George Michael’s extraordinary musical legacy continues to captivate audiences worldwide, cementing his status as one of the most influential pop artists of all time. From his early days with Wham! to his groundbreaking solo career, George Michael crafted timeless melodies that transcend generations and musical boundaries. His remarkable ability to blend pop sensibilities with soul, R&B, and dance elements created a distinctive sound that remains unmatched in contemporary music. With over 125 million records sold globally and countless chart-topping hits, George Michael’s catalog represents the pinnacle of artistic excellence and commercial success.
The enduring popularity of George Michael’s music is evidenced by recent milestone celebrations and posthumous releases that continue to introduce his artistry to new fans. To celebrate the 40th anniversary, “Careless Whisper” was re-issued in 2024 as an EP including a previously unreleased version, while “Last Christmas” hit number one again at Christmas in 2024, making it the first song to top the Christmas chart in consecutive years. These achievements demonstrate how George Michael’s songwriting prowess creates music that feels as fresh and relevant today as it did decades ago. Whether you’re discovering his music for the first time or revisiting beloved classics, exploring the best songs from this legendary artist offers an incredible journey through pop music history.
Careless Whisper
“Careless Whisper” stands as George Michael’s most iconic and recognizable composition, a masterpiece that showcases his exceptional songwriting abilities at an remarkably young age. 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, performed by Steve Gregory, creates an unforgettable musical landscape that perfectly complements the deeply emotional narrative of guilt and regret following infidelity. The track’s sophisticated arrangement and mature themes seemed almost impossible to have come from such a young artist, yet it established George Michael as a serious songwriter capable of creating enduring classics.
The song’s commercial success was unprecedented, reaching number one in multiple countries and becoming a defining track of the 1980s. Its universal themes of love, loss, and moral consequence resonated with audiences across cultural and generational boundaries, making it a timeless anthem for anyone who has experienced relationship regret. The recent 40th anniversary reissue in 2024 introduced previously unreleased versions to longtime fans while attracting new listeners who discover the song’s emotional depth and musical sophistication. “Careless Whisper” remains a testament to George Michael’s ability to transform personal experience into universally relatable art that continues to move audiences decades after its creation.
Faith
The title track from George Michael’s debut solo album represents his bold transition from Wham! member to independent artist, establishing his credibility as a serious solo performer. His biggest hit of all time on the Hot 100 is his 1987 No. 1 smash “Faith.” It spent four weeks atop the list and was one of four No. 1 singles from his solo debut album. The song’s infectious rockabilly-inspired guitar riff, combined with George’s confident vocal delivery and distinctive hand claps, created an instantly recognizable sound that dominated radio airwaves worldwide. Its blend of retro styling with contemporary production techniques demonstrated George Michael’s artistic vision and his ability to honor musical traditions while creating something entirely fresh and modern.
“Faith” became more than just a hit single; it transformed into a cultural phenomenon that defined George Michael’s artistic identity as a solo performer. The song’s music video, featuring George’s leather jacket and sunglasses aesthetic, became iconic imagery that influenced fashion and style throughout the late 1980s. The track’s success helped propel the Faith album to Diamond certification status, selling over 10 million copies in the United States alone and establishing George Michael as a global superstar. The song’s enduring popularity continues to make it a staple of classic rock and pop playlists, proving that great songwriting and authentic artistic expression create music that transcends temporal boundaries.
Last Christmas
Originally released as a Wham! single, “Last Christmas” has evolved into one of the most beloved and enduring holiday songs in popular music history. “Last Christmas” hit number one again at Christmas in 2024, making it the first song to top the Christmas chart in consecutive years. The song’s melancholic melody contrasts beautifully with the festive season, creating a bittersweet holiday anthem that captures the complex emotions many people experience during Christmas time. George Michael’s heartfelt vocals tell the story of romantic disappointment during the holidays, a theme that resonates with listeners who have experienced similar seasonal heartbreak.
The track’s production features lush synthesizers, gentle percussion, and George’s multi-layered harmonies that create a warm, nostalgic atmosphere perfect for winter reflection. Its recent chart-topping success nearly four decades after its original release demonstrates the song’s remarkable staying power and its ability to connect with new generations of listeners. The song has become a Christmas tradition for millions of families worldwide, played alongside classic carols and modern holiday favorites, cementing its place in the seasonal music canon and ensuring George Michael’s voice becomes part of Christmas celebrations for generations to come.
Freedom! ’90
This powerful anthem from the “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1” album represents George Michael’s artistic liberation and his desire to be taken seriously as a musician rather than just a pop star. The song’s driving beat, gospel-influenced backing vocals, and socially conscious lyrics created a mature sound that marked his evolution from teen heartthrob to serious artist. Its bold statement about breaking free from industry constraints and personal limitations resonated with fans who were growing alongside George Michael’s artistic development. The track’s sophisticated production incorporated elements of dance, soul, and rock music, creating a genre-defying sound that influenced countless artists in subsequent decades.
The song’s famous music video, featuring supermodels lip-syncing while George Michael’s iconic leather jacket, jukebox, and guitar were destroyed, became a powerful visual metaphor for his artistic rebirth. This creative decision to absent himself from the video while destroying symbols of his past image demonstrated his commitment to being recognized for his music rather than his appearance. “Freedom! ’90” became an anthem for anyone seeking personal or professional liberation, with its message of authenticity and self-determination continuing to inspire listeners across generations. The track’s influence extends beyond music, becoming a cultural touchstone for discussions about artistic integrity and the courage required to evolve publicly.
Father Figure
This sensual and sophisticated ballad showcases George Michael’s ability to craft intimate love songs that balance emotional vulnerability with mature sexuality. The song’s smooth production, featuring subtle electronic elements and George’s seductive vocal delivery, created an atmosphere of romantic intensity that was both tasteful and provocative. Its exploration of protective love and devotion demonstrated George Michael’s growth as a songwriter capable of examining complex relationship dynamics with nuance and emotional intelligence. The track’s success proved that audiences were ready for more mature themes in pop music, paving the way for other artists to explore similar territory.
The song’s music video, with its cinematic black-and-white aesthetic and symbolic imagery, elevated the track beyond a simple love song into an artistic statement about passion and commitment. George’s 1987 song of the same name, Billboard has learned. But instead of directly sampling the beloved song, Taylor’s version will interpolate the original into her new edition, showing how contemporary artists continue to draw inspiration from George Michael’s songwriting genius. “Father Figure” remains a testament to George Michael’s ability to create music that speaks to the deepest human emotions while maintaining commercial appeal, proving that artistic sophistication and popular success can coexist harmoniously.
One More Try
This emotionally devastating ballad represents some of George Michael’s most vulnerable and honest songwriting, exploring themes of heartbreak and the desperate hope for relationship reconciliation. While “Father Figure” may be the better-remembered Faith ballad, “One More Try” is the more quintessential; a tortured maybe-breakup song that spends five minutes begging for merciful release from love, only to lose its nerve at the last second and agree to start all over again. The song’s sparse arrangement allows George’s powerful vocals to carry the emotional weight, with each note conveying the pain and uncertainty of love on the brink of collapse. Its honest portrayal of romantic desperation created a deeply relatable anthem for anyone who has fought to save a failing relationship.
The track’s commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100, proved that audiences craved authentic emotional expression in popular music. George Michael’s willingness to expose his own vulnerability through his art created a template for confessional songwriting that influenced countless artists in subsequent decades. The song’s enduring popularity stems from its universal themes and George Michael’s masterful ability to transform personal pain into transcendent art that comforts and validates listeners experiencing similar emotional struggles.
Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go
This exuberant Wham! anthem captures the pure joy and energy of 1980s pop music, creating an instantly recognizable celebration of youth and optimism. “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” Wham!, No. 1 (three weeks), Nov. 17, 1984, demonstrating the song’s massive commercial appeal and cultural impact. The track’s infectious enthusiasm, combined with its simple yet irresistible chorus, made it an instant classic that continues to energize dance floors and radio stations worldwide. Its upbeat tempo and celebratory lyrics created the perfect soundtrack for the decade’s optimistic spirit, while George Michael’s charismatic vocal performance established him as a natural entertainer capable of lifting audiences’ spirits effortlessly.
The song’s colorful music video, featuring the duo’s memorable “Choose Life” t-shirts and exuberant choreography, became iconic imagery that defined 1980s pop culture aesthetics. The track’s enduring popularity at sporting events, parties, and celebrations demonstrates its ability to create instant joy and communal energy among diverse audiences. “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” represents the pinnacle of feel-good pop music, proving that sometimes the most effective art is that which brings pure happiness and escapism to people’s lives without requiring deep analysis or contemplation.
Everything She Wants
This sophisticated Wham! track showcases George Michael’s early songwriting maturity and his ability to address serious relationship issues within an accessible pop framework. “Everything She Wants,” Wham!, No. 1 (two weeks), May 25, 1985, highlighting the song’s significant commercial success and cultural resonance. The song’s narrative explores the financial and emotional pressures that can strain romantic relationships, with George Michael’s lyrics painting a realistic portrait of a man struggling to meet his partner’s material expectations. Its honest examination of money-related relationship stress resonated with young adults navigating their own romantic and financial challenges during the economically turbulent 1980s.
The track’s production features a sophisticated blend of synthesizers, drum machines, and George’s layered vocals that create a rich sonic landscape supporting the complex lyrical themes. The song’s success demonstrated George Michael’s ability to tackle mature subject matter while maintaining the infectious pop sensibilities that made Wham! a global phenomenon. “Everything She Wants” stands as evidence of George Michael’s songwriting evolution, showing how he could address real-world concerns within the context of mainstream pop music, creating art that was both commercially viable and intellectually engaging.
I Want Your Sex
This controversial yet groundbreaking single marked George Michael’s bold entry into solo artistry while addressing sexuality with unprecedented directness in mainstream pop music. The song’s frank discussion of physical desire and its music video’s sensual imagery sparked widespread debate about appropriate content in popular entertainment, yet its commercial success proved audiences were ready for more mature conversations about human sexuality. George Michael’s confident vocal delivery and the track’s sophisticated production created a seductive soundscape that balanced provocation with artistic merit. The song’s three-part structure allowed for extended exploration of its themes while maintaining radio-friendly accessibility.
The track’s impact extended far beyond its chart performance, influencing discussions about censorship, artistic freedom, and the role of sexuality in popular culture. Its inclusion on the “Faith” album helped establish George Michael as an artist willing to take creative risks and challenge societal conventions through his music. When listening to quality audio equipment like those found in our headphones comparison, the song’s intricate production details and George Michael’s vocal nuances become even more apparent. “I Want Your Sex” remains a landmark recording that demonstrated how popular music could address adult themes with sophistication and artistic integrity.
Praying for Time
This socially conscious masterpiece represents George Michael’s most politically engaged songwriting, addressing global issues of poverty, environmental destruction, and social inequality with remarkable eloquence and urgency. The song’s sparse arrangement, featuring primarily piano and subtle string arrangements, allows George’s passionate vocal delivery and powerful lyrics to take center stage. Its unflinching examination of world problems and humanity’s failure to address them created a protest song that was both commercially successful and artistically uncompromising. The track’s mature themes and sophisticated musical approach marked a significant evolution in George Michael’s artistic development.
The song’s music video, featuring stark black-and-white imagery of global suffering interspersed with shots of George Michael performing, created a powerful visual statement that reinforced the track’s message of social responsibility. Its commercial success proved that audiences were hungry for meaningful content in popular music, paving the way for other artists to address serious subjects in their work. “Praying for Time” stands as one of the finest examples of socially conscious pop music, demonstrating how artists can use their platforms to raise awareness about important issues while creating genuinely moving and memorable music.
Jesus to a Child
This hauntingly beautiful ballad represents some of George Michael’s most personal and emotionally honest songwriting, written as a tribute to his late partner Anselmo Feleppa. ‘Jesus To A Child’ reached number one in the UK in 1996, and remains one of George’s best-known love songs. The song’s delicate arrangement, featuring ethereal production and George’s most tender vocal performance, creates an atmosphere of profound grief and enduring love. Its exploration of loss, memory, and the transformative power of love created a deeply moving tribute that resonated with anyone who has experienced the death of someone beloved.
The track’s commercial success demonstrated that audiences were receptive to deeply personal and emotional content in popular music, validating George Michael’s decision to share his most private experiences through his art. The song’s charitable component, with George Michael secretly donating all royalties to children’s charity ChildLine, added another layer of meaning to this already profound composition. “Jesus to a Child” remains a testament to George Michael’s ability to transform personal tragedy into universal art that provides comfort and solace to listeners facing their own losses and struggles.
Fastlove
This energetic dance-pop anthem showcased George Michael’s ability to create sophisticated club music that maintained his signature emotional depth and vocal excellence. The follow-up “Fastlove”, also peaked at number one in the UK, demonstrating the song’s immediate commercial impact and cultural resonance. The track’s innovative sampling of Patrice Rushen’s “Forget Me Nots” created a foundation for George Michael’s exploration of casual relationships and emotional detachment in modern urban life. Its fusion of dance beats with introspective lyrics created a unique sound that influenced the development of sophisticated pop-dance music throughout the 1990s.
The song’s music video, featuring surreal imagery and cutting-edge visual effects, created a artistic statement that matched the track’s innovative musical approach. The song’s honest examination of superficial relationships and emotional unavailability provided a counterpoint to traditional romantic pop songs, offering a more realistic perspective on modern dating culture. “Fastlove” proved that dance music could be intellectually engaging and emotionally complex, establishing a template for intelligent club music that many artists continue to follow today.
Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (with Elton John)
This iconic duet between George Michael and Elton John represents one of the greatest collaborative performances in popular music history, transforming Elton’s original 1974 song into a powerhouse showcase for both artists’ extraordinary vocal abilities. George surprised his fans on tour in 1991, with this special appearance from Sir Elton John to perform the latter’s classic anthem. They had previously done so at Live Aid six years previously. The live recording captures the spontaneous magic that occurred when these two British music legends shared the stage, with their voices blending in perfect harmony while maintaining their distinct artistic personalities. The emotional intensity of their performance created a transcendent musical moment that elevated the original song to new heights.
It was so popular that it was released as a single, and reached number one in the UK, proving that audiences recognized the special nature of this musical collaboration. The success of this duet demonstrated George Michael’s ability to hold his own alongside established music royalty while contributing his unique artistic perspective to classic material. The recording remains a masterclass in vocal performance and musical collaboration, showing how great artists can honor each other’s work while creating something entirely new and magical.
Too Funky
This groove-heavy dance track represents George Michael’s exploration of funk and R&B influences, creating an irresistibly rhythmic celebration of musical freedom and creative expression. In 1992, Michael recorded “Too Funky”, for the charity project Red Hot + Dance; the song reached number four in the UK and number ten in the US. The song’s infectious bassline, sophisticated horn arrangements, and George’s powerful vocal delivery created a track that was equally at home in nightclubs and on mainstream radio. Its charitable purpose, supporting AIDS awareness and research, added meaningful social impact to its considerable entertainment value.
The track’s music video, featuring supermodels in haute couture fashion, created a visual spectacle that matched the song’s celebratory energy while making important statements about beauty, diversity, and artistic expression. The song’s success proved that George Michael could master multiple musical genres while maintaining his distinctive artistic voice and social consciousness. “Too Funky” stands as evidence of George Michael’s versatility and his commitment to using his artistic platform for important causes while creating genuinely entertaining and musically sophisticated content.
A Different Corner
This introspective ballad showcases George Michael’s ability to create intimate, deeply personal music that explores the complexities of love and emotional vulnerability with remarkable sensitivity. The song’s gentle acoustic guitar foundation and subtle orchestral arrangements create a delicate musical backdrop for George’s most tender vocal performance. Its exploration of romantic uncertainty and the fear of emotional commitment created a deeply relatable anthem for anyone who has struggled with opening their heart to love. The track’s sophisticated songwriting demonstrated George Michael’s growth as an artist capable of examining human emotions with increasing nuance and maturity.
The song’s commercial success as a Wham! single proved that audiences were receptive to more introspective and emotionally complex material from the duo, setting the stage for George Michael’s later solo explorations of similar themes. The track’s enduring popularity stems from its universal themes and George Michael’s masterful ability to express vulnerability without sacrificing strength or artistic integrity. “A Different Corner” remains a beautiful example of how popular music can provide comfort and understanding to listeners navigating their own emotional journeys.
Outside
This bold and unapologetic response to George Michael’s 1998 arrest transformed a potentially career-damaging scandal into an empowering anthem of sexual liberation and personal authenticity. Following his 1998 arrest for lewdness in a public lavatory, Michael responded in biting, unrepentant fashion with “Outside” – the lead single from his greatest hits collection Ladies & Gentlemen. The song’s disco-influenced production and provocative lyrics created a defiant celebration of sexual freedom that refused to apologize for human desire and natural expression. George Michael’s decision to address the controversy head-on through his music demonstrated remarkable courage and artistic integrity.
The track’s commercial success proved that audiences appreciated George Michael’s honesty and refusal to conform to traditional expectations of public figures. Its sophisticated production and clever wordplay showed that serious artistic expression could emerge from personal scandal when approached with intelligence and creativity. “Outside” became an anthem for sexual liberation and authentic self-expression, encouraging listeners to embrace their true selves regardless of societal judgment or conventional morality. When experienced through high-quality earbuds, the song’s intricate production details and George Michael’s vocal subtleties become even more impressive.
Spinning the Wheel
This introspective track from the “Older” album explores themes of risk, chance, and life’s unpredictable nature through George Michael’s most mature and philosophical songwriting. The song’s sophisticated arrangement, featuring jazz-influenced chord progressions and subtle electronic elements, creates a contemplative atmosphere that perfectly supports its complex lyrical themes. Its examination of life’s uncertainties and the courage required to embrace change resonated with listeners facing their own crossroads and difficult decisions. The track represents George Michael’s evolution into an artist capable of addressing existential themes with both intellectual depth and emotional resonance.
The song’s commercial performance demonstrated that audiences were ready for more challenging and thought-provoking content in popular music, validating George Michael’s artistic choices during this period of his career. The track’s enduring appeal stems from its universal themes and George Michael’s ability to transform abstract concepts into emotionally engaging music that speaks to listeners’ deepest concerns and hopes. “Spinning the Wheel” stands as evidence of George Michael’s artistic maturity and his commitment to creating music that challenges and inspires while maintaining his signature emotional honesty.
Amazing
This uplifting anthem from the “Patience” album showcases George Michael’s ability to create inspiring and hopeful music that celebrates human resilience and the possibility of positive change. The song’s soaring melody and optimistic lyrics created a powerful antidote to cynicism and despair, offering listeners a musical reminder that amazing things remain possible even in difficult circumstances. Its sophisticated production, featuring lush orchestral arrangements and George’s most confident vocal delivery in years, demonstrated his continued artistic growth and renewed creative energy during the later period of his career.
The track’s success proved that George Michael remained a vital and relevant artist capable of creating music that spoke to contemporary concerns while maintaining his distinctive artistic voice. The song’s message of hope and possibility resonated with fans who had grown alongside George Michael’s artistic journey, providing comfort and inspiration during challenging times. “Amazing” represents the mature artistic wisdom that George Michael achieved through decades of creative experience, showing how great artists can continue to evolve and inspire throughout their careers.
Heal the Pain
This Beatles-influenced composition demonstrates George Michael’s ability to honor his musical influences while creating something distinctly his own. Heal The Pain had been a very Beatlesy-type number on Listen Without Prejudice, and on its original release as a single reached No.31 in 1991. The song’s gentle acoustic foundation and sophisticated harmonic structure created a timeless sound that could have been released in any decade while feeling completely contemporary. Its exploration of emotional healing and the power of love to overcome pain created a therapeutic anthem that provided comfort to listeners facing their own struggles and challenges.
In 2005, when appearing on Chris Evans’ BBC Radio 2 show that December, George revealed that he had recorded a version of the track the previous week with Paul McCartney, highlighting the mutual respect between George Michael and his musical heroes. This collaboration validated George Michael’s songwriting abilities while demonstrating how great music can bring artists together across generational boundaries. “Heal the Pain” remains a beautiful example of how influences can be transformed into original art that honors the past while speaking to present concerns.
Cowboys and Angels
This country-influenced ballad showcases George Michael’s versatility and his ability to adapt his distinctive vocal style to different musical genres while maintaining his emotional authenticity. The song’s acoustic guitar foundation and storytelling approach demonstrated George Michael’s appreciation for American musical traditions while creating something uniquely his own. Its exploration of loneliness, searching, and the human need for connection created a universal anthem that transcended musical boundaries and cultural differences. The track’s success proved that great songwriting and authentic emotion can overcome genre limitations and connect with diverse audiences.
The song’s placement on “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1” demonstrated George Michael’s commitment to artistic diversity and his refusal to be confined to a single musical style or approach. The track’s enduring appeal stems from its honest portrayal of human vulnerability and the universal search for meaning and companionship. “Cowboys and Angels” represents George Michael’s ability to find beauty and truth in unexpected musical territories while maintaining the emotional honesty that defined his greatest work.
This Is How (We Want You to Get High)
This posthumous release represents George Michael’s final studio work and demonstrates that his creative powers remained strong even during his later years. Almost three years since Michael’s untimely passing, “This Is How (We Want You To Get High)” is an upbeat tune with Latin vibes, acoustic guitars and a sunny, Mediterranean vibe. The song’s sophisticated production and mature lyrical content showed George Michael continuing to evolve as an artist while maintaining the emotional depth and musical sophistication that characterized his finest work. Its inclusion in the “Last Christmas” movie soundtrack provided a fitting tribute to George Michael’s enduring creativity and artistic legacy.
“This Is How (We Want You to Get High)” was first written in 2012 and later recorded at London’s Air Studios, with finishing touches done in 2015 during Michael’s final recording sessions, providing insight into George Michael’s creative process during his final years. The track’s release gave fans one last opportunity to experience new material from this beloved artist while demonstrating that great music can continue to touch hearts even after its creator’s passing. This final gift to his audience stands as a testament to George Michael’s enduring artistic vision and his commitment to creating music that brings joy and meaning to people’s lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was George Michael’s biggest hit song?
“Faith” was George Michael’s biggest hit on the Billboard Hot 100, spending four weeks at number one in 1987. The song became the year-end number one single of 1988 and helped establish George Michael as a solo superstar after his departure from Wham!. Its commercial success was matched by critical acclaim, and it remains one of the most recognizable songs of the 1980s.
How many number one hits did George Michael have?
Combined, Wham! and Michael earned 21 top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including 10 No. 1s. These chart-toppers included classics like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Careless Whisper,” “Faith,” “Father Figure,” and his collaborations with Aretha Franklin and Elton John, demonstrating his consistent ability to create commercially successful music throughout his career.
What recent releases have featured George Michael’s music?
To celebrate the 40th anniversary, “Careless Whisper” was re-issued in 2024 as an EP including a previously unreleased version. Additionally, George Michael is getting a posthumous music credit on Taylor Swift’s forthcoming album through her interpolation of “Father Figure”, showing how contemporary artists continue to draw inspiration from his songwriting genius.
Why is “Last Christmas” so popular?
“Last Christmas” 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 stems from its perfect blend of melancholic melody with festive themes, creating a bittersweet holiday anthem that captures the complex emotions many people experience during Christmas time.
What was George Michael’s final song?
“This Is How (We Want You To Get High)” is George Michael’s posthumous release, recorded during his final studio sessions. The track was co-written and co-produced by Michael and collaborator James Jackman and was released as part of the “Last Christmas” movie soundtrack, providing fans with one final gift from this legendary artist.