Rediscover the Brilliance of George Michael's 'Faith' Album

Rediscover the Brilliance of George Michael's 'Faith' Album

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. George Michael's Solo Career
3. The Iconic Faith Album
4. The Image and Marketing of Faith
5. The Musical Genres of Faith
6. Track-by-Track Analysis
   • 6.1 Faith
   • 6.2 Father Figure
   • 6.3 I Want Your Sex
   • 6.4 One More Try
   • 6.5 Hard Day
   • 6.6 Hand to Mouth
   • 6.7 Look at Your Hands
   • 6.8 Monkey
   • 6.9 Kissing a Fool
   • 6.10 I Want Your Sex (Part 3)
7. The Success and Impact of Faith
8. Conclusion

George Michael's Faith: An Iconic Album of the 80s

George Michael's music has left an indelible mark on the world of pop music, and one album that stands out as a defining moment in his career is "Faith." Released in 1987, "Faith" marked Michael's transition from his Wham! days to a solo artist. In this article, we will delve into the significance of this iconic album, exploring its image, musical genres, and track-by-track analysis. Join us as we rediscover the brilliance of George Michael's "Faith."

Introduction

George Michael's Solo Career

Since the dissolution of Wham!, George Michael aimed to establish himself as a credible solo artist. While Wham! had its share of success with catchy pop tunes, it was his solo music that truly showcased his talent. With the release of "Faith," Michael sought to shed the boyish image associated with Wham! and prove his maturity as an artist.

The Iconic Faith Album

"Faith" quickly became one of the most successful albums of the 80s, selling over 20 million copies worldwide. This immense popularity can be attributed to the album's iconic image, which has become synonymous with George Michael himself. The leather jacket, shades, and edgy aesthetic captured the spirit of the time, drawing attention from both fans and critics alike.

The Image and Marketing of Faith

The album cover of "Faith" speaks volumes about George Michael's intentions. The front cover, featuring Michael partially concealed by his jacket, symbolizes his desire to break free from his Wham! persona. The color blue, prominent in the background, represents hope and faith. The back cover is minimalist, featuring the album's title, name, and song list.

The Musical Genres of Faith

"Faith" showcases a diverse range of musical genres, reflecting George Michael's versatility as an artist. The album incorporates elements of pop, funk, R&B, synth-pop, soul, and rock. While Michael's unmistakable voice remains consistent, the overall sound of the album takes on a more aggressive tone compared to his work with Wham!.

Track-by-Track Analysis

1. "Faith": The opening track lays the foundation for the album, with its urgent vocals and intense guitar. The music video captures the essence of George Michael's new image, solidifying its place in pop culture.

2. "Father Figure": The music video tells a story of a relationship, while the instrumentals create a sense of tension. The track explores the theme of wanting to make a partner feel loved and safe.

3. "I Want Your Sex": Controversial at the time, this sexually-charged song faced backlash due to its explicit lyrics. The ban by the BBC and certain radio stations highlighted the growing concern over HIV/AIDS.

4. "One More Try": This emotionally-driven track showcases George Michael's vulnerability. The lyrics depict someone hesitant to enter a new relationship due to past experiences, seeking guidance from a potential lover.

5. "Hard Day": While not a standout track, "Hard Day" provides an okay listening experience. The instrumentals and George Michael's altered voice add a unique touch to the song.

6. "Hand to Mouth": This underrated track offers a powerful commentary on the struggles faced by the poor and marginalized. The instrumentals, bass, and clever melodies make it a stand-out on the album.

7. "Look at Your Hands": Personally not a favorite, this song touches on domestic abuse and falls short in terms of instrumentation and memorability.

8. "Monkey": One of the album's highlights, "Monkey" stands as the true dance track of "Faith." The music video showcases George Michael's exceptional live performances and infectious energy.

9. "Kissing a Fool": Adding a touch of jazz to the album, this track provides a soothing and relaxing experience. It delves into the challenges faced in relationships, resonating with listeners.

10. "I Want Your Sex (Part 3)": The final installment of the controversial track takes on a less aggressive tone, ending the album on a pleasant note.

The Success and Impact of Faith

With four number-one hits and numerous awards, "Faith" solidified George Michael's status as one of the most successful artists of his time. The album's commercial success was accompanied by critical acclaim, further establishing Michael as a force in the music industry.

Conclusion

"Faith" remains an album that stands the test of time, showcasing George Michael's evolution as an artist. Its image, eclectic musical genres, and well-crafted tracks have left an indelible mark on pop music history. Whether you're a George Michael fan or not, "Faith" is an album that deserves recognition for its brilliance and contribution to the 80s music scene.

Highlights:

• "Faith" marked George Michael's transition from Wham! to a successful solo career.
• The album's iconic image and marketing played a crucial role in its immense popularity.
• "Faith" showcases a diverse range of musical genres, reflecting George Michael's versatility.
• Controversial tracks like "I Want Your Sex" highlighted societal concerns around sexual content.
• "Hand to Mouth" stands out as an underrated track, offering thoughtful commentary on social issues.
• "Monkey" remains a fan-favorite, featuring George Michael's exceptional live performances.

FAQ:

Q: What was the inspiration behind George Michael's image in the "Faith" era? A: George Michael aimed to distance himself from his Wham! persona and establish a more mature image. The leather jacket, shades, and edgy aesthetic were a deliberate departure from his previous pop image.

Q: How successful was the "Faith" album? A: The "Faith" album was a massive success, selling over 20 million copies worldwide and winning numerous awards. It produced four number-one hits and solidified George Michael's position as a top artist of the 80s.

Q: Were there any controversies surrounding the album? A: Yes, the track "I Want Your Sex" faced backlash due to its explicit lyrics and promotion of sexual content. The song was banned by the BBC and certain radio stations, contributing to the controversy surrounding the album.

Q: Which track from "Faith" is considered the standout dance track? A: "Monkey" is often regarded as the true dance track of the album. The infectious energy and memorable live performances showcased George Michael's exceptional talent as a performer.

Resources:

• Official George Michael Website
• George Michael on Spotify