This summer, George Michael embarks on his first North American tour in 17 years, hitting 20 cities. The music icon had already popped back onto our radar here in the States, thanks to several appearances on ABC’s Eli Stone (though sans-sunglasses, George looks a little disconcerting these days). Besides his guest-starring role, his music has also played a part in the comedy-drama. And this week, a well-timed celebration of the first quarter-century of his career, the imaginatively titled Twenty Five, arrived in stores.

If you already own his previous hits collection, Ladies And Gentlemen: The Best Of George Michael, there are good reasons to fork over a few for Twenty Five. First, George has had some global hits since the first set’s release, like the upbeat “Amazing,” “Freek!” and “Flawless (Go To The City).” You might also newly discover several songs previously unreleased in the States, like his duet with Mary J. Blige on Stevie Wonder’s “As.”

Originally recorded for Ladies And Gentlemen, Blige’s record company refused to allow the track’s inclusion on the U.S. release due to George’s legal troubles at the time. Ten years later, their version of “As” still resonates powerfully:

Continuing with the ‘new-to-you’ theme, Twenty Five also features “An Easier Affair,” a version of “Heal The Pain” featuring Paul McCartney, a duet with Mutya Buena (“This Is Not Real Love”), and a first-time-anywhere cover of Nina Simone’s “Feeling Good” (featured on the upcoming finale of Eli Stone). The three-disc edition of Twenty Five adds “Understand” and a whole bunch more George.

But here at Popservations, it wouldn’t be a proper Friday Flashback without, well, flashing back to something more familiar. So I submit “Too Funky,” which hit #10 in 1992. The video, which features George as a photog, flaunts a runway full of supermodels (including future America’s Next Top Model and talk-show host, Tyra Banks):

George Michael’s “25 Live” tour hits Chicago on July 9th. Tickets go on sale tomorrow at Ticketmaster (but $40 gets you early access now if you join his fan club).