Week 116: George Michael Week! #2 - Freedom! ’90

[@user-fh395hn3s4]

God!! the jazz part from the keyboard just jamed in like this is so so awesome!!!!! the percussion , the inspiring lyrics, these supermodels, David Fincher, GM's energy, my soul was just like burning!!!!

[@The-Almond-Cafe]

Love the bit where Linda puts her head inside her jumper and then they film from inside the jumper with light coming through their weave of the knit

[@italoblu]

One of the enduring images from the 90s.

[@robertfraser9873]

The video for Too Funky is incredible and features a crop of super models.

[@malarija83]

it's iconic! I would love to see a reaction to it

[@rhomugamma]

Still one of David Fincher's finest work. And good catch on the Fight Club connection!

[@Toriiidori]

Canadian here, and can confirm for myself at least that I don’t feel like a peasant 😅 Also loving George Michael week, such a good choice. 90’s supermodels were truly it 👏🏾

[@Ramonafloyd]

Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, , Naoimi Campbell, Cindy Crawford

[@flohols]

and Tatjana Patitz

[@zivo24]

@@flohols- Who sadly passed away from breast cancer a couple years ago. RIP.

[@glenn20081965]

Linda ❤❤❤❤

[@robynhurley5119]

I was in high school. What an epic time to be alive

[@ArtaArias]

Brilliant reaction as always. This video is very career-defining for George Michael. There are so many hidden messages and codes, from his absence in the clip to burning the iconic jacket that had become a signature for him. The look from the "Faith" video cemented his image as a sex symbol. He wanted to shift the focus onto his music and talent rather than his superstar image. He was also breaking free from the obligations and dictates of his record label, Sony. Hence, the message of the song and the burning of old items symbolise moving on.

[@robertfraser9873]

Love the "Fony" headphones 🎧 in the Fastlove video continuing the clever references to his unhappiness with his record company. ❤️

[@ArtaArias]

@@robertfraser9873 I didn't notice it in this one! I had only seen it in fast love.

[@jgog59]

The overlook top male models John Pearson, Peter Formby, Rafael Edholm, and fashion photographer Mario Sorrenti.

[@anabltc]

tnx! I always think how those poor guys were completely overshadowed 😄

[@michiganjfrog366]

Everything about that video is iconic. George saying things are going to change around here mama... And I don't want to talk about it anymore.

[@ericksolis7294]

I love this video and song but that scene when C Turlington makes her entrance wow

[@erinesee]

It's the eyes for me...

[@jenny5moon]

The blonde model is Linda Evangelista, the brunette is Christy Turlington. They were basically goddesses for this era (and frankly any other). Supermodels were EVERYTHING in the 90’s. Pre-internet.

[@jayltee]

George Michael is a legend for the funkiness of this tune alone. Love it

[@RuthLaiton]

This week has been such a treat. I adore George. Thank you Joe for choosing him for this week. You always were my favorite.

[@rosemiller2990]

I too, am so thrilled for George week. They could continue on and have week 2, 3 and do an entire month.

[@keifermark]

This idea was Michael’s. To put models instead of him. He did a lot of background work to book them. They all (young) were at the top of their game, working internationally. His song is super. He was an important star. They said yes. And Fincher signed on (young) and it turned out to be perhaps the finest realized music video ever. Not being nostalgic, I see this as great. (And I was there when this hit. It’s awesome to see younger people discover it! Kudos!) [and, oh no, he knew how to light in cinematography. This is not shocking. He knew color and framing and effect. Not CGI. Film. Not strange that this was achieved in a generation prior to yours.]

[@keith248]

David is the mannn when it comes to videos from this era. Would be very cool to see a week dedicated to his music video output

[@rowanmayfair9249]

Madonna's Bad Girl was stunning!

[@Emburbujada]

Billy Idol's "Cradle of Love" is too good

[@njs2311]

this video is epic! it was a sensation back then and still is.

[@paulamoya7956]

One of my favorite songs of all time . I’ve literally probably played this song in my car and in my Room 1,000 times!! Every single time was amazing . Greatest video ever !!⭐️

[@fegasiva]

Linda, Cindy, Naomi, Christy , Tatiana , guapas , Jhon Pearson el mejor de los 90.

[@peterwedderburn9017]

Your going to enjoy Outside & fast love✌️

[@lailaagrado]

List of models: males: Rafael Edholm, Scott Benoit, John Pearson, Todo Segalia, Mario Sorrenti/ female: Naomi Campbell, Lisa Evangelista, Tatjana Patitz, Christy Turlington

[@TheKittsPajamas]

*Linda Evangelista

[@timothydeweese6931]

Cindy Crawford

[@queeninbetween7725]

You guys gotta watch George singing this song live. The audience all raise their hands up to the sky when he says “Freedom.” The vibe. Incredible.

[@I_ll_beer_back]

In the song "Freedom! '90", Michael comes to terms with his past with Wham! and the successes that followed, brings out more independence in his solo career and reveals his cynical view of the music business in the early 1990s. That's why Michael didn't perform in the video, but had some (of the then) supermodels appear instead. The melody contains samples from the songs "Think" by Aretha Franklin from 1968 and "Funky Drummer" by James Brown from 1970. George Michael was one of a kind. 🙌

[@tjgnkc]

Also, some record producers told him no one would buy a song if he didn’t appear in the video, basically saying his looks is what he was selling. He proved them wrong by not being in it.

[@Uhohlisa]

Did you guys get the iconography of him burning the items from the "Faith" music video? It's him coming out completely.

[@ChloeR-vt4bh]

It was mostly about him wanting to be free from Sony. They did not allow him time out after his huge Faith tour. They also wanted his second solo album to be a Faith II rather than Listen Without Prejudice which is very different to Faith. It was these troubles with Sony that led to him refusing to appear in the videos.

[@shamoon2214]

LEGEND

[@DaryonLee]

This channel is very unique. Could you do more George Michael weeks?

[@Amberelyse]

All the models look stunning but Naomi is GORGEOUS! That soft glam 90s makeup on her skin 😮‍💨. Mike has me screaming with the way he kept going back to Naomi’s scenes 😂. This is one of my fav mvs!

[@2WarriorJay8]

Spinning the wheel is a cool song

[@monsieurcarpio2860]

OMG, Linda and Christy😍

[@MadonnasChild]

what a beautiful channel

[@OscarAntonio-t4z]

His very best hit, in my opinion

[@nmk3756]

This video is so iconic and a big F* from Georges to his label at the time for not letting him be himself. By the time he did Listen from prejudice, he wanted to tear down this macho persona that was far from his true self (hence the destruction of his guitar, jacket in the video). The touring and promoting of his previous album had wrecked him. He was fade up and just wanted to record his album.

[@tottyRICE]

I love this song

[@cflournoy1529]

The hottest models of the era!! Love this video!

[@leosousa6636]

This video is stunning! Love your guys reaction as always. Please do another George week ASAP, one isnt enough.

[@dvus1977]

Linda Evangelista was the model with the Short Platinum Hair . She was famous for always changing hair color but became Infamous for once saying that She doesn't get out of Bed for less than $10k a day😳. Christie Turrlinton has the short brown hair & pricks her finger with needle . Her face is one of the Most Symmetrically Perfect faces ever. Its actually been scanned, studied and verified.Tatiana w/the blonde curls passed away a few years ago. As we all Know Naomi and Cindy have kept themselves busy and Stunning as ever.

[@blackpanter9572]

Its also timeless and very ahead of its time so it seems like it was made later. David Fitcher also did Madonna music videos

[@Cookie_moonlove]

I LOVE IT when reactors look up info like you did, info on the lyrics, video or artist etc. it's always more fun to watch reactions like this. Like I would love if you went to genius or lyric sites like that to check lyrics and meaning and video info like you did in this one and info about the artist and the time it came out. PLEASE NERD OUT MORE OFTEN!!! I mean not every artist have deep lyrics or meaningful or artistic well made videos or are to involved in their music so maybe it's not to interesting or much to look up but many or most do. Even just looking up year of every song and video and birthdate and birthplace of the artists. Like checking wiki on each video and song just to see if there are any fun info to find. It doesn't take more than a minute if there aren't anything but it can give so much if there are. Nerd out more!

[@madeleineglo7696]

George kept same leather jacket at home

[@1984mschanel]

Lol, my husband said he use to do drive- bys to this song on Grand Theft Auto.

[@randychampion184]

The male models were John Pearson, Peter Formby, and Rafael Edholm as per Wikipedia.

[@MichaelJohnson-vi6eh]

This has to be one of the most expensive videos produced up to that point with the director and all those very very very expensive models. (did I mention the models were expensive?)

[@GalaxyGirl777]

Mike, I love your enthusiasm! I feel like this is a sign we should Fight Club on one of your lives.

[@italoblu]

How do I give you guys some money to do a Duran Duran week?

[@lookhowshegobbledthat]

Seeing these old music videos in 4k is insane.

[@remyazharyyosef1811]

George Michael had this thing of having supermodels in his videos. Another video you guys ought to check out that had that runway supermodels doing their thing is "Too Funky".

[@rosemiller2990]

He was the first to have super moldes in his videos. His idea!!!

[@got2bjosh]

The Trinity is everything: Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, & Naomi Campbell. High fashion goddesses, still. Pop culture in 1990 was poppin' off. Madonna, Mariah, Whitney, & Janet were all slaying with #1 hit songs. Supermodels reigned over fashion. Oprah dominated daytime tv. Whoopi & Kathy Bates delivered Oscar-winning performances in Ghost & Misery. House music went mainstream in the early 90s. If you love Fincher so much then you'll appreciate his video for Madonna's song, Bad Girl.

[@walterhigo7658]

DAVID FINCHER directed the movie Fight Club. He also directed: 1) Madonna: Express Yourself, Vogue and Bad Girl videos 2) Paula Abdul: The way that you love me video 3) George Michael: Freedom 90 video

[@KylahAali]

If Careless Whisper isn’t #1 ima be so sad lol

[@madeleineglo7696]

George sings freedom live watch it. Its brilliant.

[@Debbie-m7f]

He’s brilliant 🥰

[@RachelKaplanMini]

You all should react to George’s live concert for princess dianas charity trust - it’s like 5 songs (including this one) and all ridiculously amazing

[@martinbb68]

The male models are John Pearson, Peter Formby, Rafael Edholm and fashion photographer Mario Sorrenti 😊

[@alstevens7329]

Y’all know who those #ICONS in this video are right????? #SLAY #SUPERMODELS

[@blainw1976]

You hit the nail on the head when you said everytime you pause it, whatever is in frame at that moment, is a work of art. The same thing goes for vogue by madonna which he also directed. Pause that video anywhere, and youll get a beautiful photo

[@ludivinebalthazar9189]

Super models : Linda Evangelista Naomi Campbell Christy Turllington Cindy Crawford Claudia Shiffer Si je me rappelle bien 🤔 (j'ai 40 ans) et bonjour de France 🇫🇷 ✌️

[@annewoodard6803]

Claudia Shiffer is not in the video.

[@whattheflyingfuck...]

@@annewoodard6803 Tatjana Patitz was - RIP

[@dvus1977]

Not Claudia, Tatiana Patitz. Rip 🙏🕊️

[@FindingMadonna]

I adore this song and video. Fincher also directed Madonna's Express Yourself, Vogue, Oh Father, and Bad Girl. They dated briefly, otherwise I think they would have continued to work together. She was really his muse for several years. I wouldn't say he created that visual style - he was very much inspired by Old Hollywood (see Vogue) and film noir (see Oh Father and Bad Girl).

[@TMKJG24]

Careless Whisper better be #1 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@angelinajulie9916]

Not peasants, Commoners. 🫤

[@brendenc8376]

David Fincher also directed Express Yourself/ Vogue/ Oh Father/ Bad Girl by Madonna. You can very much see his influence especially with Express Yourself and Bad Girl…

[@Karish3821]

i am new fan of you

[@oceanlover3530]

🔥🔥🔥

[@daniellaplume3840]

A Different Corner, Jesus to a Child, Outside, Fastlove, I Can't Make you Love me (Unplugged, Live.) My Mother Had a Brother

[@robynhurley5119]

Linda evangelista!!! Platinum blonde

[@peerlesskells1014]

Hey guys, so I was hoping y'all would do a week 2 for MJB. These videos listed are a bit more storytelling/cinematic. I think you two would enjoy. 1. All That I Can Say 2. Deep Inside 3. Take Me As I Am 4. One ft. U2. 5. Whole Damn Year. All of em are dope. Love the channel btw, been on board with you guys a little over a year now. I always look forward to your reactions to some of our favorite artists. Also, I admire you guys examining of music videos-from fashion, jewelry, locations, etc. Not to mention, y'all are hilarious af frfr. But I hope you guys get around to checking out the list for week 2. Much love & God bless 🙏🏾 🫶🏾🤍 ..

[@abe0705]

Linda Evangelista!

[@BriZ93]

I dont care for his music at all. But this video is iconic. I came just for this.

[@brianbryant1336]

The video isn't over, but I keep yelling "that's Cindy Crawford!!" Edit: After finishing the video, he finally mentions Cindy. Whew! I was getting stressed that no one would recognize her. LOL

[@iangrant3615]

I was lucky enough to meet Cindy Crawford a few years ago and she signed a piece of paper, kissed it with her red lipstick and then drew a little beauty spot with the pen above her lipstick kiss on the page so that it looked like her!

[@brianbryant1336]

@@iangrant3615 I've read in several articles that she is pretty awesome, kind, and down to earth. I'm happy you got to experience that.

[@JadeK297]

They did Cindy dirty in this video. Making it hard to see her clearly. I was not happy with this video for that 😠.

[@76rvega]

My guys, if you review George Micheal "Too Funky" you HAVE to review both versions, American which is the official music video, and then the Euro version which is the Directors Cut (this version features more models, diverse hot women and men, more clothes, a bit more flesh)... They had to edit the directors cut due to hot lesbian action, the nude men, and the abundance of black models. MTV thought at the time all of that was too risque for the American audience.

[@iangrant3615]

The video represented several things - George Michael had created such a powerful image with Faith (reinventing himself after his playful boyish Wham! image), that the world then expected him to go on being the sexual hunk of the Faith video, but he realised he was actually not just bisexual but a gay man, and so he not only needed to kill off that image the world had of him, but kill off the image of himself as a sex symbol for women, as he wanted to be free to be respected for his artistry as a singer-songwriter and to be able to live the life he wanted to live. Also, he was getting increasingly frustrated by his record label, and after this period he went onto sue his record label for exploiting him under the same contractual terms he signed up to when he was just a teenager.

[@SilverBloodedOne]

George was bisexual but preferred men.

[@peterkolmacka2622]

david Fincher did Bad Girl for Madonna......... litlle movie it is .....go for it........x

[@mirjanabittar7781]

The blond one is Linda Evangelista.

[@rouguy1972]

❤

[@madeleineglo7696]

George produced all his own videos.

[@janewatkins9801]

I've never felt like a peasant. Queen Elizabeth II trained as a mechanic and drove an ambulance in the Blitz in World War II. Hats off to her. Love George Michael 😊❤

[@PastaSauce.]

Lil Kim Week 5. Crush on you 4. How many licks 3. No matter what people say 2. Jump off 1. Lighters up ♥️ 🐝

[@MetalBere]

React to George Michael: Star People

[@JadeK297]

Yeah they made it hard for people to recognize Cindy. I thought that was stupid on their part. She was the most famous model out especially in America. Her daughter is a model/actress now. Kaia Gerber who dates actor Austin Butler…

[@ikkenrique]

me and best judy in one of the clubs bathroom stalls @4:24

[@ldybozz]

Wow no FATHER FIGURE on the list😢

[@MrSmriley]

No, we don't feel like peasants. Most people see the Royals as hard-working representatives of our country, with quite a few annoying hangers-on too, of course.

[@commenceenavoirmarre]

We got great image video, also, in the 90s ... just saying !

[@williambunce241]

I'd never bow to any member of royal family there not worth it

[@gigi-ij1hk]

There might be a better music video director than David Fincher, but I can't think of one

[@Dan-B]

Do straight men not know Linda Evangelista? 🫠

[@mikenelson1624]

🌬️

[@TrevorPalmatiershow]

Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford all in it. This was a discarding of his Faith image. He burns the leather jacket, blows up the guitar and jukebox from his Faith video. They lyrics are incredible if you listen to them. About his regret of becoming famous. Mark Ronson, from Uptown Funk, said this album is the Mona Lisa of music. I don't disagree.

[@rowanmayfair9249]

The models were the Big 5. They were the most popular and all on the cover of Vogue when George got them. You've read how he refused to be in it, his rationalization to Sony as I won't be, but I'll give you the top 5 models instead. Good luck finding the names of the guys. If anyone knows, drop it? I've looked for years with nothing. RIP to late Tatjana Patitz.

[@mhead81]

So now u need check George Michael live 93' Father figure and Killer/Papa was .... and with Aretha Franklin

[@ronanvagnerdasilva]

linda evangelista e cindy crawford

[@mackkennedy4658]

fincher did madonnas express yourself

[@ay_jay254]

More Ciara videos please !

[@Karish3821]

give mariah carey reaction fantasy dreamlover my all butterfly hero through the rain bye bye

[@breawhite6]

Plz react to father figure by him

[@thomasfallon3639]

First comment

[@theartsyzoologist]

Christy Turlington with her face looking like it was sculptured by the gods on Mount Olympus, something about her features was incredibly alluring. Naomi Campbell too, ridiculously stunning. Naomi, Linda and Christy are referred to as the “Trinity” they were forces on their own but together were unstoppable and magnetic. To this day they are close friends and often speak of how Christy and Linda would refuse to do runway shows unless the designer would also have Naomi, they were loyal to one another and that still is very clear to this day. I love Cindy too, but I never truly saw her appeal beyond being a beautiful girl next door/commercial model. Yasmeen Ghauri however could have easily been at the top with Naomi, Linda Christy, but she chose to step out of the industry.

[@BluHimalayas]

Ashleee Simpson week request! 😍 1.⁠ ⁠Pieces of Me 2.⁠ ⁠Outta My Head 3.⁠ ⁠L.O.V.E 4.⁠ ⁠Invisible 5.⁠ ⁠La La kzbin.info/aero/PLFOnG1SeVQvYJHf_1IcK9rkQcV2SZjiHQ&si=-GutznT4HJXYgnL2

[@timothydeweese6931]

Fincher was a god at directing music videos