WHAM! In the 80s George Michael & Andrew Ridgeley Make it BIG | Pop Fix | Professor of Rock

Childhood friends George Michael & Andrew Ridgeley created one of the most iconic pop bands of the 80s. They named the group Wham!- a word they felt represented the energy, ambition, and spirit of their friendship. Wham was only a unit for 3 studio albums over 4 short years, but at their zenith in '84 and '85, they were one of the world's most popular British based acts- in the same echelon as Duran Duran and Culture Club- selling more than 30 million albums. As George Michael would later sing in Freedom 90 reminiscing, they had every big shot good time band on the run boy. With hits like Wake Me Up, Before You Go Go, Careless Whisper, Last Christmas, Freedom, I'm Your Man, and Everything She Wants, Wham! took over the world.
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#Wham! #80s #Vinyl
Hey music junkies the Professor of Rock always her to celebrate the greatest artists and songs of all time. Join our community below by subscribing for our daily content and become a patron to help us curate this great history of the rock era.
#5 "Last Christmas"
Released as a single in December of '84 as a 'double-A side' with "Everything She Wants." The song was #1 in Denmark, Sweden, and Slovenia It went to #11 in the U.S. and #2 in the UK- where it was denied the top spot by Band Aid's "Do They Know It's Christmas," the song created to generate donations to help starving children in Ethiopia
#4-"I'm Your Man" It was the 3rd #1 single for Wham in the UK. The tune also ascended to the top of the pop chart in Denmark, Ireland, and New Zealand, and #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Essentially released as an isolated single, though the song did make an appearance the album the Final, called music from the edge of heaven in the US. It was the last song that George Michael performed & recorded with Andrew Ridgeley. Wham would break up 6 months after its release in late '85.
As usual, George wrote and produced the track. It's another 'feel good' Wham song. Something interesting about I"m Your Man, it may have inspired the classic Smiths song Panic which in turn may have inspired Brendon Urie to name his band Panic at the Disco.
#3- "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go"
This song has attracted many haters over the years, who are probably too cool to admit that this song not only makes them smile, but makes them want to do a little jig.
At worst, "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" is a guilty pleasure, but as I've grown older, I don't believe in guilty pleasures. You like what you like. If a song moves you, it moves you, and "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" is such a happy ditty that it could be a cure for a pandemic. It certainly would make you look forward to when you can kick up your heels and really enjoy life. I've always believed that music is the best medicine. "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" is one of the big Wham hits that Andrew Ridgeley was instrumental in originating.
#2- I don't want your "Freedom" I don't want to play around
FREEDOM the 60s Motown throwback is the definition of Feel Good. What a song. Wham's pledge for undying love & devotion- even if the relationship is sometimes one-sided. It doesn't matter- "just as long as we're together."
It's another exceptional pop song that George Michael composed when he was just 19 years old. "Freedom" is my favorite arrangement of a Wham song- because there are so many parts to it, and the musicianship is brilliant.
And, of course, the ecstasy of George Michael's lead vocal performance makes listening to "Freedom" a thrilling experience. Especially the outro where George reaches the level of his heroes Freddy Mercury and Elton John and may even go an inch above.
#1- "Careless Whisper"
The follow up to "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" from the Make It Big LP, released in 1984. "Careless Whisper" is one of the most seductive love songs ever recorded. It shot to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and in the UK- selling over 6 million copies around the world. It seem the album title was a harbinger for what George Michael would do in the years following
On Billboard Magazine's year ending chart for '85- "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" was the 3rd biggest song of the year, and "Careless Whisper" was the #1 song of 1985. That's beatles type stuff.Although the song was credited as being co-written by Michael & Ridgeley, there was some obvious foreshadowing with the promotion of "Careless Whisper." The Sax line was so brilliant that it has inspired many great musicians but by far the greatest:

[@jacobr5627]

Another tremendous video from the Professor of Rock!

[@Filmation77]

WHAM! Was the group that left before they were forced out by Changing Pop tastes and that why people still have a fond memories of Them they left before they Musically Jumped The Shark. But here another 5 WHAM tracks that should get more love 5. Blue(Armed With Love) quirky ballad 4.Nothing Looks Th Same in The Light( from Wham!: Fantastic) very romantic song about a Hook-up 3. Love Machine-Great Cover of The Miracles hit 2.Young Guns (go for it) 1. If you were there

[@aliaziz4515]

@@Filmation77 I'd have loved George to re-record Nothing Looks The Same In The Light in his 'Fastlove' days and with a more matured voice, would have been great!(vocals on original were a touch too soft/breathy!) Blue (studio version) was spot on though-great track!

[@suziejane1008]

@@Filmation77 If You Were There isn't their song though so I don't count that. Blue is an amazingly underrated song that should have been an 'A' side.

[@suziejane1008]

@@aliaziz4515 Agree, Ali! although I love the breathy vocals on NLTSITL

[@Filmation77]

@@suziejane1008 Point Taken cause that song was The Isley Brothers but I think Wham does it better though

[@vion3426]

"Everything She Wants" best song ever

[@bioniccop40]

Live performances of this song were EPIC~~

[@waynedexter]

Yep! That’s the only Wham! song I keep going back to

[@IceCreamManDLR]

Agreed, especially the version from the Twenty Five by George Michael. It has a little extra not included on the original.

[@crbranca06]

Agree!

[@joliecollier7937]

Do do do la la la la laaaa!! Love it so much!

[@rosiegoulis1797]

I love George , he was an incredible human being , a philanthropist . He gave huge amounts of money anonymously helping people left and right . He had a SOUL like no other . I miss George .

[@yanarmv]

Not only I fell in love with his music but also for him as a such a kind and lovely person. He was an intelligent and a very discreet man and did so many good things, as you said he donated so much money to different charitys. He will always be in my heart❤️

[@eightiesmusic1984]

@@yanarmv The media treatment of him in the UK was a disgrace. He refused to play their game and that means he was in their sights. Add in homophobia and tall poppy syndrome ( undermining people who are successful, which is a British trait at least in the public arena), it is little wonder that the reaction to his premature death was muted in the UK at Christmas 2016. The fact he died then is made even more sad given that Last Christmas is always played a lot around December. He did donate anonymously to many beneficiaries, it is true. He was outspoken politically ( he was on the left), which also goes down badly with most of the UK media. He was and remains a musical giant with Wham and solo. Andrew Ridgley did co write Careless Whisper according to him speaking recently in 2020.

[@shac9131]

He also gave to game show contestants who lost if they were playing to help a loved one with surgery or simply Ill.

[@glo3139]

INDEED!!!! He is greatly missed!!!

[@Wills_Duffy]

Everything She Wants pop perfection never to be equalled.

[@adc2327]

Pop and soul. It is considered an R&B classic in the USA believe it or not!

[@Windupchronic]

I don't care what anyone thinks, Wham! is one of my all-time favorite groups. I listen to them all the time. I just love them. My Wham! top five: 5. I'm Your Man 4. Club Tropicana 3. A Different Corner 2. Careless Whisper 1. Freedom

[@depecheddurand]

I love wham and geaorge micheal.

[@MiKeMiDNiTe-77]

Yeah Club Tropicana is cool 🍍🌴

[@Meraj7553]

❤❤❤

[@kiwisbiggestfan256]

same

[@dickhammerbusch8015]

Edge of Heaven is super underrated

[@vampyr69]

I remember staying home sick from school the day the Careless Whisper video premiered on MTV because they were going to show it first at noon. Worth it.

[@jonathanmcroberts8549]

That's so cool !

[@flavellinator]

Man, George Michael had it all... the voice, the looks, the popularity. Back in the 80s, I remember guys (me included) sporting the beard stubble, the white shorts, and the rolled up sleeves in order to emulate his style. Love the retro vibe of "Wake Me Up..." and he had so many iconic hits, but his 1990 heartfelt, moving "Praying for Time" stands above the rest for me (especially in these precarious times)... A+ again Professor!

[@halfbreed4life62]

He wouldn't have thought he had it all. He was very humble. He would have told you the "persona " GM would've had it. But, when he let Yog out. He was just Yog.

[@quicktingz2097]

Underrated song writer. Much more than just a pop singer.

[@michaelrochester48]

I really like the smooth vocals of George Michael. There are some people that are just born to sing. He was especially epic at the Freddie Mercury tribute concert

[@lwaves]

George was the one singer I could have accepted to move into the space left by Freddie in Queen. There were even rumours at the time that it might happen. Obviously it didn't.

[@CubanAl74]

George would have been a perfect addition to Queen. I agree that he was the only artist truly worthy of replacing Freddie Mercury.

[@PremierSmilesDentist]

Guys , George was a superstar in his own right . Equal to Freddie in my mind . Can you see him touring and doing Queen songs ... but his performance at the tribute was his best one according to him .

[@lwaves]

@@PremierSmilesDentist Nobody is denying that and you're missing the point. :-)

[@angusmeigh5141]

George Micheal had a really good singing voice as well. His voice was one of the best singing voices I have ever heard.

[@lisacobb7525]

I don’t care what song I hear - George Michael is my Joy.

[@rowanmayfair9249]

Amen

[@jonesyboy69]

Was never much of a George Michael fan until I saw him in concert in Cardiff 2013, this was after he had pneumonia and had a tracheostomy. His vocals blew me away and turned into a massive fan from that time on. Was absolutely gutted when he passed away! Read somewhere that he wrote Careless Whisper, but put Ridgely on the writing credits as a thank you to him. Sums George up to do something like that for his friend. RIP George

[@vincentimbesi3947]

Wow, you got to see him perform after his surgery? That’s great!

[@DarrinCarlson]

I was the DJ at a radio station that introduced “ Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and I’ll never forget the phones blowing up. I played it twice within the hour. 1984.. What an incredible year for pop music.

[@genuinevinyl]

1984 - amazing for music and movies!

[@CameronEly]

"Heartbeat" will always be my favorite Wham! Song.

[@Giles_Heaton]

Fab song. Listen to Hungry Heart by Bruce Springsteen and tell me you can't hear Heartbeat.

[@CameronEly]

Giles Heaton yes it does! A lot of pop music uses some of the same rhythms though. So it’s not to surprising.

[@luirive]

My father owned a copy of the George Michael 'Ladies & Gentlemen' compilation album. I was a child, probably five, but I've always listened to George Michael. To this day, he's my favourite solo artist, nobody compares to George. When he passed away, I was so sad. His death impacted me deeply but I'm glad his legacy is celebrated. Rest in peace, you legend.

[@weedyguitarstudio1715]

George was a very underrated song writer and an unbelievably gifted singer I'm a big fan he will be missed RIP!!😎🤘👏👏👏

[@aymeric4703]

Underrated ? Lol george michael was iconic one of the best male singer of all time

[@lwaves]

I was never a fan of George's solo output but he definitely wasn't underrated, he had one of the best voices around and wrote some of the best pop songs.

[@MrClassicmetal]

_Careless Whisper_ by itself put him on the map as a formidable songwriter.

[@weedyguitarstudio1715]

@@MrClassicmetal yes sir I am a guitar player and lover of all music and George was literally a god given talent so strong he stopped touring because he didnt like bieng just a sex symbol he wanted t ok be more known for his music and he made even more money just writing songs and making video's and touring when he wanted to my favorite song by wham is Everything she wants but my favorite George song is One more try and the video is excellent Ro I On my friend we lost a great one!!

[@rosamiller8687]

@@MrClassicmetal Careless Whisper also won him his first Ivor Novello award. He couldn't have been more pleased with this award as it is a distinguished award given to the best songwriters and composers. In an interview George said that he considered himself first a songwriter and that his songs is how he always wanted to be remembered.

[@MrPrice2U]

George Michael was one of the most accomplished writers and singers of all time. Insanely underrated. Whams songs are iconic and even songs that did not make it into the Top10 were great creations. Michaels "Unplugged" was a masterpiece. His rearranged songs like "Everything she wants" and covers,"I can't make you love me" (by Bonnie Raitt), were out of this world. Michael also surprised the audience during the "Motown returns to Apollo" celebration demonstrating his talent and winning over the crowd. I really miss the guy.

[@rosamiller8687]

George was definitely a musical genius. My favorite singer songwriter of all time. I dont think that George was underrated. Perhaps he was underrated in the US. In the rest of the world and especially his home country he was absolutely a legend. He holds the record for the most played artist on Uk radio for 20 years straight. He's also won numerous Ivor novello awards for songwriting 6 or 7 which is a lot. Music critics in the UK refer to him as being first and foremost a songwriter and that George sat up there with lennon-mccartney for songwriting.

[@thomasroedgaard117]

@@rosamiller8687 He was not underrated in Europe. A very loved artist. Very much showen when he made a tour comeback.

[@rosamiller8687]

@@thomasroedgaard117 , I didn't say he was underrated in Europe. if you re-read my comment, I state maybe he was underrated in the US, once he backed out of the US market. I definitely know he was a national treasure in the UK and loved all over Europe. He is my favorite and even though I live in the US, I was lucky to always find his music.

[@Crazybob07]

Absolutely not underrated outside of US. Considered a musical icon. GM had quite a strange unique career path in the US. Initially such HUGE success. Then his massive record and legal troubles and direct conflict with Sony USA led to him to retreat from the US market and as he stated himself he was blacklisted a bit by the industry no doubt orchestrated by Tommy mottala who he directly had conflict with. Other factors like his personal issues led to him stopping all promotion but his profile remained very high in all other markets even though he kind of stopped making chart pop music and developed a more sophisticated sound. Although I know George always kept a devoted nucleus of fan bases in the US who always followed his career. Big shame we didn’t get more albums or see him tour more. Such a talented brilliant artist

[@eightiesmusic1984]

Agreed, Check out his performance at the 1988 Mandela concert in London- breathtakingly good. He also did a free concert for NHS workers who had helped his mother. He was sincere and had talent to spare.

[@depecheddurand]

1.last Christmas 2.Freedom 3.Wake me up 4.Everything she wants 5.careless whisper 6.credit card baby

[@auroraalmas1656]

I loved Credit Card baby, Heartbeat and even Like A Baby. Honestly love any song that George put his voice to.

[@tristramcoffin926]

I don't even mind that you cheated to get in Credit Card Baby. Such and underrated song.

[@KCfromDCtheLeo]

I always brag that "Make It Big" was the first album I purchased with my own money (summer job). It will always have a special place in my heart. My cousin Mina and I were huge WHAM! fans and I was particularly fond of Andrew Ridgeley.

[@unclebart7296]

What about “Blue” ? From live in China. Very very underrated song. George’s voice was amazing in that. Love that track. Just love it!

[@madangel9691]

Ive never ever heard anyone else say this. I TRULY LOVE THIS FANTASTIC SONG

[@damiansarwar4153]

One of my favourite songs of all time, possibly the most underrated song of all time

[@madangel9691]

@@damiansarwar4153 Yes!!! A lost Treasure

[@Witchywop]

Beautiful song, especially the live version xx

[@suziejane1008]

Love that song x

[@kimberlyridenour8003]

I had to watch this again...with the Wham! doc just coming out and the release of the Wham! singles on vinyl. Wham! was such the definition of an 80s group and GM is up there with the bes singer/songwriters ever - and getting a well deserved entry into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame this year. I will have Wham! and GM on repeat for awhile.

[@creasybear31]

The Bridge from Everthing She Wants cements that song as my #1 Wham song! Never understood why the radio constantly played the version without it.

[@steliosc.4686]

I couldn't agree more. My God i don't even think that i love you. Epic!!!

[@thomasinajones6684]

I agree, When George sings "I give you all you say you want more" it's an EPIC moment in a perfect song.

[@patrickOsully]

I get ticked off every time I hear the short version.

[@gregjamesproductions]

Agree!!!

[@tristramcoffin926]

Actually, my experience was that the radio played the full length version. I can't tell you how confused and disappointed I was when I bought the album and it was edited. I looked for years for the full length. For a long time you just couldn't get it. I was a kid. Maybe I just didn't understand how to get it. Anyway, half of the reason for why I bought the 3 disc retrospective of George Michael was to secure this version of that song.

[@BillGraper]

I bought this CD (Make It Big) a long time ago, mainly for "Careless Whisper" (FULL version) and "Everything She Wants." Great music!!!

[@PremierSmilesDentist]

I still have the original Vinyl lol

[@tbone5757]

Everything She Wants is my favorite Wham song. Whenever it comes on the radio (in GTA5) I have to pull the car over and listen to it until it's over. It's also one of my most listened to songs on my 80s KZbin playlist.

[@TheNightBadger]

I *_literally_* just finished Andrew Ridgeley's biography this afternoon! Love Wham!

[@penelopedewollaston7981]

It's great, isn't it? They both seem so very nice, and such close friends. Shirlie said they were like one person. George is and will always be the best evet ever and such a wonderful man, and thank goodness Andrew is still with us and (hopefully) long will remain so. Thans so much for this video.

[@myishahutchinson652]

I was smiling from ear to ear listening to you talk about Wham! and George Michael. Just like you, my heart broke when George Michael passed away. Everything She Wants is my favorite song that gets played loudly at least once a day. Keep your wonderful content coming.

[@gsxerwhite]

The bass line of that song is fire and the vocals are the icing on the cake👍🏻

[@triadafillos1]

George Michael, a musical genius of the modern era!

[@leapyliotis8178]

Different Corner is by far the most underrated track of all time. Listen to the lyrics, it’s pure Genius!

[@delbertannis5642]

All I can say is, I was there in the greatest generation to ever produce music. RIP GEORGE, and thank you

[@thecman26]

Whats absolutely insane, George Michael was rejected for his looks?!??! Damn.... What a stupid decision. As a straight man I can honestly say George was a beautiful man!

[@phobowl]

Hmm. Dude was good looking as hell!

[@Dnice2022]

George wasn’t fond of Careless Whisper? WOW. He should’ve been so proud. He is missed.

[@rowanmayfair9249]

He always thought A Different Corner was a better song and should have rcvd the same if not more love as CW.

[@bobwallace9814]

They were the 80's. They looked, acted, sang and performed it. There were five 80's radio stations here with three of them 80''s dance format. Wham was on constantly on all. The Christmas song is what smart artists do. The song will be played annually way after they are long gone.

[@5150-for-music]

LOVE Wham and George Michael. Thank you for doing this video Professor. My top 5 from Wham!.... 1. "Everything She Wants" / Wham! / Album: Make It Big (1985) 2. "Club Tropicana" / Wham! / Album: Fantastic (1983) 3. “Blue (live in China)” / Wham! / Album: Music From The Edge Of Heaven (1986) 4."Careless Whisper" / Wham! / Album: Make It Big (1984) 5. "Edge Of Heaven" / Wham! / Album: Music From The Edge Of Heaven (1986)

[@bioniccop40]

Great 5 pick's I have been a Yog fan since 1982- myself.

[@rmichelle1944]

@@bioniccop40 Blue is incredible!

[@naturecheck]

My Top 5 Wham songs: #1 - Everything She Wants #2 - Edge of Heaven #3 - Club Tropicana #4 - I'm Your Man #5 - Last Christmas

[@patrickOsully]

#2 & #3 are there most underrated songs.

[@rayronald7269]

1 Last Christmas 2 Club Tropicana 3 Careless Whisper 4 Young Guns 5 Nothing looks the same in the light

[@floorticket]

Wham was a guilty pleasure for me. The lines were clearly drawn at my HS and I was Zeppelin/King Crimson/Grateful Dead/Genesis. "I'm Your Man" is probably my favorite Wham tune. There, I said it.

[@ZakEdwardsOfficial]

ha...all these years..

[@tristramcoffin926]

And look at that. You didn't even explode.

[@HooliganMomma]

Wham made me feel like a teenager when I was in my early 20's in '84, '85. I've seen every artist that has passed away, my poor heart when I think that I never saw Wham or George live! George was one of the most amazing singer/songwriters ever!! Thank you for showcasing Wham!! You've made my Day!!! xo

[@sleinadb]

I also never got to see him live...the only artist I have ever loved so much and didn't make it to a concert. So sad.

[@HooliganMomma]

@@sleinadb Honey...I feel your pain truly...if only there were a time machine..I would do all I could to see him live...and I'd get two tickets..you and I could see him together!!! xo

[@sleinadb]

@@HooliganMomma Aww that's sweet. ;-)

[@hushmoney2058]

I did Orlando Faith Tour Brilliant ....The song Monkey looked just like the Video ,they might have filmed it there ...

[@saffbron]

"Careless whisper" is the only favourite song of mine all times. From last 15 years my permanent cell tone is careless whisper. #LoveGeorgeMichael

[@TheNightBadger]

I worked on a project digitising old MTV content a few years ago, and there was a lot of footage from in and around MTV shows where cameras were left running for hours on end. One of them was a half hour George Michael interview, from about '98/'99 which contained over an hour of 'off camera' footage where he chatted with the interviewer about what they would discuss. He was drinking wine the whole time and he was completely candid. The interviewer asked him off camera about Careless Whisper and he basically said the song meant nothing to him, and that it was successful and audiences loved it, but that he would happily not ever sing it again because it was meaningless. I _think_ he said he much preferred 'A Different Corner' from the same time period. I wish I had a copy of that interview now, not for the interview - which was boilerplate - but becuase it was so revealing off camera. He talked about his court case with Sony too, but I can only remember bits of it.

[@jwprimetime9795]

Man I would love to see that!!

[@Scorpio_Moonshine]

Wow, thanks for sharing. 😊 The song, A Different Corner has always been one of my top favorites by him.

[@ofb-jq5lc]

Would that off-camera, candid footage have been digitized as well ? Would that be on some drive somewhere ?

[@TheNightBadger]

@@ofb-jq5lc Everything was being digitised. It was all coming straight from digibeta tapes and being turned into files, so the files exist somewhere at MTV...

[@ofb-jq5lc]

@@TheNightBadger So there's hope ! Thanks.

[@buggarden7536]

1988, An amazing moment to hear him begin the show at the summit in Houston with 'Play that funky music' AS A BALLAD. The goosebump moment of mesmorizement, astonishment (you get what I'm saying). Every neighbor of mine for the last 30 years has heard the incomparable talent of George Michael. Wham Bam!....The Long and winding road..live version concert for the Prince's Trust, genius talent.

[@rosamiller8687]

OMG, his rendition of a long and Winding Road is absolutely gorgeous. I don't know if there's a word to describe how beautiful it is. The feeling he conveys in every lyric he sings was magical. You are right, pure genius .

[@rolybling]

George gives me life. That's it.

[@michelegallo4055]

Freedom '84 performed live at the "Cover to Cover tour" Amazing reinterpretation

[@maddogcharm]

If I close my eyes, you remind me of my youth listening to a nationally syndicated top countdown radio show. Take that as a complement. It’s a lost art!

[@federicosefusatti2220]

Wham! Freedom is the best song ever... I never found that Energy in no other songs in my entire life.

[@ProfessorofRock]

I agree. I love freedom. Thanks for watching.

[@freddyt55555]

@@ProfessorofRock I wouldn't consider myself a true Wham fan by any definition, but there's something really special about Freedom. It just has this amazing combination of catchy lyrics, hook, heart-rending theme, and just an absolutely genius arrangement--from the du-du-du-ing vocals in the bridge to the brass outro to the undistorted electric guitar in the fade-out, there are just so many layers to appreciate. Again, I'm not a Wham fan by any stretch, but I wanted to watch this video specifically to see if anyone else appreciated the qualities of this particular song as much as I do. I'm glad to find out it made your Top 2.

[@federicosefusatti2220]

@@freddyt55555 Im italian and unfortunately I cannot find the right english words to express the Energy that pass in my brain when I'm listening to Freedom... You have say right things about that Song.. its a special thing... A thing that, i cannot forget It, when I was young It made me literally jump of happiness, specially in the bridge.. Im so glad and Happy to have found that Song in my life... Thanks again for your brilliant description... I became a Wham and GM fan due to Freedom.

[@patrickdouma7514]

Great story, will always have great memory's from that time. Wham was and is in my heart for ever, 81-86 and 84/85 in particular. George & Andrew, thank you for bringing such joy in my life. A fan for always, love from Holland.

[@katemaloney4296]

Here are my Top 5 WHAM! songs (posted before yours) 1. A Different Corner 2. Everything She Wants 3. Edge Of Heaven 4. Freedom 5. Like A Baby (that intro is so beautiful and calming) *Well, I guess that's what makes us individuals. Your tribute was so kind and heartfelt that I can't wait to see what you have planned for George's legacy.

[@msalazar413]

I play WHAM! For my kids and they love it. Good music is timeless.

[@phobowl]

My kids wake up to “Wake me up before you go go” everyday. Puts all of us in a great mood.

[@liverush24]

My auntie, who lived near London, dangled the possibility of letting my sister go with her & her husband to Wembley to see the Wham! The Final concert. My sister was a massive Wham! fan. And then they went without her. Ouch!

[@vesavius]

I'm a Brit of this era and, I have to be honest, was never a Wham or GM appreciator. But, now nearing 50, yeah, I agree with most of what you have said here.

[@HorologicRannygazoo]

I was a metalhead, but bought Make It Big and Fantastic on Cassette for 25 cents each at a 90% off store closing. (Bought W.A.S.P's debut for 25 cents on the same day.) I wound up really enjoying Make It Big because of how well it is written and produced. My 5'er: 5. Heartbeat 4. A Different Corner 3. Everything She Wants 2. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go 1. Where Did Your Heart Go?

[@Nick23at63]

Since I haven't seen it mentioned, I'll say it now: Wham had the perfect 80's hair. The music was good, roo.

[@GKOALA7]

After much relistening to Wham!'s simply gorgeous, exquisite, and all-enthralling catalog, I picked my "Top 5", but besides number one, 2-5 were extremely difficult and ironically easy to pin down. Here goes: 1. CARELESS WHISPER 2. WHERE DID YOUR HEART GO? 3. NOTHING LOOKS THE SAME IN THE LIGHT 4. A DIFFERENT CORNER 5. I'M YOUR MAN Oddly, I have to agree with GM on CW. It's my all-time favorite song not for the story it tells, but for exactly the opposite. So many people find some connection with the narrative of the song. I don't. I have no feelings whatsoever about it. I am eternally in love with this song because of the musical arrangements and the delicate balance of all the instrumentation that GM so meticulously chose. I especially love, Love, LOVE GM's voice throughout the song. There is an obscenely rare "A Cappella" version of the song running around on the internet where all the instruments have been stripped -- possibly in-studio, I don't know -- and all you hear is the angelically creamy voice that NO ONE ELSE could ever dare to compare. There are some singers that can be imitated almost to the degree of fooling the most loyal of fans... But not Yog. That voice that causes the best of us to not find any words profound enough in any language, tragically, died with him. So, there you have my WHAM! Top 5. I sometimes feel sorry for AR for being "The Other Guy from WHAM!", but it's beautiful to know for a fact that he understood his true role in the band and that he's never been jealous. Andrew, I dedicate these Top 5 to you, Mate.💙

[@dynamics36]

!. Everything She Wants 2. I'm Your Man 3. Edge of Heaven 4. Freedom 5.Careless Whisper

[@loondoo]

My top 5 off the top of my head: Nothing Looks the Same in the Light, Blue, Everything She Wants, Careless Whisper, I’m Your Man

[@aaronz9687]

I found "make it big" a couple years ago on vinyl,the entire album is great." Everything she wants " is my favorite song . The bass synthesizer sounds great on my big stereo system.

[@derekcavin7665]

Yep, love George Michael. So sad to see him gone.

[@Absorbvids]

George was the best.

[@Scorpio_Moonshine]

George always had such a heart of gold. About once a month, I end up spending a morning watching all my favorite Wham! and George Michael videos/songs. He voice is absolutely amazing and has helped me during a very difficult time in my life. I still remember seeing them on TV as a little girl. I was awestruck and still am as an adult. The saxophone part in Careless Whisper led me to learning how to play the Alto Sax. What can I say? I'm a 80s kid at heart. 😉 I recently read Andrew Ridgely's autobiography and definitely recommend it for any Wham! fans, too. We miss you, George. 🦋 ✅ Top 5 favorites: 1. Everything She Wants 2. A Different Corner 3. Blue 4. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go 5. Careless Whisper Honorable Mentions: (no particular order) 1. I'm Your Man 2. Freedom 3. The Edge of Heaven 4. Where Did Your Heart Go? 5. Last Christmas 🎄

[@toddhumphrey6310]

“Freedom” from Make it Big is an incredible song. George Michael had such great energy in that song.

[@magra453]

One of my favourite WHAM! songs.

[@Barbarian761]

It's a great homage to The Isley Brothers' "This Old Heart Of Mine".

[@freddyt55555]

I spent the 80s listening to mostly hard rock and still mostly listen to classic rock. I've heard my share of Wham songs, so I certainly recognize them, but I can't say that I really "like" them as much as I tolerate them. However, Freedom is different. I can say that it's an absolute pleasure to listen to, and it is really the only Wham song I truly adore. I'm not sure if it's because of the 60s vibe, but everything from the composition of the tune, to the lyrics, to the arrangement, and the vocal, keyboard, and brass performances were just stellar.

[@freddyt55555]

@@Barbarian761 The Rod Stewart cover is one of my favorites performances by Stewart. I can see the thematic similarities, but not so much compositionally or in the arrangements. I still love both songs.

[@potatoesandpickles]

Oh wow! Where have I been? So happy I have found your channel. This is something I can appreciate for sure! I will always love the 80’s. Growing up in the 80’s it was fun, free, no real huge concern about too much. Yes we had concerns but just felt like things were simple. You called people to talk on a phone, you flipped out over what the new microwave could do! You get my drift. My brother is autistic and one of our favorite things to do is to talk about our memories growing up in the 80’s. We miss our dad, and our grandparents. We wish so much so we could go back if even just for a day. I apologize for blabbing on and on I get carried away. Hope everyone is doing ok!

[@aerobicpatje]

it's February 27, 2021, I'm cleaning my house and got youtube up and your video comes along and I'm really impressed how you took me back to the 80's with your story about George Micheal / Wham! The way you tell everything down to the details is incredibly interesting not to want to listen to this. clearly a music lover !!! my compliments

[@lwaves]

One of the things I love about your channel is that you are equally as comfortable covering pop as well as rock. Wham was one of the greatest groups of the 80's, so many great songs.

[@shonweather]

Everything She Wants is my favorite Wham song. The music is so awesome. George voice was amazing!

[@Allencartercomix]

"Careless Whisper" was one of the first music videos I remember watching at 5 years old on vh-1. I grew up loving that song and their other two #1 hits "Wake me up before you Go-Go," and "Everything she Wants." Nowadays, my two favorite Wham songs would be "A Ray of Sunshine" from their "Fantastic" album, and "Everything She Wants," (which I think gets overshadowed alot compared to their other two hits from "Make it Big." )

[@moose6509]

I thought I was passionate about music but The Professor is off the charts! Your love for these classics shines through. In these troubled times nostalgia is our only friend.....

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thank you for your comment. You’re right. Nostalgia is our friend! Thanks for watching.

[@grimlock1211]

Like a baby. A different Corner. Everything she wants. Careless Whisper. Young Guns!!!!

[@guitargirl7452]

I loved Wham! And George solo too. Even bought Andrew's album: Son of Albert. Miss George terribly. Still.

[@catbravo994]

My fiver is close to yours: 5. Everything She Wants 4. Last Christmas 3. The Edge of Heaven 2. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go 1. Careless Whisper. Honestly though, I love his solo work more. There was no question that he was one of the greats.

[@EvaFull]

Another absolute classic covered by you Professor. I have always loved this band. So glad I get to share it all over again with other fans.

[@philipcollins7967]

"Everything She Wants" is their best in my opinion...and my favorite song ever.

[@Crazybob07]

George Michael = Musical genius

[@Astronomater]

Grew up watching the vhs tape called "Wham the video". one time while having a house party around 2000, I put the tape in and we had a great laugh at the fashions and everyone loved the music still. My fiver would include Club Tropicana and Bad Boys.

[@tommymarx391]

You could have picked five other songs, and I would've been like, yep, all good. "Everything She Wants" is one of my favorites, with that "If my best isn't good enough, then how can it be good enough for two?" line. George always knew how to sing a story and keep ramping up the urgency and complexity. It still amazes me that Wham! only had three albums - and only one truly great album, although "A Different Corner" is one of the best songs ever written and I've always had a fondness for "Where Did Your Heart Go?", LOL. For me, the deaths of George Michael, Michael Jackson, and Whitney Houston were all devastating, but in all honesty, George was the one that hurt me the most.

[@ProfessorofRock]

You took the words right out of my mouth. I feel exactly the same.

[@spencoir1]

Everything she wants is pop perfection, it’s a timeless pop synth masterpiece about a doomed relationship. It still gives me shivers even after 35 years, as does the piano outro in “Wham Rap” and the intro from “I’m your man”

[@ziweiyuan]

Glad to hear you giving George Michael his props. The range of George's talent was incredible. He was an amazing songwriter, an incredible vocalist, an excellent producer, a multi-instrumentalist, a good dancer, and a funny interview subject...he's one of the few artists who comes anywhere near Prince's breadth of ability. I'm surprised you didn't say anything about Deon Estus, though...his brilliant bass work had a lot to do with Wham's success on the whole and with George Michael's early solo success. The bassline in "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" is masterful, and it's one of many amazing Estus performances. Just for fun, check out this guy isolating the bassline from "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go": kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqDOo2eueJxjoLc

[@Crazybob07]

Very well said . He dosent get his dues from general public as many have no idea how talented he was or how much of an omni talented musician he was. In the USA also where he intentionally vanished in the early 90’s many are in the dark of his overall musical legacy

[@vamseemk]

Anywhere near Prince's ability? George Michael was greater than Prince in Song craft, I can name 10 GM songs better than Prince's best song.

[@ziweiyuan]

​@@vamseemk Let's look at the objective list of Prince's talents: he was not only a top tier songwriter, but he was also extremely prolific. He produced his own work, could play every instrument on his albums if need be, was a great singer, could dance extremely well, was a virtuoso guitarist, had a commanding stage presence, and knew how to play the media and cultivate an interesting image. The guy wrote hit songs for other artists practically as a hobby. No one in the rock era, not even George, can touch him when it comes to the sheer scope of his ability.

[@ronzellbj]

Dude it’s about freaking time you do a video about Wham there one of greatest pop duo of all time

[@sydneybirchall9158]

Thanks for giving GM the kudos he deserves. As big a star as he was, I still think he's underrated, especially the young age at which he was doing his best work. It's just astonishing.

[@lennyloves4518]

LOVE George Michael and Love WHAM! Superb video on this iconic group. My WHAM! 5’er would have to be; 5. I’m Your Man 4.Freedom 3.Wake Me Up Before you Go Go 2.Everything She Wants 1. Careless Whisper

[@themanfromvolantis]

Sunday nights... Watching Wham videos with Mum and getting her to "do my hair like George Michael's". I had good hair back then but George's hair was perfect. I was quite upset when Wham split up. I read an interview where he said that people thought he was vain because he looked in the mirror a lot. He said he wasn't vain, it was because he was never happy with his appearance. He didn't consider himself good looking. Similarly, if 1000 people said something good about him or his music and 1 person said something bad, then he would focus on that 1 negative comment. It's heartbreaking to think that. I do that too but I'm not beautiful like he was and I can't write music, not even bad music and I am not good. Top 5 Wham songs. Go.... 1 Everything She Wants 2 I'm Your Man (both of the above, the "Final" album versions) 3 Nothing Looks The Same In The Light 4 Young Guns 5 Edge Of Heaven

[@DCMarvelMultiverse]

I never knew Careless Whisper had a 1:30 intro until I bought the CD at a garage sale. It made it more amazing.

[@ec1628]

Deon Estus phenomenal bassist. Lucky enough to see Wham! live at Hollywood Park.

[@jackblake808]

Once again you’ve spoken every word with the truth of how the world thinks but doesn’t know what words to use, I’m a music junkie and your the coolest 🇦🇺❤️😎

[@waltzawaydreaming1801]

I can remember the exact moment I fell in love with Wham!. I was in 6th grade and happened to see the Careless Whisper and Wake Me Up... videos for the first time within minutes of each other. I was amazed that these two very different songs were by the same group and captivated at the range of emotion, instrumentation, vocals, image and energy therein. I was hooked with George’s ability not to be stylistically pigeonholed. Sadly, it was that same diversity and refusal to accept the manufactured image that led to George’s absence from the charts following Faith and the subsequent legal battles. Listen Without Prejudice remains my favorite album of all time.

[@steveyoung627]

so good to see wham getting the respect they deserve

[@yuber7043]

George Michael is a legend,

[@Whatisthis94]

Hooked on the prof now. 1-everything she wants. For the bass line alone 2-edge of heaven. The video only made it better 3-like a baby. The Lyrics and it was the ending to the laserdisc :/) 4-nothing looks same in the light. George in falsetto....nuff said 5-where did your heart go. Makes Don Was jealous Cover version of ESW kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHTZk2NrlLqGnc0

[@Witchywop]

Oh yes, Nothing Looks The Same In Light is a total tune x

[@MP-kv3fo]

Edge of heaven is my all time fave!!!!

[@CornbreadOracle]

George Michael is highly under rated. Not many musicians leave us with a staple Christmas classic originally written, composed, arranged and performed by themselves. Much respect for that alone.

[@fad23]

I remember in the earliest days they were called Wham U.K.

[@yvesndimurukundo333]

George Michael will remain my favourite artist ever. Thank you for translating all my admiration for him so brilliantly in this video. I feel less lonely now that I found someone who understands the essence of his music. So much grateful 🙏🏾

[@kimberlyholland7843]

I'm so happy to have found this channel, George Michael is my ❤. I love that velvet voice, it is iconic and his music is still living on thanks to people like you!! Love it!

[@bigtastetaco7591]

Wham! is a timeless group that will live on for generations. George Michael is one of the greats of all time, god rest his soul.

[@PaulJGorzkowski]

I've been listening to "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" since it was first released and I have been a fan of Wham and George Michael ever since as well. He was such an incredible gift to the music industry.. I have spent the past few weeks watching interviews of him and Andrew Ridgeley... And a documentary here on KZbin as well... This video actually ended my binge watching. His passing affected me so much.. No other musical artist or even actor that's passed away has ever made me feel as bad as I did with George Michael. It was definitely a hard candy Christmas to say the least in my household. I grew up listening to him and I raised both of my kids on his music. Timeless beyond words! Thank you, Adam for making this video... I am looking forward to future videos of yours covering George Michael as a solo artist.. You are allowed to make videos longer than an hour you know?...lol... You're going to have to with him. Stay amazing!

[@guidedmeditation2396]

I have the DVD of George Michael's farewell last performance in London. I watch it about twice a year and it is a special experience each and every time I see it.

[@bigdaddyl-rob7445]

Great job again,Prof.!!! They also had "street cred" on R&B radio stations as several of their songs crossed over onto the R&B Singles Charts!

[@re20bt]

Easily one of the best eps you've done! I feel like we've just barely scratched the surface!

[@nolan5881]

When he sings “somebody tell me ohhhhh” It sPEAKS to me Outlining that minor 9 chord is just such a beautiful sound and I use that song to teach that interval to my students bc it’s just so beautiful the way he sings it. They wrote some of the best melodies I swear. They both had GREAT ears for melody/harmony and really made just made some of the most beautiful music of the 80’s. I have that same shirt btw 😏

[@qbear17]

Love hearing you talk so passionately about all your subjects. Wham was very special. George was like no other. Thanks.

[@stevetici2668]

My top 5 1. Freedom 2. I'm Your Man 3. Young Guns 4. Everything she wants 5. Wham Rap/Heartbeat Last 2 were close so threw both in 5 lol

[@mark22611]

Careless Whisper... beautiful musically, but even better with his voice. Just beautiful.

[@fastl0v3]

I know the phrase “i was born in the wrong generation” is silly and overlooks the nuance of discrimination in the past, but listening to Wham! and George Michael genuinely make me feel like I was born in the wrong generation! i’m currently 17 and my bedroom walls are adorned with Wham! posters and George Michael vinyls haha. Thank you for this video, I’ll never pass up a chance to learn more about my favorite band and my hero George Michael

[@fastl0v3]

my top 5: Last Christmas, I’m Your Man, Everything She Wants, Wake Me Up, If You Were There

[@soueraigne]

You’re not wrong. I was a kid in the 80s and the world was much better. Great music, we had cool new technology, but it hadn’t rotted the culture yet.

[@tristramcoffin926]

You would have been born in the wrong generation if it 100 or so years before and never got to discover Wham. Born when you were you did and have.

[@joseaavellanet4322]

George Michael, incredible singer, composer and entertainer! RIP! ✌️❤️🎶

[@jamesevans5743]

Fantastic work as always Professor! Have you done a vid on GM’s solo career? My mum got me in to Wham! And when he passed I was genuinely gutted. Anyway, my top five 1. Everything She Wants 2. Blue (Armed with Love) 3. Ray of Sunshine 4. Like A Baby 5. Edge of Heaven

[@auroraalmas1656]

Absolutely loved the soulful sound Ray Of Sunshine❤

[@bobbybeast1000]

I couldn't stop playing Make It Big in the Summer of 85', I was 16. The album still gives me summer memory goosebumps when I play it. Not just the hits, but also the other lesser known songs that when you play them, it takes you right back to summer camp in 1985 Muskoka Ontario