From global pop anthems to intimate, soul-baring ballads, George Michael crafted a body of work that reflected both immense fame and deep emotional complexity. His songwriting matured alongside his career, producing hits that explored love, loss, identity, and redemption with rare honesty and precision. Nine years after his death, his music continues to resonate across generations. Here, we look back at the tracks that defined his artistic journey.
“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” (1984, Wham!)
This exuberant Wham! smash captured the carefree optimism of early-’80s pop and helped turn George Michael into an international star. With its infectious energy and instantly memorable hook, the song showcased his knack for crafting irresistible melodies while laying the foundation for one of pop’s most successful duos.
“Careless Whisper” (1984, Wham!)
Released while George Michael was still a member of Wham!, “Careless Whisper” served as his de facto solo debut in the UK, though it was credited to “Wham! featuring George Michael” in North America. The track stood apart for its emotional sophistication; its iconic saxophone hook and confessional lyrics signaled his emergence as a serious songwriter, proving he could deliver timeless adult-contemporary ballads alongside high-energy pop.
“Everything She Wants” (1984, Wham!)
Far darker than Wham!’s sunny image suggested, this track explored disillusionment, material pressure, and emotional distance within relationships. Its sharp social commentary and sleek production revealed George Michael’s growing ambition and hinted at the mature themes that would define his solo career.
“Last Christmas” (1984, Wham!)
Now one of the most enduring holiday songs ever recorded, “Last Christmas” masterfully combines festive production with universal heartbreak. Written, produced, and performed entirely by George Michael—who played every instrument on the track—the song’s incredible longevity underscores his meticulous studio craft and his lasting cultural impact across generations.
“Faith” (1987)
The title track from his solo debut reinvented George Michael as a confident, genre-blending artist. Stripped-down and defiant, “Faith” fused pop, rock, and funk influences, helping propel the album to historic success and confirming his transition from teen idol to global superstar.
“Father Figure” (1987)
Sensual and emotionally layered, “Father Figure” pushed lyrical boundaries while maintaining mainstream appeal. Its slow-building intensity and intimate themes highlighted George Michael’s willingness to explore vulnerability and desire in ways few pop artists dared at the time.
“Freedom! ’90” (1990)
This era-defining anthem served as Michael’s public manifesto against the constraints of pop stardom. By refusing to appear in the music video, he famously used the era’s top supermodels to lip-sync the lyrics, effectively “burning” his leather-jacket-clad Faith image. The song articulated his demand for artistic autonomy and remains a powerful statement of self-reinvention.
“Praying for Time” (1990)
A stark departure from glossy pop, this piano-led ballad confronted social inequality and moral uncertainty head-on. Its success demonstrated that George Michael could challenge listeners with serious subject matter while still commanding the charts.
“Jesus to a Child” (1996)
Opening the Older album, this haunting tribute is one of the most poignant moments in his discography. Written in memory of his late partner Anselmo Feleppa, the song is subdued and mournful. It reflected a period of deep personal grief and revealed an artist unafraid to let vulnerability and quiet devotion take center stage over commercial polish.
“Amazing” (2004)
Released exactly twenty years after his Wham! breakthrough, “Amazing” celebrated love and personal renewal with warmth and maturity. Dedicated to his then-partner Kenny Goss, the track’s success returned him to the top of the global charts, reaffirming his enduring relevance and proving his voice remained as evocative as ever decades into his career.