George Michael, born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou on June 25, 1963, in London, England, was a British singer, songwriter, and record producer who achieved international fame as a solo artist and as a member of the pop duo Wham!.
In the 1980s, George Michael, along with his school friend Andrew Ridgeley, formed the pop duo Wham!, and they quickly gained popularity with their infectious and catchy pop tunes. Hits like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Careless Whisper,” and “Last Christmas” became chart-topping successes and solidified Wham! as a prominent act in the music industry.
After parting ways with Wham! in 1986, George Michael launched his solo career, which proved even more successful. His debut solo album, “Faith” (1987), was a massive commercial success, producing hits like “Faith,” “Father Figure,” and “One More Try.” The album showcased his exceptional vocal abilities and songwriting skills, earning him critical acclaim and a Grammy Award for Album of the Year.
Throughout his career, George Michael’s music evolved, and he explored various genres, including R&B, soul, and dance. He was known for his emotive and soulful voice, as well as his ability to connect with audiences through his heartfelt performances.
Apart from his musical talents, George Michael was also known for his philanthropy and activism. He supported various charitable causes, including HIV/AIDS research, children’s hospitals, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Despite personal struggles and controversies, George Michael’s immense talent and contributions to the music industry remained unquestionable. His music continues to resonate with fans around the world, and his songs like “Freedom! ’90,” “Careless Whisper,” and “Praying for Time” remain timeless classics.
Tragically, George Michael passed away on December 25, 2016, at the age of 53. His untimely death was mourned by millions, and he left a lasting legacy as one of the greatest British pop stars of all time, with a voice and charisma that will forever be remembered and cherished.
1. Faith
George Michael's song, "Faith", tops our list. It's electrifying and propelled him to superstar status.
Let's look at some details in the table:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Year released | 1987 |
| Chart success | Reached #1 in the US |
| Genre | Pop |
| Key message | Expresses individuality and self-belief |
"Faith" marked a turning point in George Michael's career. It captivated audiences with its lyrics, melodies, and rhythm.
Here are some suggestions to appreciate it more:
- Explore how the song resonates with faith, identity, and expression.
- Pay attention to the production blending genres.
- Research how "Faith" challenged norms and became an anthem for self-empowerment.
By following these suggestions, individuals can gain a deeper appreciation for "Faith". It's one of George Michael's most beloved songs, like Careless Whisper – the song that makes you want to cry and dance at the same time, just like watching someone eat a taco with a fork!
2. Careless Whisper
Careless Whisper is a legendary song of George Michael's. It has a soothing saxophone melody and meaningful lyrics which make it timeless. It was released in 1984 and became a hit right away, topping the charts in many countries.
Some facts about Careless Whisper:
| Year Released | Chart Performance | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | #1 in UK and US Billboard Hot 100 | Wham! |
The song speaks of love, guilt, and longing – feelings that many people relate to. It also has a mix of pop and soul elements, showing George Michael's talent.
If you haven't listened to Careless Whisper yet, you should add it to your playlist! Let the emotions it brings take over and let George Michael's voice enchant you.
3. Father Figure
'Father Figure', George Michael's iconic song, is a mix of soulful melodies and meaningful lyrics. It was released in 1988 as part of his solo album "Faith". The song focuses on longing and desire.
Using a table, we can show the important details about 'Father Figure'. It includes columns such as Song, Album, Year and US Billboard Hot 100.
'Father Figure' stands out for its blend of vocals and instrumentation. It combines R&B and pop to create an enchanting sound.
'Father Figure' was a hit globally and topped the charts in multiple countries including the US. It is one of George Michael's most popular tracks among fans and critics.
According to Billboard, 'Father Figure' stayed at the number one spot on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for many weeks in 1988. George Michael sings of love and hope in this ballad and even has backup dancers!
4. One More Try
George Michael's fourth entry on our list is the timeless classic "One More Try." It was released in 1987 as part of the album "Faith." It became an instant hit due to its emotional delivery and heartfelt lyrics. To fully appreciate George Michael's artistry, listen to it with headphones for an immersive experience.
Freedom! '90 will make you want to dance, but make sure to leave the '90s fashion where it belongs!
5. Freedom! '90
In 1990, George Michael released the iconic "Freedom! '90." It was a symbol of liberation and empowerment. His powerful vocals and unique musical style were on full display.
"Freedom! '90" is a timeless anthem. Its soulful melody and thought-provoking lyrics captivate listeners. It explores themes of self-expression, breaking free from norms, and finding identity.
A unique aspect of this song is its samples. George Michael blended snippets from Stevie Wonder's "Pastime Paradise" and New Order's "Blue Monday". This creative combination showcased his artistic vision.
The video for "Freedom! '90" was directed by David Fincher. Supermodels lip-synced to the lyrics in lieu of George Michael. This unconventional approach challenged traditional music video norms.
George Michael's discography offers similar songs. "Faith" is a chart-topping hit with his incredible vocal range. "Careless Whisper" is a beautiful ballad that conveys raw emotions through music.
6. Jesus to a Child
George Michael's "Jesus to a Child" is ranked sixth on his top 10 songs list. It's a heartfelt ballad that showcases his soul-stirring vocals and poignant lyrics.
This song is a tribute to a lost love, inspired by the tragic death of his partner Anselmo Feleppa. Its melody and lyrics express the pain of losing someone so dear.
What makes "Jesus to a Child" unique is its raw emotion. George Michael bares his soul, singing with an overwhelming sense of yearning and sorrow. His powerful vocals captivate audiences worldwide.
Not only is this song a testament to his immense talent, but it's also a reminder that music has the power to heal broken hearts. So if you haven't heard it yet, don't miss out! Allow yourself to be entranced by George Michael's enchanting melodies. Let this song bring hope in the face of heartbreak and sorrow.
7. Kissing a Fool
George Michael's song 'Kissing a Fool' is special. Its melody and lyrics touch listeners. It shows George's talent as a singer and songwriter.
Let's look at 'Kissing a Fool':
| Kissing a Fool | Faith | 1988 |
The phrase 'Don't let me stop you' fits 'Kissing a Fool'. It shows how George conveys emotion through music.
Did you know 'Kissing a Fool' was inspired by Frank Sinatra? George wanted to make something like Sinatra's classics. It has jazz and pop, which makes it a masterpiece.
Listen to 'Kissing a Fool' and you will feel transported to George Michael's world of love and vulnerability. He also made 'I Want Your Sex', which has a warning label and a cold shower.
8. I Want Your Sex
George Michael's 'I Want Your Sex' is a daring and captivating track. It's sensual lyrics and catchy rhythm push boundaries and challenge norms. Its passionate vocals and seductive melodies make it a standout in his discography. Behind the lyrics lie themes of desire, intimacy and sexual liberation. It encourages listeners to embrace their sexuality without shame.
The music video for 'I Want Your Sex' is a stunning concept. It challenges conventional notions of sex and showcases George Michael's artistry. The combination of provocative imagery and thought-provoking visuals elevates the song's impact.
To appreciate the brilliance of 'I Want Your Sex', listen to it while immersing yourself in the emotions it evokes. Let your inhibitions go and enjoy the realm of individuality it creates. George Michael's music will forever be remembered and mourned.
9. Praying for Time
Praying for Time is a sorrowful song by George Michael that speaks of the current issues of society. Its meaningful and contemplative lyrics make it one of his most remarkable songs.
To understand the importance of Praying for Time, let's take a look at some details:
- The song was released in 1990 as part of George Michael's second solo album, Listen Without Prejudice.
- It not only displays George Michael's extraordinary vocal capabilities, but also reveals his ability to use music to communicate powerful messages.
- The profound lyrics and entrancing melody encourage listeners to contemplate the world around them.
An interesting fact about Praying for Time is that Listen Without Prejudice was very well-received. George Michael additionally showed his versatility and dedication to using his influence for change by addressing social matters like poverty and unfairness.
George Michael and Elton John join forces to remind us that sunsets are stunning, but not as beautiful as when their voices blend together.
10. Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me (with Elton John)
"Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," a collaboration between George Michael and Elton John, holds the 10th spot of his best songs. Their vocal skills and delivery are unbeatable, creating a mesmerizing track that has lasted.
Let's look at the details in a table:
| Song | Album |
|---|---|
| Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me | Duets |
| Release Date | September 27, 1991 |
| Duration | 5 minutes and 47 seconds |
| Genre | Pop rock |
| Collaborator | Elton John |
| Chart Performance (UK Singles) | Peak: #1 |
The song is special, with the two voices blending together perfectly. The connection is obvious in the music.
It was first released by Elton John in 1974 as a solo single. Years later, during his 'Cover to Cover' tour, George Michael joined Elton at Wembley Arena for three performances. Fans loved it so they recorded a studio version.
This ballad was a huge success, reaching number one on UK Singles Chart. It's clear why this song still resonates with listeners today.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
