George Michael was an extraordinary British singer, songwriter, and pop icon who left an indelible mark on the music industry. Born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou on June 25, 1963, in London, England, Michael’s soulful voice, impeccable songwriting skills, and charismatic presence made him one of the most influential and beloved artists of his generation.
Rising to fame as one half of the pop duo Wham! in the 1980s, George Michael’s talent soon propelled him to solo stardom. His solo career showcased his versatility as an artist, with a blend of pop, R&B, and soul-infused songs that showcased his vocal range and emotional depth. Hits like “Careless Whisper,” “Faith,” and “Freedom! ’90” became timeless classics and showcased Michael’s ability to create memorable melodies and heartfelt lyrics.
Beyond his undeniable musical talent, George Michael was also known for his philanthropy and activism. He used his platform to support various charitable causes and was a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. His courage in publicly embracing his own sexuality and his openness about personal struggles endeared him to fans worldwide and made him an icon of inclusivity and acceptance.
Tragically, George Michael passed away on December 25, 2016, leaving a void in the music world. However, his impact and legacy continue to resonate. His contributions to music, his unforgettable performances, and his timeless songs have ensured that his influence will be felt for generations to come. George Michael’s music remains a testament to his immense talent, passion, and the lasting power of his artistry.
1. You Have Been Loved
This soulful ballad, 'You Have Been Loved,' showcases the emotional depth of George Michael's music. The song features gentle piano and vocals that build to a powerful final chorus. Its lyrics express love and loyalty, making it relatable to many listeners. When it comes to one of the best songs from the late George Michael, this one stands out for its ability to evoke deep emotions in those who hear it.
Prepare to have your mind blown, because 'The Strangest Thing' is not actually about a bizarre object, but the mysterious and complex nature of love.
2. The Strangest Thing
George Michael's music had its fair share of quirks, but 'The Strangest Thing' stands out as one of the most atypical. This song manages to balance avant-garde experimentation with George's signature pop sound.
'The Strangest Thing' is a slow and ethereal ballad that takes listeners on a romantic journey. Its instrumentation features electronic beats, synthesized strings and ambient soundscapes – an unusual combination for a pop song but one which George Michael handled skillfully.
What sets 'The Strangest Thing' apart from other songs in George Michael's repertoire is the impressionistic lyrics. They suggest a certain ambiguity regarding the nature of the relationship between the singer and his subject, adding layers of meaning to what could have been just another love song.
Overall, 'The Strangest Thing' showcases George Michael's versatility as an artist while expressing his emotions. It continues to fascinate long-time fans and new listeners alike because it is different from anything else in his discography.
If you haven't listened to 'The Strangest Thing', give it a try today, and discover why it stands out among some of George Michael's best songs ever made. Don't miss out on experiencing one of his most unique creations. George Michael took us to a different corner with this haunting ballad, reminding us that love is a maze where we often find ourselves lost and alone.
3. A Different Corner
This track emanating from George Michael's solo debut album was titled "A Different Corner". It is primarily a ballad that combines powerful lyrics concerning love and heartbreak with a mellow, soulful sound. The song has achieved great success worldwide, charting in several countries. In the UK charts, it reached the number one position in April 1986.
Interestingly, "A Different Corner" differed largely from George Michael's other creations during this time since he was still part of the music duo Wham!. Instead of being upbeat and cheerful, as almost all Wham! songs were, "A Different Corner" took on a darker tone characterised by quiet nuances instead of loud expression.
It should be noted that after achieving so much success with such acts as Wham!, achieving mainstream recognition with such a mature song was remarkable and indicative of his evolution as an artist.
In the early days of his musical career when he was unsure about continuing down this path, Andrew Ridgeley (co-member of Wham!) encouraged him to create something unique like "A Different Corner".
(Source: Billboard)
Get ready to dance and cry simultaneously with Fastlove – because nothing says party like a song about heartbreak and regret.
4. Fastlove
George Michael's contribution to the music industry is undeniable, and among his best works is a song that stands out – Fastlove. This upbeat track was released in 1996 and quickly became a fan favorite, reaching #1 in the UK charts. Unlike many of his other songs, which featured slower tempos and ballad-like melodies, Fastlove showcased Michael's versatility and range as an artist.
The lyrics of Fastlove are both playful and meaningful; they talk about the fleeting nature of love in modern society. The funky baseline combined with Michael's soulful voice creates an infectious tune that keeps audiences dancing. Its music video featuring models in various outfits also grabbed attention.
It's worth noting that Michael wrote Fastlove during a difficult time for the singer-songwriter as he grappled with feelings of loneliness following the unexpected loss of his long-term partner Anselmo Feleppa.
According to sources, Michael himself admitted that Fastlove was inspired by Prince’s "Kiss," stating "Prince had a particular way of putting chords together that I hadn’t heard before… For me, ‘Fastlove’ owes much more to Prince than it does to me."
Too Funky for their own good, George Michael’s beats have got us grooving and shaking like we're in a disco inferno.
5. Too Funky
This entry on the list highlights one of George Michael's most vibrant tracks, characterized by its upbeat tempo and funky rhythms.
- Too Funky is a standout hit featured in the 1992 album Red Hot + Dance.
- The song's music video features famous supermodels from the '90s such as Tyra Banks, Linda Evangelista, and Naomi Campbell.
- Its catchy electronic beats made it a dancefloor favorite in its time and continues to be popular today.
While many know George Michael for his ballads and love songs, Too Funky showcases his diverse musical talent in creating upbeat tracks.
A true fact about this song: The song was included in the soundtrack of the movie "The Devil Wears Prada".
George Michael's 'Faith' is the kind of song that makes you want to wear sunglasses indoors and swing your hips like you're the coolest cat in town.
6. Faith
'Faith', George Michael's iconic song, which marked his solo career on a high note, remains sensational even after decades. It showcases his incredible talents as a phenomenal songwriter and performer. The lyrics are not about religious faith but rather an unyielding devotion to love, urging listeners to believe in themselves and the life path they choose.
The upbeat tempo and catchy chorus of 'Faith' make it an all-time favorite. The song reached number one on several charts worldwide when it was first released in 1987 and continues to inspire people today.
The music video featuring George Michael in denim jacket and jeans, with a dangling earring became an influential pop culture moment of its time.
Not only did 'Faith' create a significant impact on the music industry, but it also cemented George Michael's position as one of the greatest artists of all time. With unforgettable melodies and meaningful lyrics, this song is undeniably deserving of its spot in the best George Michael songs list.
One way to appreciate Faith is by listening to its entire album; the record comprises beautifully crafted songs that showcase true artistry. Another way is by understanding it in the context of George Michael's personal journey as a musician who sought creativity above fame.
Therefore, listening to 'Faith' along with exploring other songs from the same era can give fans a better understanding of how he shaped pop culture while staying true to his artistic vision.
Careless Whisper – the song that simultaneously sparked romance and awkward silences at school dances everywhere.
7. Careless Whisper
This iconic song, known for its unforgettable saxophone riff and George Michael’s silky vocals, is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. 'Careless Whisper' was released in 1984 as a solo single by George Michael and remains one of his most popular tracks to date. The lyrics, which describe the end of a romantic relationship due to infidelity, have resonated with audiences around the world. The emotional intensity of the song is heightened by Michael’s raw and soulful delivery of each line. It is no surprise that 'Careless Whisper' continues to be a beloved ballad loved by millions.
In addition to the memorable saxophone riff, what sets this song apart from others in its genre are its strong R&B influences, evident from the opening drum beat. This blend of genres is further exemplified through Michael’s skilled layering of harmonies and effective use of vocal dynamics throughout the track. The song’s captivating music video also played a vital role in propelling its popularity and remains an iconic piece of visual work.
As popular as it is, 'Careless Whisper' actually began as an instrumental piece written by Andrew Ridgeley (Michael's Wham! bandmate). With Ridgeley’s blessing, Michael added lyrics and created one of his most iconic songs ever.
According to Rolling Stone magazine, 'Careless Whisper' is ranked number 33 on their list "The 50 Greatest Love Songs".
Praying for more time to listen to George Michael's masterpiece, because this song will leave you breathless and begging for an encore.
8. Praying For Time
George Michael's hit song, which is number eight on the list, showcases his musical diversity. The lyrics of "Praying For Time" are deeply personal, delving into themes of social injustice and political corruption. George Michael's vocals are powerful yet subtle, and the instrumentation creates a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. The song's progressive message has remained relevant since its release in 1990 and will continue to resonate with listeners for years to come.
In addition, "Praying For Time" was a departure from George Michael's previous work as a member of Wham!. It marked the beginning of his successful solo career and set the tone for his later releases. The track's thought-provoking lyrics demonstrate George Michael's maturity as a songwriter and his commitment to addressing important issues through his music.
It is worth noting that the music video for "Praying For Time" features striking imagery that complements the song's powerful message. The combination of visuals and lyrics makes for a truly impactful viewing experience.
Overall, "Praying For Time" is one of George Michael's most significant works and cements his place in music history as an artist who used his talent to make a difference in the world. Don't miss out on experiencing this timeless masterpiece.
If you think George Michael was just a talented singer, wait till you hear him take on political commentary in 'Shoot the Dog'.
9. Shoot The Dog
This George Michael song comes in at number 9 on our list and is often overlooked. "Shoot The Dog" was released in 2002 and quickly became a social commentary about the political climate of the time. Michael used satire and humor to discuss topics such as British-American relations, the War on Terror, and media coverage of politics. It may not be as well-known as some of his other hits, but "Shoot The Dog" provides a unique insight into George Michael's opinions on contemporary events.
In addition to its political commentary, "Shoot The Dog" is also an example of Michael's experimentation with different genres. The song blends electronic beats with pop melodies and rap verses, showcasing his versatility as an artist. Its music video also caused controversy due to its depiction of former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair as a poodle following the orders of US President George W. Bush.
Interestingly, despite the backlash from certain media outlets and politicians, "Shoot The Dog" peaked at #12 in the UK charts and remains a fan-favorite for those who appreciate its social criticism.
According to sources like Billboard and Rolling Stone, "Shoot The Dog" marks one of Michael's darkest releases due to its razor-sharp cohesiveness towards political issues during that time period.
Freeek is the perfect song for those who want to dance like nobody's watching, but still want everybody to watch.
10. Freeek
This George Michael hit blends a groovy, electronic beat with soulful vocals, showcasing his unique sound. The lyrics touch on themes of liberation and sexual expression, making it a fan favorite. "Freeek" is one of Michael's more experimental tracks, but it still manages to captivate audiences with its infectious energy and catchy chorus.
As one of the standout tracks from his album "Patience," "Freeek" continues to be a popular George Michael song today. Its fusion of different genres and unconventional structure set it apart from other hits in his discography. The music video also gained attention for its futuristic visuals and artistic direction.
What sets "Freeek" apart is its danceable beat and unapologetic attitude. Though it may not have been as commercially successful as some of Michael's other songs, it remains a favorite among fans who appreciate his versatility and willingness to take risks.
Pro Tip: When listening to "Freeek," pay close attention to the intricate production elements that make it so memorable, including its layered vocals and tapestry of electronic sounds.
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.
