Last Christmas is a seasonal romantic comedy loosely based on the 1984
Wham! hit of the same name which is the reason why its accompanying soundtrack is effectively something of a hits collection for
George Michael and
Wham! Not that all of
Michael's big songs are here. Pointedly, his sexier moments -- "Father Figure," "Careless Whisper" -- are nowhere to be found and neither are such exuberant
Wham! hits as "I'm Your Man" or "Freedom." This leaves
Last Christmas strictly in a sweet, sentimental lane, one that takes the occasional good-spirited silly detour (karaoke favorites "Faith" and "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" are both here). By design, this leans heavily on
Michael's work from the '90s, including
Older -- an album that was a smash everywhere but the U.S. -- and that does tip the scale slightly toward sophisticated upscale music, which also suits the Emilia Clarke-starring Paul Fieg film just fine. For
Michael diehards, there is one reason to get the album: the previously unreleased "This Is How (We Want You to Get High)," a nuanced Latin-tinged soul number dating from
Michael's last years. Equal parts confessional and inspiration, "This Is How (We Want You to Get High)" doesn't quite jibe with the vibe of the rest of
Last Christmas, but it's a nice little gift for
Michael fans still in mourning. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine