This Is What I Do

The U.K. newspaper The Guardian calls Boy George’s first album in 18 years “the comeback of the year.” Considering the life that Boy George has lived in the interim—from arrests and 12-step groups to the two autobiographies, the Tony-nominated musical Taboo, and his fashion label B Rude—it’s a wonder that he ever found his way back to music. Yet from the opening track, “King of Everything,” where he’s looking to make amends with those who were caught in his self-destructive ways, to the smoother reggae song of acceptance “Live Your Life,” George here sings in tones that range from a lower, warmer croon to a lighter, airier attack that suggest that, at 52, he still has plenty left. “My God” comes close to mainstream singer/songwriter soul, while “It’s Easy” blossoms into orchestrated easy listening. The album's second half centers on reggae grooves (“My Star,” “Love and Danger”) that let George take it smooth. The bonus tracks on the deluxe version include covers of Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love” and Lana Del Rey’s “Video Games.”