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All about the stunning success of George Michael's debut solo album Faith

The record was George's lucky ticket to solo voyage. Most critics rated it highly, and to this day it remains one of the most influential and interesting pop records of the 80s.

George Michael "Faith" (1987) - image change, music videos, worldwide popularity

"Faith." - that's the title of the debut solo album George Michael. It was released in the autumn 1987 of the year, and it included nine tracks. The record quickly became a success among fans and critics alike. Today, "Faith" is considered one of the greatest works in the genre pop tunes. The record won Michael several prestigious awards, including a Grammy for Best Album of the Year. Faith" was particularly successful in the United States, where it sold over a million copies in its first week alone. It is worth noting that this is the highest number of discs sold by a British artist in a week in the United States in history. As of 2021, the worldwide circulation of "Faith" is more than 25 million copies. We suggest reading its history.

History of creation and features

"Wham!"
"Wham!"

George Michael was in a boy band "Wham!"Before entering the music market as a solo artist. After a 1986 concert at the stadium Wembley the band said goodbye to the public. Without wasting any time, Michael started working on his first solo record. Even before the breakup of "Wham!" he realised that he had grown out of teenage melodies and was ready to write more "adult" music. It was this readiness that Michael reflected in the lyrics of "Faith".

The album took most of 1987 of the year. Michael played many instruments during the recording process and personally produced all songs except for "Look At Your Hands". Due to the fact that in the studio was used the advanced for those years equipment "Faith" received a unique sound. The record in all its glory demonstrated the vocal talent of the ex-member of "Wham!" from a completely new side for the listener. And the songs, many of which have heartfelt qualities, successfully emphasised the author's close connection with the modern world.

Graduation and success

George Michael as a young man
George Michael as a young man

Despite the breakup of Wham! 1987 year turned out to be for George Michael has been remarkably successful. The white streak for the artist began when he released a joint single with the soul queen Aretha Franklin - "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)". A solo debut was released next. The record quickly became a success, making its author one of the most popular and influential artists of those years. Critics dubbed Michael the successor to Elton John.

"Faith." Michael not only received a lot of titles and honours, but also universal recognition. Already in 1989, the singer was awarded a Grammy and three awards at once "American Music Award."!

Track list

The first single from the album was "I Want Your Sex"which soon after its release gained a scandalous reputation. Because of the explicit lyrics, many radio stations even refused to air the song. Nevertheless, the song not only hit the world charts, but also reached platinum status in the United States! In fact, the whole record was a huge success on the territory of the USA: only in this country alone the circulation was "Faith." has sold over 10 million copies. Here's a look at the album's contents!

"Faith."

"Father Figure."

"I Want Your Sex (Parts I & II)"

"One More Try."

"Hard Day."

"Hand to Mouth."

"Look at Your Hands"

"Monkey."

"Kissing a Fool"

In total, the album was released in support of six singlesalmost every one of them was a big hit on the charts. Thanks to this fortune. "Faith." was preordained. Not surprisingly, the record was a colossal success. Four tracks topped the US chart, and even the jazz-inspired, unaccustomed style "Kissing a Fool" The song became a hit, to a certain extent. George Michael would later use this style as a basis for his future solo work.

Maturity reflected in the record

George Michael
George Michael

Michael reflected his maturity in "Faith" not only lyrically, but also externally. The musician let go of his stubble and changed his teenage style to a more brutal one: sunglasses, ripped jeans, strict shoes. Songs had frank lyrics: mostly Michael sang about sexual attractiveness and attraction, and the audience liked it. Unlike "I Want Your Sex"he was more careful about what he said in the track. "Faith.". Yet the message was still the same.

George Michael
George Michael

Speaking of. "Faith."it's worth noting that the idea for the track came from producer Dick LeahyHe suggested Michael to record some stylisation of "good old rock'n'roll", and he agreed. However, music lovers noticed that funk and R&B influences were still present. And the music video, in which Michael plays the guitar, puts the artist's skills under great doubt: it seems that he does not own the instrument at all, but only imitates the game... But never mind. It's still very cool!

Conclusion

After graduation. "Faith" George Michael went on his first world tour, which was a great success. In total, he played 137 concerts. The tour brought Michael a colossal amount of money. As for the record, it was a lucky ticket for George to go solo. Most critics rated it highly, and to this day it remains one of the most influential and interesting pop records of the 80s.

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