George Michael’s incredible musical legacy spans decades, establishing him as one of the world’s best-selling artists with over 125 million records sold worldwide. From his early days with Wham! to his successful solo career, George Michael created some of the most memorable and influential pop songs in music history. In 2025, his timeless hits continue to captivate new generations of fans, while recent releases and remastered albums keep his musical genius alive for both longtime admirers and newcomers alike.
Careless Whisper (1984)
Written when George Michael was just 17 years old, “Careless Whisper” remains one of the most recognizable saxophone-driven ballads in pop music history. The song went on to win the singer an Ivor Novello Award when he was 21, and has become a huge hit, through the decades. To celebrate the 40th anniversary, the song was re-issued in 2024 as an EP including a previously unreleased version. The emotional depth and sophisticated arrangement of this track showcased George Michael’s songwriting maturity at such a young age, setting the foundation for his legendary career.
Faith (1987)
The title track from George Michael’s debut solo album became an instant classic and one of his most defining songs. This rockabilly-influenced anthem perfectly captured the transition from his Wham! era to his solo career, demonstrating his versatility as an artist. The song’s iconic guitar riff, combined with George’s powerful vocals and confident attitude, made it a chart-topping success that continues to be featured on wedding playlists and songs collections worldwide.
Last Christmas (1984)
Originally released as a Wham! single, “Last Christmas” has become one of the most beloved holiday songs of all time. “Last Christmas” would become the UK Christmas number one for the first time in 2023, and it hit number one again at Christmas in 2024, making it the first song to top the Christmas chart in consecutive years. The song’s enduring popularity demonstrates George Michael’s ability to craft timeless melodies that resonate with audiences across generations. Its recent chart success proves that great music transcends time, continuing to find new audiences decades after its original release.
Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go (1984)
This upbeat, energetic anthem epitomizes the joyful spirit of the 1980s pop era. As one of Wham!’s biggest hits, the song showcases George Michael’s ability to create infectious, danceable tracks that instantly lift spirits. The combination of catchy lyrics, upbeat tempo, and George’s charismatic delivery made this song a staple of 80s playlists and continues to be a crowd favorite at parties and celebrations worldwide.
Freedom! ’90 (1990)
From his second solo album “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1,” this powerful anthem represents George Michael’s artistic evolution and his desire for creative freedom. The song features a memorable bass line and showcases his mature vocal style, while the lyrics reflect his frustration with the music industry’s commercial pressures. Its iconic music video, featuring supermodels lip-syncing the words, became a cultural phenomenon and demonstrated George’s innovative approach to visual storytelling.
Father Figure (1987)
This sultry, sophisticated ballad from the “Faith” album demonstrates George Michael’s ability to create intimate, emotionally complex songs. The track’s smooth production and George’s seductive vocal performance created a perfect slow-burn romance anthem. The song’s success on both pop and R&B charts proved his crossover appeal and established him as an artist capable of transcending genre boundaries with his sophisticated songwriting approach.
I Want Your Sex (1987)
One of George Michael’s most provocative and controversial releases, this song pushed boundaries in the conservative 1980s music landscape. The track’s bold lyrics and George’s confident delivery sparked debates about sexuality in mainstream pop music while showcasing his willingness to tackle taboo subjects. Despite initial radio restrictions, the song became a massive hit and demonstrated that great artists often challenge societal norms through their music, paving the way for more open artistic expression.
Jesus to a Child (1996)
‘Jesus To A Child’ reached number one in the UK in 1996, and remains one of George’s best-known love songs. This deeply personal ballad from his “Older” album marked his return to music after a hiatus and showcased a more introspective, mature George Michael. The song’s orchestral arrangement and George’s emotionally vulnerable performance created a powerful tribute that resonated with fans worldwide, proving his ability to channel personal experiences into universally moving music.
Fastlove (1996)
From the critically acclaimed “Older” album, “Fastlove” became another chart-topping hit that displayed George Michael’s evolution as an artist. It contains a sample of the Patrice Rushen hit ‘Forget Me Nots’, which was also sampled in Will Smith’s ‘Men in Black’ a year later. The song’s contemporary production combined with George’s mature vocal style created a perfect bridge between his earlier work and his artistic growth in the 1990s, establishing him as an artist who could adapt to changing musical landscapes while maintaining his distinctive identity.
Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (with Elton John) (1991)
This powerful duet with Elton John became one of George Michael’s most memorable collaborative performances. Originally an Elton John song, George’s interpretation alongside the original artist created magic that captivated audiences worldwide. The live performance at Wembley Arena demonstrated George’s ability to hold his own alongside established legends while bringing fresh energy to classic material, showcasing his respect for musical heritage and his own artistic prowess.
The Impact of George Michael’s Musical Legacy
George Michael’s influence on popular music extends far beyond his impressive sales figures and chart positions. His willingness to address social issues, explore themes of sexuality and identity, and maintain artistic integrity while achieving commercial success inspired countless artists who followed. Through platforms like bands and guides, music enthusiasts continue to explore how his innovative approaches to songwriting and performance changed the landscape of pop music forever.
The recent reissues and anniversary releases, including the 40th anniversary “Careless Whisper” EP in 2024, prove that George Michael’s music remains relevant and cherished by both longtime fans and new listeners. His ability to craft songs that work equally well as intimate acoustic performances or full production arrangements demonstrates the fundamental strength of his songwriting, ensuring his legacy continues to grow even after his passing.
Recent Releases and Continuing Legacy
In 2025, George Michael’s estate continues to honor his memory through carefully curated releases that introduce his music to new generations. His third studio album will be released across two remastered LPs, used from original tapes and pressed on 180gsm vinyl, showing the ongoing commitment to preserving the quality and integrity of his original recordings. These releases, combined with streaming platform playlists and tribute performances by contemporary artists, ensure that George Michael’s influence on popular music continues to be felt and appreciated.
The enduring popularity of songs like “Last Christmas” reaching number one multiple times in recent years proves that great music transcends generational boundaries. George Michael’s catalog offers something for every listener, from dance floor anthems to intimate ballads, from social commentary to pure entertainment. His artistic vision, combined with exceptional vocal ability and songwriting skills, created a body of work that remains as powerful and relevant today as when it was first recorded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is George Michael’s most popular song?
“Careless Whisper” is widely considered George Michael’s most popular and recognizable song. Written when he was just 17 years old, it won him an Ivor Novello Award and was recently reissued in 2024 for its 40th anniversary. The song’s distinctive saxophone melody and emotional lyrics have made it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
How many albums did George Michael release as a solo artist?
George Michael released five studio albums as a solo artist throughout his career. His debut solo album “Faith” (1987) became one of the best-selling albums of all time, while subsequent releases like “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1” and “Older” showcased his artistic evolution and maturity as a songwriter and performer.
What recent George Michael releases are available?
Recent releases include the 40th anniversary “Careless Whisper” EP released in 2024, featuring previously unreleased versions of the classic track. Additionally, remastered versions of his albums, including special vinyl pressings of “Older,” have been made available to both longtime fans and new listeners discovering his music.
What made George Michael’s songwriting so special?
George Michael’s songwriting combined emotional honesty with sophisticated musical arrangements, creating songs that worked on multiple levels. His ability to address personal experiences, social issues, and universal themes while maintaining commercial appeal set him apart from his contemporaries. His songs often featured complex emotional narratives wrapped in memorable melodies that made them both artistically significant and commercially successful.