I never expected, in 2008, to be writing about George Michael every five minutes.

I almost feel as if I should dig through those boxes in the storage cubby and try to unearth my giant Choose Life T-shirt , proudly purchased in 1984.

But who wants to go through that much effort when you can turn on the season finale of “Eli Stone” tonight at 10 on ABC, where George will make another extended appearance?

He’s also going to sing “Feeling Good,” the 1965 song popularized by Nina Simone, which is on his new hits collection, “TwentyFive.”

I got my copy last week and after repeatedly listening to his haunting “Praying for Time,” partially to erase the memory of Carrie Underwood’s droning version during “Idol Gives Back” and partially because it’s my favorite George Michael song (well, next to “Last Christmas” ), I skipped around to check out the previously unreleased tracks.

You want to hear a perfectly constructed ballad? Take a listen to this version of “Heal the Pain,” re-recorded with Paul McCartney. Their voices harmonize so beautifully, it’s hard to discern who is singing most of the time. Just a tender, lovely song worth checking out.

The whole collection is great reminder of how many George Michael songs went unheralded in recent years. “Flawless (Go to the City),” anyone?

Posted by Melissa Ruggieri in • Entertainment • Music
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