Sathnam Sanghera's new book, 'Tonight the Music Seems So Loud', offers a heartfelt exploration of George Michael's life and legacy, blending anecdote, sharp analysis, and social context. The author, known for his award-winning works on the British Empire, turns his attention to the troubled genius of Georgios Panayiotou, revealing a partisan yet critical perspective.
Sanghera delves into Michael's personal and professional failings, from the naffness of early Wham! hits to his high-handed treatment of Andrew Ridgeley, while celebrating his artistic triumphs like 'Careless Whisper', 'Last Christmas', and the 1996 masterpiece 'Older'. The book highlights Michael's journey from a pudgy, acne-ridden teen to a pop star and gay icon, set against the homophobic climate of the 1980s.
The author's love for his subject is sharpened by past opprobrium, though he may underestimate the critical re-evaluation Michael has received in the 21st century. Sanghera notes that Michael's music was once deemed unworthy of serious analysis, but his death prompted extensive critical coverage. The book traces Michael's perfectionism, from his father's strict work ethic to his obsessive search for the perfect saxophonist for 'Careless Whisper', which led to both stunning successes and self-sabotage, such as refusing to promote 'Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1'.
