George Michael, born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in 1963, was a British pop icon and one of the most talented singer-songwriters of his generation. Rising to fame as one half of the duo Wham! alongside Andrew Ridgeley, Michael quickly became a global sensation with infectious hits like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Last Christmas.”
As a solo artist, George Michael’s soulful voice and poignant songwriting propelled him to even greater heights. His debut solo album, “Faith” (1987), showcased his versatility with chart-topping singles like “Faith,” “Father Figure,” and “One More Try.” Michael’s ability to blend pop, R&B, and soul resonated across genres, earning him widespread acclaim and a devoted fan base.
Beyond his musical prowess, George Michael was an advocate for social justice and LGBTQ+ rights. His openness about his personal life and battles with fame added depth to his public persona. Despite the challenges he faced, Michael’s impact on the music industry remains indelible. His timeless ballads, including “Careless Whisper” and “Praying for Time,” continue to evoke emotions and cement his legacy as a true musical icon. George Michael’s untimely passing in 2016 marked the end of an era, leaving behind a rich musical legacy that transcends generations.
1. Faith
“Faith” is the title track and one of the standout singles from George Michael’s debut solo album, released in 1987. The album marked a pivotal moment in Michael’s career as he transitioned from his pop duo days in Wham! to a solo artist of immense individuality and talent.
The song “Faith” is a dynamic blend of rock, pop, and R&B influences, featuring a memorable guitar riff and George Michael’s soulful vocals. The lyrics explore themes of love, desire, and the complexities of romantic relationships. The catchy chorus and Michael’s charismatic delivery contributed to the song’s widespread popularity.
The iconic music video for “Faith” became synonymous with George Michael’s image. It featured him dancing with a jukebox and iconic guitar, showcasing his charisma and distinctive style. The video, along with Michael’s signature leather jacket, became iconic symbols of the late 1980s pop culture.
“Faith” received critical acclaim and commercial success, earning George Michael a Grammy Award for Album of the Year. The song itself won the Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. The album solidified Michael’s status as a solo powerhouse, and “Faith” remains a timeless classic in his illustrious discography.
2. Careless Whisper
“Careless Whisper” is a classic pop ballad performed by George Michael, released in 1984. Although credited as a solo George Michael song, the track was co-written by Michael and his Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley. The song is often associated with George Michael’s successful transition from his Wham! days to a highly successful solo career.
The iconic saxophone riff at the beginning of “Careless Whisper” became instantly recognizable and is a key element of the song’s identity. The lyrics explore themes of guilt and remorse in the aftermath of a romantic indiscretion.
The song was a massive commercial success, topping charts in numerous countries. George Michael’s soulful vocals and the memorable saxophone melody contributed to its enduring popularity. “Careless Whisper” is often considered one of the greatest pop ballads of the 1980s.
The success of “Careless Whisper” played a significant role in establishing George Michael as a formidable solo artist. The song’s enduring appeal is reflected in its continued popularity and frequent use in various forms of media.
3. Father Figure
“Father Figure” is a soulful and seductive ballad by George Michael, released in 1988 as the third single from his debut solo album, “Faith.” The song showcases Michael’s ability to blend R&B, pop, and soul influences, and it became one of the standout tracks of his solo career.
The lyrics of “Father Figure” explore complex themes of love, desire, and emotional intimacy. The metaphorical use of the term “father figure” adds depth to the narrative, creating a song that goes beyond conventional love ballads. Michael’s soulful and emotive vocals contribute to the song’s sensual and intimate atmosphere.
“Father Figure” received widespread acclaim for its mature and sophisticated sound. The accompanying music video, featuring George Michael in a dark, atmospheric setting, complemented the song’s emotional depth. The video, like many of Michael’s works, added a visual dimension to the narrative, emphasizing his status as a complete and versatile artist.
The song achieved commercial success, reaching high chart positions worldwide. “Father Figure” remains a cherished and enduring part of George Michael’s musical legacy, celebrated for its emotional resonance and the artistry of one of pop music’s most iconic voices.
4. One More Try
“One More Try” is a soulful ballad by George Michael, released in 1988 as the third single from his debut solo album, “Faith.” The song was both written and performed by George Michael.
“One More Try” is a poignant and emotional song that delves into themes of love, heartbreak, and vulnerability. Michael’s soulful vocals are complemented by the gospel-inspired arrangement, which includes a prominent organ. The lyrics express the singer’s plea for another chance at love, despite past mistakes and regrets.
The song achieved significant success, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It showcased George Michael’s versatility as an artist, transitioning from the pop and dance-oriented tracks on the “Faith” album to a more contemplative and soulful sound with “One More Try.”
The success of “One More Try” solidified George Michael’s status as a solo artist and demonstrated his ability to resonate with audiences across different musical genres. The song remains a standout in his discography and is celebrated for its emotional depth and timeless quality.
5. Freedom! ’90
“Freedom! ’90” is a bold and anthemic song by George Michael, released in 1990 as a single from his third solo album, “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1.” The track is a departure from Michael’s earlier pop sound, adopting a more mature and introspective style.
The lyrics of “Freedom! ’90” reflect George Michael’s desire for artistic freedom and personal liberation. The song touches on themes of self-discovery and breaking away from the constraints of fame and expectations. It served as a statement of independence and a declaration of Michael’s determination to be true to himself.
The music video for “Freedom! ’90” became iconic in its own right. Directed by David Fincher, it featured supermodels Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, and Tatjana Patitz lip-syncing the lyrics in place of George Michael. The video, with its striking visuals and fashion-forward imagery, added a layer of cultural significance and is often regarded as one of the greatest music videos of all time.
“Freedom! ’90” became a commercial success and is considered one of George Michael’s signature songs. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its universal themes and the artistic evolution of one of the preeminent voices in pop music.
6. I Want Your Sex
“I Want Your Sex” is a song by George Michael, released in 1987 as a single and included on the soundtrack of the film “Beverly Hills Cop II.” The song is also part of George Michael’s album “Faith.”
“I Want Your Sex” is an upbeat and provocative track that explores themes of desire and sexuality. George Michael’s bold and confident lyrics challenge conventional attitudes toward sex, and the song’s catchy chorus and energetic production contributed to its popularity.
The release of “I Want Your Sex” was accompanied by a notable controversy, with some radio stations initially banning or restricting the song due to its explicit content. However, the controversy didn’t hinder the song’s success, and it went on to become a chart-topping hit in the United States.
Despite its initial reception, “I Want Your Sex” is now considered a significant and influential song in George Michael’s career. It showcased his willingness to address taboo subjects in his music and marked a departure from his earlier image as part of the pop duo Wham! The song’s boldness and infectious energy continue to make it a memorable part of George Michael’s solo catalog.
7. Jesus to a Child
“Jesus to a Child” is a poignant ballad by George Michael, released in 1996 as the lead single from his third studio album, “Older.” The song is a soulful and reflective tribute to Michael’s late partner, Anselmo Feleppa, who passed away in 1993.
The lyrics of “Jesus to a Child” convey a sense of loss, love, and the emotional journey of grief. The title itself is a metaphorical expression of deep, unconditional love. George Michael’s soulful vocals add a layer of sincerity and vulnerability to the song, making it one of his most emotionally resonant compositions.
The music video, directed by George Michael, features serene and introspective visuals that complement the contemplative nature of the song. “Jesus to a Child” marked a departure from Michael’s earlier pop sound, showcasing a more mature and introspective side of his artistry.
The song received critical acclaim for its depth and emotional honesty. It topped the charts in several countries and remains one of George Michael’s most cherished works. “Jesus to a Child” stands as a testament to his ability to create music that transcends genres and connects with listeners on a deeply emotional level.
8. Praying for Time
“Praying for Time” is a song by George Michael, released in 1990 as the lead single from his album “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1.” The song, written and performed by George Michael, is a socially conscious ballad that addresses various societal issues.
“Praying for Time” features reflective and thought-provoking lyrics that touch on themes such as poverty, injustice, and the passage of time. The song’s somber tone is complemented by George Michael’s soulful vocals and a stripped-down musical arrangement.
The release of “Praying for Time” marked a departure from George Michael’s earlier pop and dance-oriented sound, showcasing a more mature and contemplative side of the artist. The song received critical acclaim for its depth and sincerity.
While “Praying for Time” did not achieve the same commercial success as some of George Michael’s previous hits, it remains a highly regarded and introspective composition in his body of work. The song’s themes and messages are as relevant today as they were at the time of its release, making it a timeless and socially impactful piece.
9. Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (with Elton John)
“Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” is a powerful ballad originally performed by Elton John. However, George Michael collaborated with Elton John for a live version of the song, which was released as a single in 1991. This live rendition, recorded during a concert at Wembley Arena in 1991, showcased the incredible vocal prowess of both artists.
The song was originally written by Elton John and his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin. It was first released on Elton John’s 1974 album “Caribou” and became a significant hit. The live duet with George Michael added a new dimension to the song, with both artists delivering an emotionally charged performance.
“Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” addresses themes of loneliness, regret, and a plea for emotional support. The combination of Elton John’s soulful piano and the vocal harmonies between him and George Michael created a poignant and unforgettable musical moment.
The live version of the song with George Michael and Elton John achieved considerable success, reaching high chart positions and becoming a memorable collaboration between two iconic voices in the music industry.
10. Outside
“Outside” is a song by George Michael, released in 1998 as a single from his album “Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael.” The song, written and performed by George Michael, is known for its upbeat and danceable sound.
“Outside” was released in the aftermath of George Michael’s publicized arrest in 1998 for engaging in “lewd conduct” in a public restroom in Beverly Hills. The song’s lyrics and music video playfully address the incident, featuring themes of freedom, celebration, and embracing one’s true self.
The accompanying music video, directed by Vaughan Arnell, features a colorful and exuberant depiction of a disco party, emphasizing themes of liberation and acceptance. The video includes satirical elements related to the arrest, adding a humorous and cheeky dimension to the song.
“Outside” received positive reviews for its catchy and energetic composition, and it became a commercial success. The song’s playful approach to addressing the controversies in George Michael’s personal life contributed to its popularity and marked a return to the pop and dance-oriented style that characterized some of his earlier work.
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.
