George Michael was an English singer, songwriter, and record producer who rose to fame in the early 1980s as a member of the pop duo Wham! before embarking on a highly successful solo career. Born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou on June 25, 1963, in London, England, Michael became one of the most prominent pop stars of the late 20th century, known for his smooth vocals, sophisticated pop sensibilities, and a knack for crafting hit songs that blended elements of pop, soul, and funk.
With Wham!, Michael achieved worldwide fame with hits like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Freedom,” and “Last Christmas.” The duo’s mix of upbeat pop tunes and ballads captivated audiences around the globe, making them one of the most popular acts of the 1980s.
Michael’s solo career, which took off after Wham!’s split in 1986, saw even greater success. His first solo album, “Faith” (1987), was a massive commercial and critical success, featuring iconic tracks such as the title song “Faith,” “Father Figure,” “One More Try,” and “I Want Your Sex.” The album showcased Michael’s maturation as an artist, both in terms of musical style and lyrical themes, and solidified his status as a global superstar.
Throughout his career, George Michael was known not only for his musical talent but also for his philanthropy and activism, particularly his efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Despite facing personal and legal challenges, Michael remained a beloved figure in the music industry, admired for his artistic integrity and contributions to pop music.
Michael’s later works, including albums like “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1” (1990) and “Older” (1996), continued to receive critical acclaim, demonstrating his ability to evolve as an artist while maintaining a connection with his audience. His sudden death on December 25, 2016, at the age of 53, was met with widespread mourning and tributes from fans and fellow artists alike, reflecting his enduring impact on music and culture.
1. Careless Whisper
“Careless Whisper” is a timeless ballad by George Michael, released in 1984 during his tenure with Wham! but marked as his first solo endeavor. Co-written with Andrew Ridgeley, the song is distinguished by its sultry saxophone intro, smooth melody, and Michael’s heartfelt vocal delivery. Its lyrics explore themes of regret and sorrow following a betrayal in love, capturing the universal experience of a relationship’s painful end. “Careless Whisper” became a global hit, topping charts worldwide and solidifying George Michael’s status as a pop icon. Its enduring popularity is testament to its emotional depth, sophisticated production, and Michael’s compelling artistry, making it a classic in the pop music canon.
2. Faith
“Faith” is a seminal hit by George Michael, released as the lead single from his debut solo album of the same name in 1987. The song showcases Michael’s departure from the pop duo Wham! and his evolution into a more mature and sophisticated musical artist. “Faith” combines rockabilly influences with pop sensibilities, featuring a distinctive guitar riff and a catchy, upbeat melody that underscored Michael’s soulful vocals. The lyrics express themes of resilience, independence, and the complexities of love and desire, resonating with a wide audience and catapulting the track to the top of charts worldwide. The iconic music video, featuring Michael in a leather jacket, jeans, and sunglasses, leaning against a jukebox, became emblematic of his image transformation and solo success. “Faith” not only solidified George Michael’s status as a pop superstar but also marked a significant moment in the late 1980s pop culture, influencing music and fashion trends. The song remains a defining work in Michael’s career, showcasing his exceptional talent as a songwriter and performer.
3. Freedom! ’90
“Freedom! ’90” is a powerful and introspective anthem by George Michael, released as part of his second solo studio album, “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1” in 1990. The song serves as a declaration of Michael’s artistic independence and a reflection on his career and personal growth, moving away from the image that had been cultivated during his time with Wham! and the early years of his solo career. With its compelling lyrics, “Freedom! ’90” discusses the constraints of fame and the desire for authenticity, accompanied by a catchy melody and a gospel-inspired chorus that emphasizes the song’s liberating message.
The accompanying music video was groundbreaking, featuring supermodels Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Tatjana Patitz lip-syncing to the song, instead of Michael himself. This creative decision highlighted Michael’s intention to shift the focus away from his persona to the music itself.
“Freedom! ’90” was critically acclaimed and became a significant commercial success, celebrated for its mature sound and introspective lyrics. The song has remained a fan favorite, regarded as one of George Michael’s signature tracks. It encapsulates a moment of transformation in Michael’s career, symbolizing his journey towards artistic freedom and authenticity.
4. Father Figure
“Father Figure” is a captivating song by George Michael, featured on his debut solo album “Faith” released in 1987. This track showcases Michael’s versatility as an artist, blending elements of pop, R&B, and soul. The song’s smooth melody, combined with its hauntingly beautiful chorus and Michael’s rich vocal delivery, creates an atmosphere of intimacy and longing. Lyrically, “Father Figure” explores themes of love, protection, and the complexities of relationships, with Michael offering himself as a nurturing presence. Its innovative music video, which features Michael as a cab driver entwined in a mysterious relationship, further cemented the song’s status as a classic. “Father Figure” remains a standout track in George Michael’s discography, highlighting his exceptional talent as a songwriter and performer.
5. One More Try
“One More Try” is a soul-stirring ballad by George Michael, featured on his critically acclaimed debut solo album, “Faith,” released in 1987. Distinguished by its emotional depth and Michael’s powerful vocal performance, the song delves into the complexities of returning to a troubled relationship, conveying a sense of vulnerability and introspection. The lyrics express a plea for forgiveness and the desire for one more chance to make things right, resonating with listeners who have experienced the trials of love.
The arrangement of “One More Try” is minimalistic, with a focus on piano and subtle background instrumentation, allowing Michael’s voice to take center stage and convey the song’s emotional weight. This track further showcased George Michael’s versatility as an artist, demonstrating his ability to craft deeply moving ballads in addition to the upbeat pop hits that initially defined his career.
Upon its release, “One More Try” received critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in the United States and becoming one of Michael’s most beloved songs. Its enduring appeal lies in its universal theme of love and redemption, making it a timeless piece in the landscape of pop music.
6. I Want Your Sex
“I Want Your Sex” is a provocative and groundbreaking single by George Michael, released in 1987 from his debut solo album “Faith.” Known for its bold exploration of sexual desire and monogamy, the song was a departure from the pop norms of the time, blending funk, R&B, and pop elements. George Michael’s smooth vocals glide over a sultry, rhythmic beat, accentuating the song’s frank and direct message about the complexities of love and lust. Despite facing controversy and receiving a mixed response from radio stations and critics due to its explicit content, “I Want Your Sex” achieved commercial success, charting highly worldwide. The song’s provocative music video further cemented its impact, showcasing Michael’s artistic bravery and willingness to push societal boundaries. “I Want Your Sex” remains a bold statement in Michael’s discography, reflecting his commitment to artistic expression and the exploration of human sexuality.
7. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go
“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” is a vibrant and catchy pop song by the British duo Wham!, consisting of George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley. Released in 1984, it became one of the defining hits of the decade, capturing the essence of 80s pop with its upbeat tempo, infectious melody, and joyous energy. The song’s lyrics, written by George Michael, are a playful plea to a partner not to leave the singer behind, conveyed through catchy hooks and an unforgettable chorus.
The track’s success propelled Wham! to international stardom, topping charts worldwide, including the United States and the United Kingdom. Its accompanying music video, featuring the duo in Choose Life t-shirts and performing with exuberant dance moves, epitomized the fashion and style of the era, making it an iconic piece of 80s pop culture.
“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” stands out for its blend of pop and elements of Motown, showcasing George Michael’s songwriting prowess and Wham!’s ability to create fun, danceable music. The song remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its feel-good vibe and ability to get listeners dancing, making it a timeless anthem of pop joy.
8. Jesus to a Child
“Jesus to a Child” is a deeply emotional ballad by George Michael, released as the lead single from his 1996 album “Older.” The song is a poignant tribute to Michael’s late partner, Anselmo Feleppa, who died of an AIDS-related illness. Characterized by its gentle guitar strums, soft percussion, and lush orchestration, the track showcases Michael’s soulful and heartfelt vocal delivery. The lyrics convey a profound sense of loss, love, and mourning, reflecting Michael’s grief and the impact of Feleppa’s death on his life. “Jesus to a Child” was critically acclaimed for its honesty and emotional depth, highlighting Michael’s songwriting prowess and his ability to convey complex emotions through music. The song achieved commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries and resonating with listeners worldwide. Its release marked a significant moment in Michael’s career, as he publicly acknowledged his sexuality and the personal struggles he faced. “Jesus to a Child” stands as a testament to George Michael’s talent and his courage in sharing personal pain, making it one of the most moving and memorable songs in his discography.
9. Fastlove
“Fastlove” is a sleek, upbeat track by George Michael, released in 1996 as part of his album “Older.” The song showcases Michael’s smooth vocal delivery over a contemporary R&B and pop beat, reflecting his evolution as an artist and his experimentation with new sounds and themes. Lyrically, “Fastlove” delves into the desire for carefree romance and temporary connections, eschewing the complexities of long-term relationships in favor of the thrill of the moment.
The production incorporates elements of funk, jazz, and electronic music, creating a sophisticated soundscape that complements the song’s theme of modern love and hedonism. Its catchy chorus and sophisticated arrangement helped “Fastlove” achieve commercial success, topping charts and earning critical acclaim for its innovative approach to pop and R&B.
The accompanying music video further emphasized the song’s themes of fleeting connections and the fast pace of contemporary life, featuring futuristic visuals and stylish imagery. “Fastlove” remains one of George Michael’s standout tracks, highlighting his ability to blend introspective lyrics with compelling music, and continues to be celebrated for its smooth vibe and thoughtful exploration of love and desire in the modern age.
10. Praying for Time
“Praying for Time” is a profound and reflective song by George Michael, released in 1990 as the lead single from his critically acclaimed album “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1.” This song marked a significant shift in Michael’s musical direction, showcasing a more serious, introspective approach compared to the upbeat pop hits that had characterized his earlier career. The lyrics offer a poignant commentary on social injustice, greed, and the human condition, highlighting Michael’s depth as a songwriter and his concern for societal issues.
Musically, “Praying for Time” is characterized by its somber melody and minimalistic arrangement, allowing Michael’s emotive vocals to take center stage. The song’s powerful message and its delivery resonated with audiences, leading it to become a major hit and one of George Michael’s most respected works.
The track’s accompanying music video further emphasized its message by featuring only the lyrics against a dark background, encouraging listeners to focus on the song’s meaning. “Praying for Time” is often lauded for its timeless relevance, demonstrating George Michael’s talent for creating music that not only entertains but also provokes thought and dialogue about important social issues.
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.
