Older (George Michael song)

Scottish Aberdeen Press and Journal stated that Michael follows up a triumphant 1996 with "one of his strongest ballads to date". The newspaper also wrote that it's a track "he obviously hopes will cement his maturing image."^[3] Sarah Davis from Dotmusic noted the "jazzy mood", "as Michael brusquely casts off a former lover—'I'm not the man you want... these are wasted days without affection, I'm not that foolish anymore'—to the quavering accompaniment of Steve Sidwell's trumpet."^[4] Elysa Gardner from Los Angeles Times called it "moody", noting the singer "addressing a lover" in the song.^{[5][page needed]}

A reviewer from Music Week gave "Older" a full score of five out of five, writing, "As smooth, soulful and jazzy a ballad as Michael has ever made, this silky song is coupled with the Bonnie Raitt track 'I Can't Make You Love Me'. A certain hit."^[6] Steve Morse from The Spokesman-Review described it as a "anguished love song".^[7] Ed Morales for Vibe wrote in his album review, that on the "affecting" title track, "Michael delivers his message of aging gracefully through a narrative detailing a breakup—one lover is crowding another. 'Change is a stranger you have to know', he says."^[8]

• Standard CD EP^[9][10]

1. "Older" – 5:35
2. "I Can't Make You Love Me" – 5:21
3. "Desafinado" (with Astrud Gilberto) – 3:22
4. "The Strangest Thing" (live) – 6:01

• UK cassette EP^[11]

1. "Older" (radio edit) – 5:00
2. "I Can't Make You Love Me" – 5:21
3. "Desafinado" (with Astrud Gilberto) – 3:22
4. "The Strangest Thing" (live) – 5:01

• European CD single^[12]

1. "Older" – 5:35
2. "I Can't Make You Love Me" – 5:21