Like so many pop stars who have proved longer on image than talent, Boy George has descended into that special circle of hell reserved for those who are famous mostly for being famous. Oh, sure, he still dutifully delivers the occasional album or single, if only to keep the word singer by his name in the gossip columns. But in terms of the sort of fame derived from having genuine impact on the music world, High Hat makes it painfully plain that Boy George has long since exhausted his fifteen minutes.

Naturally there's the usual combination of trend hopping – a bit of house here, a touch of new jack swing there – and mild sensationalism, the latter taking the form of a love song titled "You Are My Heroin." But it all seems so tired and predictable; there's none of the audacity or spark that made Culture Club seem so daring and delicious. Sharp as the backing tracks are, not even the searing groove laid down by Guy's Teddy Riley is able to coax any heat from George's vocals on "Don't Take My Mind on a Trip." And George's campy performance of the catchy, calypso-style "Whether They Like It or Not" reduces the tune to flouncing self-parody. (RS 554)

J.D. CONSIDINE