"Gorgeous George" is the third solo studio album by Scottish musician Edwyn Collins. Released in July 1994, the album became a significant success, thanks in part to the hit single "A Girl Like You." The album thus marked Collins' commercial breakthrough as a solo artist after his tenure as the frontman for the post-punk band Orange Juice. Beyond the hit single, the album is notable for its eclectic style that merges pop melodies with diverse influences ranging from punk rock to Northern Soul.
The album was named after a professional wrestling star from the 1940s and 1950s, reflecting Collins' interest in various facets of popular culture. Produced and recorded primarily by Collins himself in his own West Heath Studios, "Gorgeous George" showcases a mature and inventive songwriter capable of creating catchy, thought-provoking songs that defy easy categorization.
"I've Never Met a Girl Like You Before," the album's standout track, blends a vintage-sounding organ riff with modern, sophisticated production details. The song's distinctive style and irresistible hook helped it become a major international hit.
Other tracks on the album include the poignant ballad, "Make Me Feel Again," the raw rock glide of "If You Could Love Me," and the stomping beat and soulful vocal delivery of "Out Of This World." The album as a whole displays a breadth and depth of compositional skill, revealing Collins at the peak of his creative powers and delivering a record that stands as a high point in the 1990s indie pop music scene.
