EVEN If You HATE Pop, No One Can DENY This 80s Classic! | Professor of Rock

George Michael was a part of the big 80s duo that had 3 #1 hits and one of the most successful albums of 1985 Wham Make It Big… then he went solo and went even bigger…SO big that he surpassed the newest releases by Prince, Michael Jackson, Madonna and Whitney Houston with his 1987 LP Faith. up next the story of his blockbuster album Faith that had 6 top 5 hits and 4 of those went to #1 including Monkey, Father Figure, Faith, and One More Try.
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​ #80s #Vinyl #Story
Hey music junkies and vinyl junkies Professor of Rock always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest 80s rock songs of all time for the music community and vinyl community with music history video essay's including today's George Michael Story of Faith. If you’ve ever owned records, cassettes and CD’s at different times in you life or still do this is your place Subscribe below right now to be a part of our daily celebration of the rock era with exclusive stories from straight from the artists and click on our patreon link in the description to become an Honorary Producer.
the year 1987 was rich in great music. U2 conquered America with the Joshua Tree, Bon Jovi was soaring with Livin' on Prayer. Whitney Houston debuted at Number one with her sophomore album Whitney and it seemed as we got deeper into the year, the higher the bar was raised. Def Leppard released Hysteria, Guns N Rose dropped Appetite for Destruction. INXS broke through with Kick, Michael Jackson tried to top Thriller with Bad REM broke through to the Mainstream with Document ditto Depeche Mode with Music for the Masses, Prince released what is perhaps his masterpiece with Sign O the Times, The Smiths broke up but left us with Strange ways Here We come to sooth our aching souls, The Cure had it’s first top 40 hit in America with Just Like Heaven, La Bamba and Dirty Dancing succeeded at the box office and on the charts. I could go on and on. For me the great POP record of the year was George Michael’s debut solo album Faith. Like Thriller before it, Faith transcended all genres, all fads, all expectations. It was a perfect record.
Faith was really not a studio record at all, It was George Michael’s 1st greatest hits album, every song a showstopper. Here’s the thing, George was only 23 when he created the music of Faith. Just 23! Coming off years of mega platinum success as the majority creator of the duo Wham.
George was completely primed for solo success. Even though Make It Big was number one all over the world, as were many of Wham’s singles including the classic standard, Careless Whisper but George was chomping at the bit to step out of the teeny bopper label forced on him by the music press.
He would say and I quote: “I was very excited musically to have my own voice. He was ready to be an Icon on his own terms. This video is a celebration of his 2 and a half Diamond selling pop classic Faith by focusing on the music, the songs of George Michael not so much George the icon, George as the songwriter, the producer and the the singer. But let’s get the icon part out the way first. My own personal experience is probably much like yours. In 1987 when I first Witnessed the video for Faith on MTV, the Jukebox playing his last hit, the acid washed jeans, the leather BSA jacket, the steel toed boots, the aviator sun glasses, the holy cross earring, and five o’clock shadow, with every thing in black and white except for the blue jeans and then the jangle of that acoustic guitar and those first few classic lines.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: 1987 was a phenomenal year in music. Kick, Hysteria, Appetite for Destruction, Faith, Sign "O" the Times, Faith, The Joshua Tree, Bad and so many other were released that year... What is your pick for the GREATEST album of that amazing time?

[@RBS_]

...you NAMED them all!! ...ha-HAA!!

[@TheRetroManRandySavage]

That's an easy one, professor. No1 pick. Hysteria. No2. Kick. No3. Whitesnake. No4. Girls girls girls. Oh yeah! 🤟

[@eightiesmusic1984]

Hysteria- Def Leppard Broadcast- The Cutting Crew Raintown- Deacon Blue What Price Paradise- China Crisis Rovers Return- John Waite Looking For Jack- Colin Hay Miracle- The Kane Gang Tango In The Night- Fleetwood Mac

[@stephenbrown4211]

Clutching At Straws Marillion

[@flavellinator]

Critics didn't like it, but I loved Midnight to Midnight by the Psychedelic Furs...

[@teensymom1420]

I have seen so many of his live performances and I never heard him sing a bad note, not ever. As we have learned after his death, he did so much for so many people without ever taking credit for doing so. He was rare in so many wonderful ways. I miss him being in the world.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I couldn't agree more. One of my favorites ever.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It was heartbreaking when he died, and even worse, it was on Christmas!

[@ladylove3636]

I saw him live, he didn't hit wrong notes, his tone was perfect x

[@teensymom1420]

@@ProfessorofRock Just want to say, I am right there with you on his Older album. His best stuff ever IMO. I would be crying over Jesus to a Child or You Have Been Loved one minute then dancing to Fastlove and Star People the next. I honestly think Jesus to a Child is the most beautiful yet heartbreaking song I have ever heard. You just can't help but feel his loss. But then you feel hopeful for him when you hear Move On. Just a fantastic album.

[@mariontindall7396]

My life is so empty with out George love him for ever 🇬🇧❣️🇨🇾

[@leewagner2945]

When George Michael sang "Praying for Time" on "American Idol", I couldn't stop crying! Every time that I see it, I still cry!

[@christyhubbard8074]

“Kissing A Fool” was the song and video that made me fall head over heels for George!!! Absolutely as good today as it was in 87’.

[@LG-kx8xl]

Beautiful song!

[@joeymorvant161]

I was an instant fan of George solo, as I'd been a fan since Wham!. At the time this song was popular, I didn't really look at how different it was from all else on the radio, including George's other stuff! Now that I'm older and more knowledgeable about music, I realize how much of a chance he was taking by releasing such a jazzy single, especially when his target audience was his mostly teenage fans!

[@luxball_52]

It's just such a perfect song, forever one of my favorites!!

[@lyndik772]

@@joeymorvant161I couldn’t agree more. I was a Wham! fan so I just naturally switched when he became a solo artist. I would have liked almost anything by him at the time. But now that I’m middle aged and not 13 anymore I see music so much different and see how much his music really did stand the test of time and how much richer his music was than anyone else’s. And the fact that he could write the music, play the instruments and produce. Like Professor says, even Elvis didn’t do those things.

[@joeymorvant161]

@@lyndik772 Nice! Thank you!

[@RicksCafeAmericana]

Never was there a purer voice than George Michael’s. Listen to his live version of “I Can’t Make You Love me if You don’t.” Incomparable. His pipes were a fine instrument. “Kissing a Fool” turned my head in the same way.

[@eightiesmusic1984]

His death on Christmas Day 2016 was a shock. Only afterwards was the extent of his generosity to others revealed. He also did a free concert for NHS workers ( this was publicly known) to express his gratitude for the care of his mother when she was ill. The British media hounded him for years because it loves to knock people off a pedestal when they are successful, unlike in America where success is celebrated. His refusal to be cowed by them and what they will have seen as his defiance was not forgotten even after he died. I was struck by the muted response to his death in the media in the UK. I think a lot of this was driven by homophobia which was rife at the height of his career and for years afterwards. But the music and his integrity in living life on his own terms spoke for itself and his legacy is secure.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Christmas day of 2016 was very sad...

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

One of the saddest Christmases ever for me and so many people.

[@LOTPOR0402]

Same thing now with the british media always bringing down its own country

[@majamintoft5821]

@@ProfessorofRock Not only Christmas---THE WHOLE YEAR! It seemed like every month we've lost a music/pop culture icon. The news of George Michael's passing on Christmas Day--was another huge blow, and the worst. The passing of icons/symbols of my prime and of happier days in the 80s make me feel further away from those times and more obsolete. Something like losing the one and only snap shot of my life. It's hard to explain. Minneapolis mourned for months after Prince's unexpected death. The bells of the townhall rang out Prince's hits and all the lights public and residential were lit at night in purple for weeks! It took us forever to say good bye to our native musical genius who put Minneapolis on the musical map for the world to take note of. It was quite somber. I live in the vicinity of the Walker Art Center that every last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of June does a musical festival on their grounds, called Rock the Garden. I am lucky to be living very near to the Walker where I can hear more than I can see the stage. I get to see more of the back stage. Every resident/my neighbor who is as lucky as I am, invited a few friends to their apartments/balconies to rock out. 2017 at Rock the Garden The Revolution was the headliner. When Wendy, Lisa and the Revolution were up next, every balcony, tiniest spot on the lawns (not fenced and guarded) were filled to the max. The Revolution played all their 80s hits. When I didn't hear Prince's voice singing those hits it hurt. When they've performed When Doves Cry and Purple Rain---I was in tears and that Prince was gone hit me hard. That incredible voice and awesome personality that were a part of my life since my prime were no longer among the living. I've felt that black hole. Still do to some extent. Six years have passed since that horrible year, 2016. Still feel the void of the greats/icons who've passed then.

[@majamintoft5821]

@@ProfessorofRock Agree.

[@brendanfromireland]

George Michael was one of the best, if not the best, live vocalists I've ever had the pleasure of seeing/hearing in person.

[@CJsComicsandGames]

The greatest voice ever to grace the airwaves, George Michael. You are missed.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I can't disagree.

[@5oclockbanana412]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

May he rest in peace. There can only be one George Michael.

[@jamesway]

@@ProfessorofRock I can. Luther Vandross, but he won't get the praise he deserves. Love George also.

[@bufordghoons9981]

George Michael's vocals were on par with Freddie Mercury, Roy Orbison, and other singers with far-above-average voices. If you listen to "Do they know it's Christmas" you immediately take note of George, how his voice stands out above the others, even those who can be considered top o' the list. I was never a big fan of Wham or George Michael but I acknowledge his amazing talent. Few vocal artists can match him.

[@nicholashylton6857]

In his tribute Freddie Mercury, George Michael *really* made, "Somebody to Love"_ his own. An amazing rendition! God, I miss that man's voice...

[@levisguy53]

George's line leading into that of Simon Le Bon!

[@darrenstewart1568]

First time I listened to this album, I was 19. I was on holiday in Gran canaria with two mates having the best time. We sat on the balcony at dusk before going out clubbing. It just blew me away and made that whole holiday have a movie soundtrack in my head. You rock George, so much love. What a talent.

[@ToeTag1968]

The thing about George is he was always evolving as an artist. In the video for Freedom 90, he burns his iconic Faith leather jacket as a metaphor for moving on from that era. Wild stuff.

[@roslynclifford5983]

I went to the Faith concert here in Sydney. The tickets sold out in just minutes and the promoter had to add more concert dates. Absolutely loved the show. Screamed along with everyone else. He also sang "Play that funky music". Still a favourite memory today. Jimmy Jam is right, George was a bit under appreciated, but not by me! 💕

[@michaelfrazia4569]

it's one of the greatest pop records of all time. period...it stands up to the titans such as thriller, purple rain, hysteria, the Joshua tree, kick etc etc...George truly reached immortality with Faith. no matter what kind of music you listen to, there is no denying the staggering greatness of Faith. I've heard metal fans and hip hop fans rave about Faith....its a work of pop genius

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thank you for recognizing greatness.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It’s a CLASSIC pop record.

[@ricksatterstrom7461]

I totally agree!!!

[@michaelfrazia4569]

@@ProfessorofRock I grew up a fan of all kinds of music...im the same age as you...I like and know everything by bands and artists from all styles...my father was the bass player for a 60s band that had some hits right before the British invasion broke rock all over....so I grew up with a father who taught me about every band and artist from the 50s through the 80s...I graduated high school in 92 so I was into all the 90s bands as well.....yet the stuff George put out is elicits some of the best memories of my youth. I loved rock and the British new wave bands too...but the pop songcraft of George was such ear candy that I can't find the words to describe it.. his voice, the melodies he wrote , and his production is just pop perfection....I loved his wham stuff ( I was in elementary school and I loved any pop music) , but faith came out and it was such a masterstroke of bringing out George as a more mature artist for a more mature audience...I was big into the girls by that point and they all loved George and his music..so all those times his songs were in heavy rotation.....it is one of the only pop albums from that era that I still can throw on and get those same feelings.. it never dates ..how he crafted such a great album at 23 is just incredible...sorry I'm rambling I know you get a million responses...im just happy you shed some light on an album that can stand shoulder to shoulder with any great album ever put out...

[@michaelfrazia4569]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 ...I love rock, but I'm a sucker for the great pop record....prince 1999 or duran duran Rio would be examples.....but something about Faith....the songs are so strong on their own ....different styles etc yet the greatness is uniform throughout...sometimes an artist captures a look , a sound, an overall image that just takes over pop culture for a certain period in time...George checked all the boxes from 87-89 ..obviously his career was decades , but for those years in history you didn't get bigger than George Michael

[@philliplabuschagne5508]

That album is amazing, never really appreciated his vocal ability until I heard "The 1st time ever I saw your face" then I started listening beyond the Pop stuff. George Michael had one of thee best vocals in Pop music he could even stay with Freddy Mercury, but the way he could move you with emotion is a rare gift. One in a Million

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

His voice is filled with so much soul and emotion, it just gives you the chills.

[@Slammy555]

For me, it was Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me. I ignored him mostly before that, my protest of popular music at the time.

[@philliplabuschagne5508]

@@Slammy555 I also ignored him and Wham, maybe because all the girls freaked over them so much. Strange I only really found George Michael long after the hype and fame of his music was gone. Like I found the genuine artist after the fog of hype was gone.

[@MrMr-ru3bw]

I shushed foolish girls who were talking about their BF when he started singing The First Time Ever, for his boyfriend. Im like who interrupts THAT! It was surreal and gorgeous! (2008)

[@nicoletripp2257]

I have so grown to love George Michael over the years and feel absolutely terrible about the suffering he went through. The 80s were a very hard time for the LGBT+ community especially with Aids. Just imagine being this giant heart throb, sexiest man alive looking guy, then knowing that all of these women who adore you, have no idea that you’re secretly gay. He played the game, found a way to contour his look to be that icon, but it was never truly him. His song “freedom 90” is so amazing lyrically. It was basically him coming out in multiple ways. In one way he was telling the world he’s not that icon, it’s not really him. Also he didn’t wanna be ran by the record company PR machine anymore. How he regretted the decision to become that, because it wasn’t real….. On the other side he’s wasnt that vibrant ladies man he was made out to be either. In many ways the lyrics are perfect for somebody who is gay or possibly transgender. So well written. Either way all of his music from Wham! Through the early 90s ( ok….maybe throw out “ wake me up before you gogo” not the best lyrics) Was so well written, musical.ly put together and sang with passion. Another music legend gone before his time. So glad you brought him up Professor…. I love your work.

[@WakeupYourMakeup]

The 80’s were a special time for me. I listened, danced and loved most and none more special to me was Wham, Prince, The Cure , U2 and GEORGE 💫. Every time I hear him sing it brings me joy and movement to my body. He was simply amazing and I Thank him for sharing his music and talent. ⭐️💛⭐️ and Thank you for this video ⭐️

[@scottburton9701]

Hard to believe George Michael is no longer with us-He was a phenomenal vocalist.

[@rosemiller2990]

George is my favorite artist of all time. I think he has one of the most beautiful voices that ever graced the stage. What he could do with those vocals was just beyond amazing. The ability to deliver impeccable vocals that could be so tender and velvety but yet sore when he needed to was just spine tingling. What was most incredible is that he could deliver such clear vocals that there was no misunderstanding the words. What an incredible beautiful artist with a golden buttery voice, gifted producer and arranger, which we probably won’t see the likes of again. Throughout the years I would drink up all of his performances and videos. I was fortunate enough to see him in concert twice. A memory that I’ll always take with me. I’m so glad that you are reviewing Faith, it was such a massive success. Listen without Prejudice, Older and Patience we’re also tremendous tremendous albums.

[@BillGraper]

The "Faith" CD is essential to my collection. Great hits, great memories! In my opinion, the "big 3" from that CD are Faith, Father Figure & One More Try. It's one of those albums that makes me appreciate the 80's even more!!!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Agreed! Those are my top three from that album as well!

[@brettrossi89]

1979 to 1987 was awesome.

[@jennifercoopman]

Agree! I literally have the cd in my car player right now! Pretty much each song on the album has been a favorite at different times in my life, but right now I'm hooked on 'kissing a fool'.

[@brettrossi89]

@@jennifercoopman I hate to sound like a old fuddy Duddy but today’s music is lacking soul. Wish something would break and change the throw away disposable stuff they are putting out.

[@jennifercoopman]

@@brettrossi89 i feel the same, but remember: the previous generation said that about us, too! I'm sure this era will have its fair share of classics. I can't think of what they would be, though.....LOL!

[@BumAssGolfer]

Born in mid 70s George Michael was a big influence in my life. His music has always been underrated in my opinion. Listening to this has me all nostalgic and longing for those times of teenage curiosity and hope.

[@pdmullgirl]

Love George Michael!! Definitely taken way too soon. I still can’t believe he’s gone. Such a fantastic talent. And I agree, he could sing any genre. ❤️💜💚

[@Elwaves2925]

I loved Wham and while I never got into his solo career (nothing against him, my music tastes changed), he had a truly fantastic voice. It says a lot about how I feel about that, when I say that he was the only replacement I would have accepted taking Freddie's place in Queen. Nobody else was good enough IMO.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

IMO there is no other like Freddie. He is one of a kind. BUT I would have loved to see George sing in Queen! That would have been fascinating to watch!

[@nicholashylton6857]

No one can replace Freddie Mercury and the energy & synergy he had with the other members of Queen. But in an alternate universe, I can _definitely_ see George Michael with them.

[@Elwaves2925]

@@nicholashylton6857 That's exactly my thinking and I wasn't saying he was as good as Freddie by using the word 'replacement', he was simply the only one I'd accept in that spot for Queen to continue in some way. As it happened, Queen ended when Freddie did and I have the greatest respect for John Deacon walking away.

[@veddyveddygood]

There was no reason for GM to join another band albeit a legendary one. He had a hugely successful solo career still ticking along.

[@Elwaves2925]

@@veddyveddygood Of course and nobody is saying that he should have joined. It's just a bit of fantasy thinking of the "What if? variety. 🙂

[@qbear17]

Yet another wonderful session, Adam. George Michael was truly one of the greatest artists of our time. No one has a voice as perfect as his. Faith is a perfect pop album, but it goes so far beyond that. George put his life into his music. It is a rare artist that can make me feel incredibly happy and deeply sad, and everything in between often within the same song. George continues to have that effect. His Christmas song, December Song, will break your heart and fill you with love, just like everything he sang before and after. Thank you again.

[@eggy1962]

My favourite is A Different Corner, the live version for the BBC in particular…didn’t matter who you are it appeared as he was singing directly to YOU

[@jennifercoopman]

Professor, thanks so much for this! I recently rediscovered this album after not listening to it for many years, and when I heard kissing a fool, i teared up, it was THAT good. and i had forgotten! I played it for my teen daughter and she loved it!

[@PhantomOfTheMall]

My brother bought me the album on cassette for Christmas that year. The album wasn’t on my Christmas Wishlist, so it wasn’t an album I actually wanted…but damn, am I glad that he did!! I never asked why he thought I’d like it or want it, but for whatever reason…he made a good choice!!

[@kimy6069]

👌🏻😂✨

[@ritchiec6317]

Country and Western . Lol haven't heard that in a darn tooting long time 😅 🤣

[@PhantomOfTheMall]

@@ritchiec6317 What are you talking about?? “Country and Western”?!?

[@ritchiec6317]

@@PhantomOfTheMall it was meant for someone else's comment. Oops 😁

[@musclecarmitch908]

I loved all of George Michael's music, with Wham and all his solo music too! His music came right at the great time in my life. So sad he left us so soon, always hoped he'd come out with more music later in his life, but grateful for the music he gave us while he was here. Great episode Professor! Thanks for keeping the music alive!

[@prepperjonpnw6482]

Thank you for always treating artists and their music with such respect. Your channel has become my favourite and I am slowly making my way through all of your older videos while keeping up with the current ones. Cheers

[@stevegallo8483]

1987 was a phenomenal year in music, as you said. So many great albums were released that year: Hysteria, Appetite for Destruction, Faith, Sign O the Time. Out of the Blue (Debbie Gibson's debut album), Tiffany's self titled debut album, Dokken's Back for the Attack and many others. George Michael was an incredible singer. One More Try was my favorite song off Faith. In addition to his singing, George was a great humanitarian. Sadly we didn't learn until after his death how generous he was and how much he did for others. It was also after his death that I found out that he generously gave Andrew Ridgeley a writing credit on Careless Whisper (even though George Michael wrote it himself) to make sure his friend would benefit from royalties from it.

[@alfonsomunoz4424]

Steve, I love to see another man admit he liked Debbie Gibson and Tiffany. I loved both!

[@ykook7000]

Kick INXS!

[@dmaynardabu]

I have always been so in love with George. He has one of the best voices in music. He was such a beautiful man, inside and out. I literally wore my cassette of Faith out and had to buy another. RIP George. There will never be another like you. Thanks Professor.

[@emilypettersen5514]

Freshmen year college. When I hear this album I am back there again! Finding my identity and falling in love for the first time! This album will always be special to me! Thank you Professor of Rock for highlighting it so well!

[@judithgoulding8046]

Oh did he embody such an amazing personna...so genuine and heartfelt in his approach to songwriting. That gem of an album was so jam packed with such tantalizing and raw emotional ballads it could turn your heart inside out. Hard to tear your eyes away from his good looks and swagger. ;) You honored one amazing and gifted artist who I sadly miss.....thank you Professor!! ❤️

[@stormfield9431]

Hands down the best vocalist of his era. Even the great Frank Sinatra said so !!!!!!!!

[@robinvigil5091]

I agree, Older was his best album … total masterpiece!

[@k.chriscaldwell4141]

A pure masterpiece Faith is. I still can’t believe it’s the same guy that was half of Wham. But then Careless Whisper should have provided a clue. I used to cruise home from the clubs on the German autobahn at 100 mph listening to this. Sometimes I’d deliberately miss my exit so I could hear it in its entirety. Good memories. The 80s: _Lived ‘em. Loved ‘em. Miss ‘em._

[@LG-kx8xl]

Yes, Careless Whisper was telling of Greatness to come on another level.

[@myishahutchinson652]

I remember owning this on cassette and wearing it out! A destroyed cassette eaten by your tape deck never recovers. Thank you for your brilliant description of this brilliant artist. Could you do another top 5 from another album? (Maybe . . . Kick?)

[@bigdawg7186]

Great, now I’m going to spend the rest of the day watching George Michael videos….thanx….lol

[@ProfessorofRock]

Enjoy!

[@austinsmom2924]

1987💙💙💙..I have the best memories of that time..I started college..lots of great times! All those albums you mentioned at the beginning remind me of those times. This is when I truly fell in love with the Faith Album ..Father Figure continues to be my all time favorite song.. I was also fortunate enough to see his Faith concert..thank you for this presentation.👍🇨🇦

[@duckylove3930]

Father Figure and One More Try, there are no words that can possibly describe the feelings they invoke in me. Pain, need, memories, desperation, longing and HOPE. He wrote from a place most all of us have been. How utterly brave to share ones soul. I wish we, collectively, would have been kinder. May he fly high on our love for him.

[@danieloswald844]

A truly great year for music! Such an amazing album by the great George Michael.

[@ProfessorofRock]

One of the greatest years for music EVER>

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@ProfessorofRock So much happened that year!

[@tomforsythe7024]

When I was young, I liked both kinds of music, Country and Western. Albums like this were a bridge that made Pop and Rock more accessible to me.

[@austintrousdale2397]

I understood that reference 😎

[@tizviz3921]

George Michael was and is an artist that I can listen to over and over again.... be it with Wham or all the other songs and albums....they are a great listen then, now and in the future because they came from the heart/soul or a special gifted artist!!! thanks for sharing RIP George -- gave so much and then in the end died early!!!

[@eleniprovia7667]

What an album, a true masterpiece of 1987, every single song on it could have been a single! His voice was MAGNIFICENT... RIP George. No one like you.

[@ProfessorofRock]

My favorite pop album of the decade... No question.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

There is only one George Michael.

[@brenturquhart7090]

When you were talking about wearing aviators and playing your dad’s tennis racket in front of a mirror put a smile on my lips. I’m a little older than you, I graduated high school in 87, and I remember me and my friends doing the same to RUSH. For us it wasn’t tennis rackets, we played pillows. We all wanted to be Neil, and while there were three of us, we all played our own pillow drum sets.

[@MiKa-im3tm]

thank you so much for discussing one of my favorite artists🙏🏻 Father Figure is one of my favorite songs too and definitely my favorite from Faith and Older is my favorite George Michael album too.

[@alexandrialubomir4805]

A friend of mine from junior high LOVES GM. When I hear him, I smile and think of her. I forwarded this video to my girl. Thanks for smile 😊

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@JanesDough855]

I played this tape so much, especially One More Try. George sang it with such emotion. And yes, he was very Hot. But his voice was a killer. Thank you for bringing up his music. I went back to Vevo and watched the video. The 80s - BEST in music. Ever!

[@benkyle76]

As an 11 year old in 1987, Faith was one of the first cassettes I ever bought with my own allowance money. One day my newly Christian mother heard me listening to I Want Your Sex and had a fit. Of course I didn’t fully comprehend what the song meant or her indignation. She was going to just throw it out and I was upset that I was going to be out $5. We found a compromise when my aunt bought it from me. I was thrilled to find out a year or so ago that she still has that cassette tape.

[@LQOTW]

@benkyle76 - Your story about your mother being shocked and indignant about something on an album made me laugh - it brought back a memory from the 70s of Cheech and Chong's Wedding Album. There was a segment on it that used stereo sound with one track being the audio of a wrestling match and the other, quieter track being a young couple having sex on a living room sofa while her parents were asleep in the next room. Well, our stereo didn't work and played only the track with the two lovers in the foreground and the wrestling faaaar in the background. As teens, we all thought it was hilarious but my mom was having none of it. We reached a compromise and, instead of throwing out the whole album she made my brother take a nail and some sandpaper and scratch that segment out. Of course we tried playing it, anyway, whenever she wasn't around! Cheers!

[@benkyle76]

@@LQOTW thanks for sharing! I love that story.

[@mtngirlatheart]

I listen to this cd on road trips to this day! George Michael is and always will be one of my favorite musicians.

[@susanherbert3014]

Oh this video… You're 5 is perfect. Faith was the very first CD I bought at the same time I bought my first CD player, even though I owned it on cassette. Every song has a special meaning to me and countless memories to go along. Blasting Father Figure in the car singing along with my friends piled in the car is one of those many happy memories. My second favorite George Michael album is Songs from the Last Century. His cover of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face touches your soul. I’ve loved George Michael from day one and still have my Faith CD and listen to it often. His passing was a great loss to music.

[@donaldjacek8952]

Great album. Thanks for doing this one

[@DIAZRDH25]

One of my favorite musical artist of all time. I was so glad that I was able to see him in concert before his untimely passing.

[@thecounselor6221]

Great post, love your command of the English language. Very articulate 🙏🙏

[@MrMr-ru3bw]

George Michael and Def Leppard are my two faves from the later 80s!!! Thank you. Saw GM twice in 2008. Such memories!

[@losthomas7589]

I’d forgotten about this album. Yep it is filled with GREAT MUSIC!! I still have the cassette tape! Thanks to today’s video I’ll be adding George Michael bank into my playlists, digitally of course, I no longer own a tape player.

[@kellik5453]

I head Band Aide yesterday and it reminded me how much I miss George Michael's voice! Great upload!

[@kathyo9420]

This loss still hurts. Christmas will never be the same. Miss you, George. What. A. Voice.

[@rotjrotk]

The most underrated male vocalist of all time. I never realized how good he was UNTIL he started doing his 1990s "Covers" world tour, including "Don't let the sun go down on me" Then listen to how he covered Freddie Mercury in tribute with Queen on "Somebody To Love" or listen to his version of "The Long and Winding Road". Phenomenal voice which he didn't get the credit for having.

[@nobodyspecial6436]

I agree….. the greatest Duet ever IMO is Him and the great Elton John…. Two of the greatest voices in music period!!! I know that a pretty bold statement but i think it has merit…. That song still gives me chills

[@ritchiec6317]

I attended his cover to cover tour in Los Angeles and he was ABSOLUTELY AMAZING I WILL NEVER EVER FORGET IT

[@rotjrotk]

@@ritchiec6317 Thank you...that's the name of the tour. I couldn't think of it. Just a phenomenal singer that doesn't get the credit for being a phenomenal singer.

[@rosemiller2990]

Only perhaps underrated in the US. In the UK and the rest of Europe he was considered one of the best singer songwriters of all time.

[@rotjrotk]

@@rosemiller2990 That could be !

[@cmm170526]

This was excellent!! Thank you very much for sharing this with us.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching.

[@cjshields2007]

Love George Michael. Older is my favourite album too. And Father Figure my favourite from Faith. Great analysis!

[@pattisimmons67]

Such an amazing album. This defined him as the powerhouse and force to be reckoned with, he truly was. He transcended everything that was pop music about him and became a true artist. rest in Paradise George. You deserve it! Make sure you're rocking at heaven's door so when we get there, we'll all come rocking in with you!

[@LG-kx8xl]

I saw him Live in Detroit. When Aretha stepped on stage to sing their duet "I Knew You Were Waiting For Me", I completely lost it!!! She was a surprise. She was afraid of flying so her being from Detroit was great & very few can say they saw them together. George had a great voice & presence, fantastic songwriter!

[@mikemcgown6362]

Who didn't know George Michael in his hay-day? All over the radio and MTV. Even if you didn't like him you knew his songs. He had the image, sound and talent to make him a star! Too bad we lost him when he was such a blooming star! I'm sure he would still be making hot songs that would have his own tone. Couldn't confuse his voice with anyone else. Good video!

[@sonicfoxxmusic4281]

OHHHHHH ADAM....I really waited for you to break down this amazing album with bated breath...you sir, did not disappoint. At the time this came out, I was getting up at 3.00a.m. in order to make fresh rolls filled with chicken, cheese, beef and salad and a van filled with all sorts of lovely snack foods...TUCK-IN SNACKFOODS it was called and I service many businesses/trading estates but nothing in that food heaven paradise filled me up with such joy as driving to and from early morming starts and 3pm finishes the listening to George Michael's FAITH album....all of those mornings spent talking for 20 minutes as I spoke to my old man before we both hit the roads to do our jobs...8 months after playing that album, he asked me, "are you really gonna become a songwriter like this young man son...you know it will be a lot of hard work don't you"...that bit I did sense but it never put me off...THANK YOU FOR YOUR INSPIRATION GEORGE...amazingly, after only doing that food round for three years had the amazing touch on my life years later when it started coming to my attention that I always naturally woke at 3am after that...and what did I do nearly 18 years ago...wrote song lyrics through the night....years later starting to independently release songs and collaborate...they are stockpiled mostly...but George helped move those, inderictly. R.I.P. GEORGE... Thanks Adam..much appreciated.....ONE MORE TRY....definitely my favourite. You did us proud Adam...nice one. It's really lovely to remember George Michael.

[@ladylove3636]

I have so many emotions about George, he was the only one for me. I was there through it all, 14 when Faith came out. There is always a tinge of sadness that he wasn't more celebrated, but he knew we got him, understood him & loved him, truly. Whilst he was still here I did my GM Top 40, as they had asked on his twitter for the top song from LWP so I then did his whole catalogue. Kissing a Fool (that video

[@austinsmom2924]

Oh ..I'm still watching your video ..you just mentioned PM Dawn..another gone too soon.. sampling Father Figure..I love it! I have it on my play list..👍

[@MrMr-ru3bw]

I was like if hes awesome as I think, he'll have Father Figure #1. You are. Lol. I never knew the story about the rewrite of the song, Faith, btw, so thanks. GM was so amazing. All of my friends listened to that in our 11-12th grades, and 4 of those songs are part of the greatest ever written and sang by the same person! Legend. So thanful I got to see him twice on successive nights in '08 with my best bud. Thanks for the proper video on George's gift!

[@darnellsh]

Fantastic breakdown of one of my favourite albums of all time. Well done 👍🏻 Watching from the UK 🇬🇧

[@aliciafranco5704]

DUDE! THIS ALBUM CHANGED MY LIFE! my brother was 20 yo and I was 8 yo- we would sing along with FAITH! GREAT MEMORIES❤🤘🔥🥂

[@ProfessorofRock]

It's a POP CLASSIC!

[@seanswinton6242]

Mine too! It was the year I entered the Music Retail business, something I would do until 2018. I worked at the first all CD store in my state. I was 8 out 411 people to get the job. I sold tons of this George Michael cd. I had the Japanese import version which had the CD cover pressed on the disc itself. I am only missing Patience out of my collection. Just about to get it. For me George Michael plays daily!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

It changed a lot of people’s lives, including mine! So many great songs on it!

[@aliciafranco5704]

@@seanswinton6242 Dude! Your a legend! You were there from the start! If you think about it, we are all connected through our memories of the great George Michael 💙 Thx for feeling my appreciation ❤️

[@charlie-obrien]

I was there in 1987, in the "shank of youth" as we used to say. And I can't believe that so many of my music heroes of that time are no longer with us, George along with Prince, EVH and Tom Petty, to name just a few. It is really sometimes saddens me, but when I feel that coming on, I simply drop the needle (or click on KZbin) and the music itself is the healer. Nothing can bring you back to the times when life was carefree like music and these giants of heart and soul left us such a fantastic songbook, I have to go listen to some right now.

[@xmoomoo9158]

Love George Michael …. So sad when he passed. He is a Legend! ❤️

[@KipArmadillo]

Father Figure is especially nostalgic for me. Takes me right back to a rainy summer day, during junior high, sorting through baseball cards with my best friend at the time. Can't put my finger in exactly why . . . But the song is undeniably timeless and beautiful, nostalgia or not. I never even owned this album, but George is just one of those Mt. Rushmore pop artists from that era, and his soulful voice was spectacular. His death hit me surprisingly hard.

[@allanlaughman8607]

I love, love, love this album. Cannot listen to h It without crying. One of the most emotional albums of all time. R.I.P George.

[@graysonbr]

Praying for Time my all time favorite of his. It is so gut wrenching and deep.

[@grene1955]

Kissing A Fool is one of my favorite songs ever! So brilliant and talented, so sad how it ended...

[@loristein7276]

Happy George is finally getting the recognition he deserves. His portfolio is exquisite. I recommend taking a look at "A Different Corner," 1986. Sure, the video is hokey but the ballad showcases his range as a singer. He is a powerhouse! Plus, he had a wonderful sense of humor. The videos he made with Andrew during the Wham! days show a sincerity not often seen today in the music industry. Happy to have found your channel!

[@chriswhite8717]

October 31, 1988, I was in my junior year of high school. For some strange reason, George decided to make little ‘ole Pensacola, Florida his final stop for his Faith world tour. My best friend and I camped out overnight to buy tickets for ourselves and about 8 of our friends. A big group of us went to the concert. It remains the best concert experience I’ve ever had.

[@MakeLifeExtraordinary]

Thank you for doing this album, I absolutely hate that you never got a chance to interview him in person. There are so many questions I need answered. I want to know what the song on Make It Big, Like A Baby, was written about. Still one of my favorite songs to this day. I actually have Bill Cooper’s Platinum Record Award for Make It Big. It’s the only piece of memorabilia from the record industry that I have found from Wham! or George Michael.

[@scottstalcup6980]

Adam, thank you. You nailed everything about George that I want to scream at people who play Wham-ageddon during the holidays. Part of the Blue-Eyed Soul Trinity of the 1980s: Darryl Hall. George Michael and his Band Aid nemesis Boy George. Missed.

[@janet4498]

I remember my local radio station also playing "Hand to Mouth" from the Faith album even though it wasn't officially released as a single in the U.S. My personal faves from the Faith album include "Monkey" (with a video that featured chorography by Paula Abdul) and the songs listed by POR of course.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for sharing.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The “Monkey” video is so cool to watch! Paula Abdul also famously choreographed “Nasty” by Janet Jackson.

[@georgemathie8123]

faith was a very powerful statement from George and to come from the biggest pop band of the 80s wham and 3 years later to deliver an album of such passion and personal anguish is a work of brilliance long live George Michaels music

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure. Thanks George!

[@cheryal6661]

Faith and Careless Whisper are two of my favorites. I miss Mr. George Michael. Thanks Professor for another great episode🤘

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for watching.

[@MrMr-ru3bw]

Subscribed like others im sure, because of this. You appreciate great singer songwriting. GM is and always will be my favorite singer. 87 had such great albums from Whitney, Bruce, and Def Leppard.

[@brianpattison4603]

I just found Faith used brought me back to hitting the record store twice or more weekly to see what was out there . Great stuff Professor 👍

[@ProfessorofRock]

Rock on!

[@williamellis8593]

I'm so glad your number one was "Father Figure" because it's my number one from George Michael too. Such an amazing song!

[@rotaryrich]

had to pause at "relax" beautiful.

[@LMaar]

I went to buy Faith the first day it was released right after school up at the local record store. I was in 7th grade and still grieving Wham!’s breakup. My Sony Sports yellow stereo wasn’t working so my friend Angela and I popped it in my Cricket doll and that was how I first heard Faith- from the mouth of my talking Cricket doll who played cassettes! One More Try will always be my favorite! Every song on the album is gold! There will never be another George…

[@toniquinn9270]

I absolutely loved the Faith album. I had a girlfriend when this album came out, that had a really mad crush on George Michael. I am a blind person, and I wish that I could’ve seen him. To me, she sounded so very cute, and sexy!!! I would be hard-pressed to say that I have a favorite song. Every one of the songs are great. I meant, he! Thank you very much putting these videos out here for us to enjoy. I am truly a music junkie and I look forward to all of your videos.

[@jasonhpekinildashcam]

I was very excited to see you picked Father Figure as your favorite from the Faith album. Back in 2017, I made my own Top 40 list (a la Casey Kasem) because that’s the year I turned 40. (Yes, geek moment). Anyway, Father Figure is on the list at #33 for my favorite songs of all time. This was an excellent video! 🤘

[@splatmacpuffin]

My favourite album ever….to this day. One of the greatest artists of all time.

[@maverickpaladin4155]

One More Try is my absolute favorite GM song...so much soul.

[@Begining2013]

I was in Year 11 at high school in Melbourne, Australia in 1987. My daily walk to and from school was almost a hour so I'd play the Faith album or my personal mixtapes (taped from American Top 40 with Casey Casem). That walk was the favourite part of my day with my Walkman blaring 🙂 Happy times 🙂

[@alfonsomunoz4424]

Ahh, mix tapes. I kinda miss those.

[@someoneoncesaid6978]

He was so great at the Freddie Mercury tribute that I was hoping he would become Queen's new front man. He was the only one at the tribute concert that came close to being able to sing the Queen songs at the standard Mercury set.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I would have loved to see that in person back then!

[@jflareman8843]

I was a mobile DJ and did tons of weddings starting at about 1990. I played the heck out of this guys music. Yeah there was some great music in those days.

[@comedianmattrossey]

Hey Adam, Truly one of the most inspiring album's of my youth, even now at 50 the songs on Faith have so much life and truth to them, it's truly a Timeless Album! Being a rock singer years ago, I used to love to pull out some songs from Faith onstage, just to F*#k with people in the audience. My band hated me for it...but they loved that it got all the girls in the audience in front of us on the dance floor, so playing anything from Faith was a give and take with us. I love singing George's music because the vocals on any song are like doing olympic gymnastics. Even now while watching your video, I remember every word and every note. George truly was a master musician. His vocals are crazy, and his instrumental writing just the same. It was amazing how he blended everything so smoothly and seamlessly. Truly a loss to the music industry when he exited the world. Maybe the next time I'm out and can sing, I'll sing something from Faith. I only sing now doing karaoke as the band lifestyle just doesn't suit me anymore, but belting out a few songs at a karaoke night is always a blast because people truly don't expect what comes out of me vocally. It's my little surprise for them that I have and always have had a pretty broad vocal range, as well, I can mimic voices. Thanks Adam, Keep Safe Always, 3 Chords and the Truth My Friend, Matt - Toronto, Canada

[@ponzo1967]

No arguing with the man's talent, George was phenomenal.

[@ilovesuisse1]

Loved his voice, it was very special.

[@ryanwhittal6246]

I really love this video episode :)

[@jeffreykoger3978]

Such a pure, amazing voice! Check out his version of "Miss Sarajevo". Vocal perfection!

[@stephenrogers9664]

Yes Yes Yes He’s my favourite singer ever, & listen to him still every week. Watched him in Concert in Sydney Aust.