (Anselmo's Song)" samples "Moonraker" by John Barry and Hal David. "Flawless (Go to the City)" samples a dance track, originally recorded by The Ones, called "Flawless".

Return to Sony Music and final album

On 17 November 2003, George Michael re-signed with Sony Music Entertainment after a legal battle with the company led to his contract being sold to rival record companies Virgin Records and DreamWorks Records on 14 July 1995. Michael claimed that his contract with Sony was stifling him and was keeping him in "professional slavery".

Michael announced that Patience will be the last record on sale to the public. He told BBC Radio 1 on 10 March 2004 that future music that he puts out will be available for download with fans encouraged to make a donation to charity. He said: "I've been very well remunerated for my talents over the years so I really don't need the public's money. I'd like to have something on the Internet which is a charitable download site where anyone can download my music for free. I'll have my favourite charities up there and people will hopefully donate to that." He stated that the decision will put less pressure to produce a new album every so often and allow him to have more of a private life.

Chart success

The first single off Patience released in 2004, "Amazing", went to #1 in Italy and Spain. The song reached #4 in the UK and #6 in Australia and made 22 different charts.

Patience went on sale in most of the world in late March and debuted at #1 in the UK and #2 in Australia and has sold well in Europe. The album went on sale in the US on 18 May 2004, however it did not contain "Patience Pt. 2" or Michael's scathing anti-Tony Blair song "Shoot the Dog". It debuted in the US at a rather disappointing #29 but after many TV specials such as on The Oprah Winfrey Show the following week it reached its chart peak of #12.

The fourth single, "Flawless (Go to the City)", performed well in the charts reaching top ten on the UK Singles Chart and peaked at #8. It became a huge dance hit, especially in the US reaching #1 on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Songs.

In November 2004, Sony released a fifth single from Patience: "Round Here". Featuring the album version as the lead track and the album version of "Patience" as the B-side, the only real lure for fans was the video for "Round Here". The single stalled in the UK charts at #32.

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic link
BBC(positive) link
Blender link
Entertainment Weekly(C) link
Mojo(positive)[1]
MSN Music link
Q[2]
Slant Magazine link
Stylus Magazine(D+) link
The Guardian link
Uncut(mixed) link

Track listing

UK edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Patience"George Michael2:53
2."Amazing"Johnny Douglas, Michael4:25
3."John and Elvis Are Dead"David Austin, Michael4:23
4."Cars and Trains"Douglas, Michael5:51
5."Round Here"Michael5:56
6."Shoot the Dog"Michael, Philip Oakey, Ian Burden5:07
7."My Mother Had a Brother"Michael6:17
8."Flawless (Go to the City)"Michael6:51
9."American Angel"Ruadhri Cushnan, Niall Flynn, James Jackman, Michael4:07
10."Precious Box"Michael7:39
11."Please Send Me Someone (Anselmo's Song)"Michael5:26
12."Freeek! '04"Cushnan, Flynn, Jackman, Michael4:28
13."Through"Michael5:22
14."Patience (Reprise)"Michael1:30
Total length:70:15
US edition
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Patience"George Michael2:53
2."Amazing"Johnny Douglas, Michael4:25
3."John and Elvis Are Dead"David Austin, Michael4:23
4."Cars and Trains"Douglas, Michael5:51
5."Round Here"Michael5:54
6."My Mother Had a Brother"Michael6:17
7."Flawless (Go to the City)"Paul Alexander, Eric Matthew, Michael, Oliver Stumm, Gary Turnier, Nashom Wooden6:51
8."American Angel"Ruadhri Cushnan, Niall Flynn, James Jackman, Michael4:07
9."Precious Box"Michael7:39
10."Please Send Me Someone (Anselmo's Song)"John Barry, Hal David, Michael5:26
11."Freeek! '04"Ronald Bell, Robert Bell, George Brown, Cushnan, Flynn, Roy Handy, Horne, Jackman, Michael4:28
12."Through"Michael4:55
Total length:63:09
  • An alternative version of "Please Send Me Someone", the B-side to "Flawless (Go to the City)", appears only on Japanese pressings of the album.

Charts and certifications

Chart procession and succession

Preceded by UK number one album
27 March 2004 – 2 April 2004 		Succeeded by
Preceded by European Top 100 Albums
3–10 April 2004 (2 weeks) 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Polish Albums Chart number-one album
8 – 28 March 2004 (2 weeks) 		Succeeded by
Znaki szczególne by Maanam
Preceded by Italian albums chart
18 March 2004 		Succeeded by
Convivendo parte 1 by Biagio Antonacci
Preceded by
Feels like Home by Norah Jones
 Swedish Albums Chart number-one album
26 April 2004 		Succeeded by
Baby Dry Your Eye by Marit Bergman
Preceded by
Swan Lee by Swan Lee
 Danish Albums Chart number-one album
26 March 2004 – 2 March 2004 (2 weeks) 		Succeeded by
Anastacia by Anastacia
Preceded by
Feels like Home by Norah Jones
 Dutch Albums Chart number-one album
3 April 2004 		Succeeded by
Feels like Home by Norah Jones

References

  1. ^ Mojo Magazine, Apr 2004, p. 103
  2. ^ Q Magazine, Apr 2004, p.104
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Peak positions. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  4. ^ a b Patience – George Michael. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  5. ^ Longplay-Chartverfolgung. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  6. ^ Hungarian Albums Chart. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  7. ^ Irish Albums Chart. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  8. ^ George Michael albums sales ranking. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  9. ^ Polish Albums Chart. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  10. ^ Spanish Albums Chart. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  11. ^ Top 75 Releases. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  12. ^ Discos de oro y platino. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  13. ^ Accreditations. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  14. ^ Gold & Platin. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  15. ^ Awards 2004. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  16. ^ Danish certifications. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  17. ^ IFPI Awards. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  18. ^ Certifications Albums Or – année 2004. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  19. ^ Gold-/Platin-Datenbank. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  20. ^ Adatbázis. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  21. ^ Goud/Platina Muziek. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  22. ^ Top 40 Albums Chart. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  23. ^ Polish certifications. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  24. ^ Lista de los titulos mas vendidos del 12.04.04 al 18 April 2004. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  25. ^ ÅR 2004. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  26. ^ Awards 2004. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
  27. ^ Certified awards search. Retrieved 3 May 2011.
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