If there were ever a legendary piece of singular music to evoke pure romance, it was this 1984 hit originally released by George Michael’s former band Wham! from their second album Make It Big. This sweet and sensual EP was re-released as an anniversary celebration of the original song in 2024, although George Michael died back in 2016. Nonetheless, this song is the re-release that is absolutely worth exploring, and many people can instantly recognise it upon hearing it, even if they are not aware of this track’s name or the artist involved. This EP is also a great introduction to the music of George Michael, who was a 1980s Pop Music superstar. It was mostly created, written and produced by George Michael himself and was autobiographical in lyrical nature, according to sources close to George Michael. This EP features four songs and lasts for over 22 minutes, and was released on Sony Music on 18 October 2024. Without further hesitation, let’s listen to this EP, and we shall decide if it is a keeper.

1. Careless Whisper – Remastered is the main track on the EP and is five minutes long. It begins with drums, a sultry saxophone and is one of the most beautiful and recognisable pieces of music in history. Also, it sounds absolutely moody and fantastic throughout. George Michael sings sweetly and beautifully here, and it is about loneliness and frustration throughout the world of love. This music is absolutely wonderful to hear, and it is a pretty and gorgeous song about wanting to be with a lover. This is a fantastic tune that sounds stunning and has layers of pretty and sweet instrumentation to match. If you haven’t heard this tune yet, you really should. It sounds absolutely beautiful, with Fender Stratocasters, moody saxophone, bongos and a music sensibility that sounds absolutely pure. Even though George Michael was openly homosexual, this can apply to all types of people in love, and is an absolute winner of a tune. This is so very beautiful, and proves that the saxophone isn’t merely just a Jazz instrument. Absolutely wonderful listening from start to finish, it does not have a happy conclusion. A very Poptastic listening experience throughout, which sounds gorgeous. Great to hear, it ends with the instrumental section playing away smoothly. Top.

2. Careless Whisper – Extended Mix begins with spacey keyboards and sounds deep. This is an emotional listening experience. It has a lush acoustic guitar intro and sounds quite different. George Michael sings sweetly over this long introduction, and it does sound sad. It quickly enters into the main tune at hand, and sounds great, yet again. A really dynamic and layered piece of music, the main track eventually kicks in with the saxophone. No matter how many times you hear this song, it is absolutely magical to listen to. A really great and grand tune to listen to, this will either make you feel elated or, much more likely, longing for love. Nonetheless, this is a truly great song. No matter if you are single or partnered in life, this will trigger loving emotions and soul searching from within. George Michael is the romantic troubadour on this song, and he delivers a life-changing listening experience. A fantastic and deeply moving tune, this is a keeper. In fact, when in the mood for love, one can put this on repeat. Although this is essentially the same tune as before, it sounds so moving that it makes you want to chuck away all your old Punk records, buy a Fender Stratocaster and make some romantic Jazz Music. A stunning and very lovable listen, this is what legends can do for the musical mind. Absolutely fantastic to hear, once again. This extended version makes more lyrical sense throughout, and reminds one of their true love. Upon hearing this, one may be prepared to phone, email or message their love of their life. Great to hear, once again.

3. Careless Whisper – Live from Madison Square Garden begins with a ton of crowd cheering, and launches into a live rendition. This sounds in a moodier key than usual, and George Michael acknowledges the crowd as the best on tour. He sings nicely, and the crowd noticeably sing along nicely, which is a great connection throughout. This sounds wonderful, and more must be mentioned about both George Michael and his music. This sounds absolutely wonderful, and the crowd truly appreciate this fantastic song. The crowd sings along with the song in various parts, and this proves that he was a wonderful performer. A good listen, although not necessarily needing to be heard. Still, don’t skip ahead if you are a fan of this song. A really great and grand tune that will make you smile sadly and think of your one and only love, even if he/she are gone from your life. An absolutely mindblowing listen, this song will forever change the way you hear music, for good. Beauty is truly alive in this song, and this live version is no different. A great call-and-response section in this song is present, and it does sound truly amazing. If you don’t know anything about romanticism in music other than The Beatles, this EP is the place to start. It wraps up with the iconic saxophone part and the crowd cheering like crazy. A really gloriously divine song.

4. Careless Whisper – Instrumental is what it is. It is a great alternative if you want to put on an instrumental track for romance, lovemaking or putting a bun in the oven. It sounds gentler and less lyrical, but that is exactly what it is supposed to be. The Fender Stratocaster is prominent in the mix, and this sounds moving, artistic and gorgeous. This music will be forever remembered as an absolute gem, words or not. It sounds musically powerful. If you have ever fallen in love with someone and cannot change it, for better or worse, then this EP is definitely for you. Absolutely amazing to listen to. This is perfect music to spend with your love, with a glass of wine and a cigar. Even this instrumental version is truly beautiful. A revolutionary instrumental song, up-and-coming singers need to master this tune to move others. The repeated saxophone section is absolutely gorgeous to listen to. A moving, descriptive and interesting instrumental version that never gets old. This is most definitely a keeper, and it does sound truly great. A stunning and pretty tune, period. It fades out softly.

This is a must-have EP for any music fan out there. George Michael clearly understood the ups and downs of romantic love, and he articulates this beautiful and wonderful song on this release. Although it was originally released back in 1984, this is a solid gold listening experience. Go listen to this EP now, if you have never heard it before. It will not disappoint. Love is the greatest emotion on earth, and George Michael does this best here in music.

An absolute winner.

9/10