Boy GeorgeDean Stockings
My God, by Boy George, from the forthcoming This Is What I Do; streaming at boygeorgeuk.com
"I had to get it wrong to get it right," sings Boy George, the curious Karma Chameleon whose "every day was like survival." Having survived thus far, next month he'll release This Is What I Do, his first studio album in 18 years.
My God, the comeback disc's second single, is announced by chiming bells and a comfortable tempo. Lyrics (delivered in a lower, rougher timbre than the earliest MTV generation might remember) concern religion and competitive faiths.
The flowering, uplifting song was inspired by an incident best forgotten by everyone, save the Boy himself. "You should know what your heart is for," he sings, with warm and mature confidence. He's not preaching, but his choir sure does sound inviting on the outro.
My God indeed, Boy George is back.
Brad Wheeler