Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1 in Bloomington, MN

George Michael
's follow-up to the massive success of
Faith
found him turning inward, trying to gain critical acclaim as well as sales.
Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1
is not an entirely successful effort;
Michael
has cut back on the effortless hooks and melodies that crammed not only
but also his singles with
Wham!
, and his socially conscious lyrics tend to be heavy-handed. But the highlights -- the light,
Beatlesque
harmonies of "Heal the Pain," the plodding number one "Praying for Time," and also "Waiting for That Day" as well as the Top Ten "Freedom" -- make a case for his talents as a pop craftsman. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine