Few artists have left as profound a mark on pop music as George Michael. With his unmistakable voice, heartfelt lyrics, and fearless creativity, he became one of the most influential musicians of all time. From his early days as part of Wham! to his groundbreaking solo career, Michael consistently pushed boundaries—whether through sultry R&B-infused ballads, infectious dance anthems, or thought-provoking social commentary.
With a career spanning over three decades, George Michael gave the world some of the most unforgettable songs ever recorded. His music wasn’t just about catchy melodies—it was about emotion, storytelling, and a deep connection with his audience. Whether he was delivering a tear-jerking ballad like “One More Try”, igniting dance floors with “Too Funky”, or making powerful statements with “Praying for Time”, every song carried a unique magic.
In this list, we count down the top 10 most popular George Michael songs of all time—tracks that defined an era, broke records, and continue to resonate with fans across generations. Get ready to relive the passion, the soul, and the brilliance of a true music icon. 🎶✨
1. Careless Whisper (1984)
“Careless Whisper” isn’t just a song—it’s an experience. With its hauntingly beautiful saxophone intro and lyrics filled with regret and heartbreak, this 1984 hit remains one of George Michael’s most iconic tracks. Released while he was still part of Wham! but credited as his first solo effort, the song instantly proved his ability to stand on his own as an artist. The lyrics tell the story of a man grappling with the guilt of infidelity, making the emotional weight of the song impossible to ignore. Coupled with its melancholic melody, “Careless Whisper” is a masterclass in heartbreak balladry. It wasn’t just a hit—it was a phenomenon, topping charts across the globe, including the U.S. and U.K. To this day, it remains a staple on soft rock radio and a go-to song for late-night nostalgia.
2. Faith (1987)
With its unforgettable opening organ notes, rockabilly-inspired guitar riff, and iconic handclaps, “Faith” cemented George Michael as a solo superstar in 1987. As the title track from his debut solo album, the song showcased a new, confident side of Michael—one that oozed charm, charisma, and undeniable musical talent. Lyrically, “Faith” is playful yet relatable, touching on romantic hesitation and the push-and-pull of desire. The song’s infectious energy propelled it to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for weeks, becoming one of the most recognizable hits of the decade. Beyond its chart success, “Faith” became a cultural moment, with Michael’s leather jacket, ripped jeans, and sunglasses look turning him into an ’80s icon.
3. Father Figure (1987)
Few songs capture raw emotion like “Father Figure.” Released in late 1987 as part of the Faith album, this slow-burning ballad blends elements of gospel, R&B, and pop, creating an intimate and almost hypnotic listening experience. Michael’s vocals are dripping with passion and longing as he delivers lyrics that explore devotion and the complexities of relationships. The song is open to interpretation, with some viewing it as romantic while others see it as a reflection of deeper emotional connections. The atmospheric production—marked by soft synths, choral harmonies, and a slow, sultry beat—only adds to the song’s mystique. It became yet another No. 1 hit in the U.S., solidifying Michael’s ability to deliver both up-tempo hits and deeply personal ballads.
4. Freedom! ’90 (1990)
More than just a song, “Freedom! ’90” was a bold statement. Released in 1990 as part of Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1, it marked a clear departure from the Faith era, both musically and personally. The song’s driving piano riff, infectious beat, and powerful lyrics spoke to Michael’s desire to break free from his past image and artistic constraints. But what truly cemented its legacy was the groundbreaking music video, which featured supermodels like Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell lip-syncing the lyrics while Michael himself stayed out of the spotlight. This move was symbolic of his fight against the industry’s expectations. Today, “Freedom! ’90” remains an anthem of self-liberation and creative reinvention.
5. One More Try (1988)
If there’s one song that showcases George Michael’s raw vocal ability, it’s “One More Try.” Released in 1988 from Faith, this heartfelt ballad is drenched in emotion, telling the story of someone afraid to love again after experiencing deep heartache. The song is stripped down, allowing Michael’s voice to shine through in all its soulful glory. With its gospel influences and achingly beautiful melody, “One More Try” struck a chord with listeners, earning a No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s a song that resonates with anyone who has ever struggled to open their heart again, proving that Michael was not just a pop star, but a storyteller capable of touching people’s deepest emotions.
6. Praying for Time (1990)
A stark contrast to his earlier love songs, “Praying for Time” is a powerful social commentary that showcases George Michael’s depth as a songwriter. Released in 1990 as the lead single from Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1, the song reflects on societal struggles, inequality, and materialism. Its somber production—marked by dramatic strings and a hauntingly distant vocal delivery—makes it feel almost like a sermon. Unlike his usual music videos, Michael chose not to appear in the clip, allowing the thought-provoking lyrics to stand on their own. Despite its serious tone, the song topped the U.S. charts, proving that Michael could balance commercial success with meaningful artistry.
7. Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (1991)
Originally released by Elton John in 1974, “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” reached new heights when George Michael and Elton John performed it as a duet in 1991. Recorded live during Michael’s Cover to Cover tour, this version became an instant classic, hitting No. 1 in both the U.K. and the U.S. The combination of their powerhouse vocals and emotional delivery turned an already beautiful song into something truly unforgettable. Their friendship and mutual admiration were evident, making this one of the most cherished live duets in music history.
8. I Want Your Sex (1987)
One of the most controversial songs of its time, “I Want Your Sex” pushed boundaries when it was released in 1987 as part of Faith. The title alone raised eyebrows, leading to radio bans and TV censorship. However, George Michael defended the song as an anthem promoting monogamy and intimacy rather than casual promiscuity. Musically, it’s a funky, high-energy track with an irresistible groove that made it a hit on dancefloors despite the controversy. This song was an early indication that Michael was never afraid to challenge norms and push pop music into bold new territory.
9. Jesus to a Child (1996)
“Jesus to a Child” is one of George Michael’s most deeply personal songs. Released in 1996 as the lead single from Older, it was a tribute to his late partner, Anselmo Feleppa, who had passed away from an AIDS-related illness. The song is a beautifully crafted ballad filled with sorrow, longing, and love, making it one of Michael’s most poignant compositions. The combination of its haunting melody, poetic lyrics, and heartfelt vocal delivery made it an instant classic. It reached No. 1 in the U.K., proving that even in grief, Michael had the ability to create something universally resonant.
10. Too Funky (1992)
Closing out this list is “Too Funky,” a song that perfectly blends fashion, funk, and social awareness. Released in 1992 as part of Red Hot + Dance, a charity album benefiting AIDS research, the song is pure high-energy fun. With its infectious beat, playful lyrics, and stylish production, “Too Funky” became a club favorite. The music video, featuring supermodels in extravagant runway outfits, only added to its allure. Even when addressing serious causes, George Michael had the rare ability to create music that was both meaningful and irresistibly danceable.
Samuel Moore 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.
