Few artists have left a mark on pop music as indelibly as George Michael. From his early days as one half of Wham! to his evolution into a fearless solo artist, Michael’s voice, charisma, and songwriting brilliance transcended generations. Whether delivering heart-wrenching ballads or funky dancefloor anthems, he had an uncanny ability to blend vulnerability with star power. His songs weren’t just hits—they were cultural landmarks, echoing through radios, dance clubs, and personal moments across the globe.
This list honors the Top 10 Most Popular George Michael Songs of All Time—a celebration of the tracks that defined his career and captured the hearts of millions. These are the songs that topped charts, broke records, inspired covers, and, most importantly, told stories. From the saxophone-laced sorrow of “Careless Whisper” to the rebellious roar of “Freedom! ’90”, each entry is a testament to Michael’s artistry and impact.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering his genius, this journey through his most iconic songs is sure to rekindle the magic. So grab your headphones, cue up the playlist, and get ready to rediscover the unforgettable soundtrack of a true pop legend.
1. Careless Whisper (1984)
Few debut solo singles have left as indelible a mark as “Careless Whisper.” Released in 1984, while George Michael was still riding high with Wham!, this sultry ballad signaled his inevitable evolution into a solo superstar. The song’s unforgettable saxophone riff—now etched into pop culture history—sets the tone for a tale of love, regret, and betrayal. Lyrically, Michael explores the guilt of infidelity with poetic vulnerability, and his smooth vocal delivery captures every ounce of emotional weight. What’s remarkable is that George co-wrote it at just 17, showcasing his precocious talent. The track topped charts in over 20 countries and became a slow-dance staple for decades. It’s more than just a hit—it’s a timeless confession wrapped in shimmering production. “Careless Whisper” remains a masterclass in pop balladry.
2. Faith (1987)
With “Faith,” released in 1987, George Michael obliterated any lingering doubt about his ability to thrive post-Wham! The title track of his first solo album, “Faith” is a bold, genre-bending explosion of rockabilly swagger and pop precision. From the moment the Bo Diddley-inspired guitar riff strums in, listeners are swept into a confident, infectious groove. Michael’s vocals balance cocky charm with soulful control, while the lyrics playfully explore temptation and independence. The song became an international phenomenon, topping the Billboard Hot 100 and fueling a new image of Michael as a leather-clad pop provocateur. “Faith” wasn’t just a hit—it was a cultural reset, launching one of the most successful solo careers of the late ’80s.
3. Freedom! ’90 (1990)
In “Freedom! ’90,” George Michael didn’t just craft a song—he issued a manifesto. Released in 1990, this anthemic track was a bold rejection of the image-driven pop machine that had both elevated and constrained him. Over a funky, piano-laced groove and gospel-tinged backing vocals, Michael declares his liberation from the persona that made him famous. The song is layered with irony, rebellion, and fierce honesty. “I won’t let you down,” he sings—not to the industry, but to himself. Unlike earlier hits, George refused to appear in the music video, instead casting supermodels to lip-sync the lyrics, flipping the script on celebrity culture. “Freedom! ’90” is a defiant, exhilarating milestone that still resonates with artists fighting for authenticity.
4. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (1984)
Exploding with vibrant energy and unapologetic joy, “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” was the song that catapulted Wham! into global stardom in 1984. Inspired by a note left by Andrew Ridgeley, the track is pure pop sugar—with its doo-wop beats, clapping rhythms, and infectious hooks. It’s a technicolor throwback to the innocence of early rock and roll, but with a slick ’80s sheen. George Michael’s vocals radiate unfiltered enthusiasm, making it impossible not to smile—or dance. The song became a No. 1 hit in both the US and UK, and its neon-soaked video, complete with “Choose Life” T-shirts, helped define the visual aesthetic of the decade. “Wake Me Up” is more than bubblegum—it’s a celebration of youth, movement, and unfiltered fun.
5. One More Try (1988)
“One More Try,” released in 1988 from the Faith album, strips away the polish to reveal George Michael at his most raw and introspective. With a minimal gospel-influenced arrangement, the song allows his vocal performance to take center stage—and what a performance it is. Slowly unraveling over six minutes, Michael pleads for emotional caution, portraying a wounded soul wary of love’s risks. The song swells with quiet power, building toward a cathartic crescendo that never loses its intimacy. Topping the US Billboard Hot 100, “One More Try” defied expectations for a pop ballad, trading formula for feeling. It’s a haunting meditation on vulnerability, and a shining example of Michael’s ability to turn personal pain into universal resonance.
6. Father Figure (1988)
Released in early 1988, “Father Figure” is one of George Michael’s most enigmatic and sensual tracks. Blending R&B, pop, and a touch of mysticism, the song weaves a hypnotic spell with its slow-burning beat and layered harmonies. Lyrically ambiguous, it deals with themes of protection, devotion, and power dynamics in relationships. Michael’s breathy, impassioned delivery adds a sense of intimacy that borders on the spiritual. The production is lush yet restrained, with atmospheric synths and subtle percussion creating an ethereal mood. “Father Figure” topped the US charts and showcased a darker, more experimental side of the Faith album. It remains a standout for its emotional complexity and sonic sophistication—proof of George’s fearless artistry.
7. Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (1991)
Though originally recorded by Elton John in 1974, it was the 1991 live duet with George Michael that turned “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” into a transcendent powerhouse. Captured during a concert at Wembley Arena, the emotional intensity between the two legends is palpable. Michael, who had long idolized Elton, rose to the occasion with a soaring vocal that matched the song’s grandeur. Released as a single later that year, the duet reached No. 1 in both the US and UK. It’s not just a cover—it’s a passing of the torch, a moment of mutual respect that amplified the song’s themes of vulnerability and redemption. Few live recordings have captured such authentic magic.
8. Everything She Wants (1984)
“Everything She Wants,” released in 1984 as part of Wham!’s Make It Big album, is a sharply written commentary on materialism disguised as a sleek synth-pop hit. Unlike the duo’s more upbeat tracks, this one delves into the disillusionment of a man who gives everything in a relationship, only to be met with unending demands. The groove is smooth and moody, anchored by a pulsating bassline and crisp production. George Michael’s vocals carry the weight of frustration and resignation, making the song both danceable and thought-provoking. It topped the US charts in 1985, proving that Wham! could go beyond carefree pop and into emotionally resonant territory. It’s a hidden gem that rewards deeper listening.
9. Jesus to a Child (1996)
“Jesus to a Child” marked George Michael’s return after a long hiatus, and what a return it was. Released in 1996, the song is a poignant tribute to his late partner, Anselmo Feleppa, whose death deeply affected him. With a bossa nova undercurrent and melancholic string arrangements, the track is hauntingly beautiful. Michael sings of love lost, grief endured, and the quiet ache of memory. The lyrics are poetic and deeply personal, delivered with a tenderness that pierces through the melody. It became his first UK No. 1 in years, and a reminder of his ability to pair emotional depth with musical elegance. “Jesus to a Child” is not just a song—it’s a eulogy, a prayer, and a love letter in one.
10. I’m Your Man (1985)
By 1985, George Michael was steering Wham! in a funkier, more mature direction, and “I’m Your Man” was the proof. Bursting with Motown-inspired horns and a cheeky, confident vocal, the song blends old-school groove with contemporary pop flair. Lyrically, Michael drops the boyish charm of earlier hits in favor of bold promises and flirtatious swagger. It’s playful, sexy, and effortlessly cool—showing a man in full control of his pop prowess. The song became another UK chart-topper and signaled the duo’s final stretch before Michael embarked on his solo journey. With its infectious energy and retro-modern fusion, “I’m Your Man” stands as one of Wham!’s most enduring bangers.
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.
