Faith And Freedom: George Michael's Legacy

Faith is a song by English singer-songwriter George Michael, released as the second single from his 1987 debut solo album of the same name. The song was written, arranged, and produced by Michael, and incorporates the famed Bo Diddley beat, a classic rock and roll rhythm. Faith topped the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks, reached number one in Australia and Canada, and peaked at number two in the UK. The song's iconic music video, directed by Andy Morahan, features Michael in a black leather jacket, Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses, and blue jeans, playing a guitar near a classic Wurlitzer jukebox.

George Michael wrote, arranged, and produced the song

The creative process for "Faith" began in May 1987 at Puk Studios in Gjerlev, Denmark. Michael started with a 2-bar LinnDrum loop, while Hugh Burns played a Bo Diddley-style acoustic rhythm guitar part on a metal-bodied acoustic guitar. Long-time bassist Deon Estus contributed the bass part, and the cathedral organ part was recorded using a Yamaha DX7 (although some sources mention a Roland D-50).

Michael's approach to recording vocals was unique. He would typically write lyrics in front of the microphone and build the lead vocal by singing a line at a time, rewinding the tape after each take to achieve the desired emotional effect. For "Faith", Michael wanted the vocals to be "dry and in-your-face", similar to the style of Prince's contemporary songs. This effect was achieved with an AMS digital delay.

Work on the song resumed on September 1, 1987, at Sarm West Studio 2 in London, where a new bridge and a 1950s-inspired guitar solo by Burns were added. The solo was meticulously constructed bar-by-bar, taking around four hours to complete.

Initially, "Faith" was not intended for single release, and it had a much shorter duration without a guitar solo. However, after receiving positive feedback, Michael decided to extend the song and include the guitar solo to make it more suitable for a single release.

The song incorporates the iconic Bo Diddley beat, a classic rock and roll rhythm. It starts with an organ part played by Chris Cameron, referencing Wham!'s song "Freedom", followed by guitar strumming, finger-clicking, handclaps, tambourine, and hi-hat.

The official music video for "Faith", directed by Andy Morahan, further contributed to its popularity. It featured Michael in a distinctive look, including a black leather jacket, Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses, and Levi's blue jeans with cowboy boots. The video also included a woman's bare legs, positioning Michael as a "masculine sex object".

The song was released in 1987 as the second single from his debut solo album

"Faith" by George Michael was released in 1987 as the second single from his debut solo album of the same name. The song was written, arranged, and produced by Michael himself, and it became an iconic hit, reaching the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US. The song also charted at number two on the UK Singles Chart and topped the charts in Australia and Canada.

The creation of "Faith" began in May 1987 at Puk Studios in Denmark. The track features a 2-bar LinnDrum loop, a Bo Diddley-style acoustic rhythm guitar part, and a bass line laid down by long-time bassist Deon Estus. The song also includes a cathedral organ part, which was recorded with a Yamaha DX7. Michael's vocals were recorded at Sarm West Studio 2 in London, and he aimed for a "dry and in-your-face" sound similar to that of Prince's contemporary songs.

The song's music video, directed by Andy Morahan, further contributed to its success and iconic status. It features Michael, wearing a black leather jacket, Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses, blue jeans, and cowboy boots, playing a guitar near a classic Wurlitzer jukebox. The video positions Michael as a "masculine sex object", and its imagery, along with the song itself, has become emblematic and instantly recognisable.

The release of "Faith" as a single was not initially planned by Michael. However, after positive feedback and a desire to extend the song's length, he decided to put it out as a single. This decision proved to be a pivotal one, as "Faith" went on to become a massive hit and a defining moment in Michael's solo career.

It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart

"Faith", the second single from George Michael's 1987 debut solo album of the same name, reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart. The song was written and produced by Michael and released via Columbia Records. It held the number-one position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for four weeks and was the number-one single of the year in the United States in 1988.

The song's success was likely due in part to its iconic imagery and symbolism, which included a Wurlitzer Jukebox, Michael's leather jacket, shades, and cross earring, bare female legs in colourised heels, and minimalist choreography. The song's lyrics, which revolve around turning down a seductive yet untrustworthy partner, also resonated with listeners.

"Faith" was also a global hit, reaching number one in Australia and Canada and performing well in various other countries. The song's chart success helped propel the album "Faith" to the top of the charts, where it stayed for 51 non-consecutive weeks inside the Billboard 200 top 10, including 12 weeks at number one.

The song's music video, directed by Andy Morahan, further contributed to its popularity. It featured Michael as a masculine sex object, showcasing his stubble, leather jacket, sunglasses, and cowboy boots while playing a guitar near a classic-design Wurlitzer jukebox and a woman's bare legs. The video also included a cameo from Michael himself, as it started by playing "I Want Your Sex" before being interrupted by the jukebox starting "Faith".

The song was featured in films like Ridley Scott's House of Gucci and Steven Spielberg's Ready Player One

"Faith", the 1987 hit song by English singer-songwriter George Michael, has had a lasting impact on popular culture, including appearances in several notable films. The song was featured in Ridley Scott's "House of Gucci" and Steven Spielberg's "Ready Player One", adding a layer of nostalgia and cultural significance to these films.

In "House of Gucci", "Faith" plays during a pivotal wedding scene, infusing the moment with a unique blend of energy and emotion. The song's appearance in this context adds to the film's glamour and allure, enhancing the luxurious and fashionable atmosphere that the film portrays.

On the other hand, "Ready Player One" uses "Faith" to evoke a sense of the past, as the song is likely to be familiar to viewers who experienced the 1980s. By including "Faith", the film not only taps into the nostalgia of its audience but also underscores the idea of a bygone era, as the story is set in a futuristic, technologically advanced world.

The inclusion of "Faith" in these films showcases its enduring appeal and versatility. The song's catchy rhythm, memorable lyrics, and George Michael's powerful vocals have made it a staple in the music industry, and its use in films continues to reinforce its cultural impact.

It's worth noting that "Faith" is not just a stand-alone song but also the title track of George Michael's debut solo album, "Faith", released in 1987. The album was a critical and commercial success, solidifying Michael's status as a solo artist and shaping the sound of late-80s pop music. With its blend of pop, R&B, funk, and soul influences, the "Faith" album left an indelible mark on the music industry, and its title track continues to resonate with audiences today.

The official music video was directed by Andy Morahan

The official music video for George Michael's song "Faith" was directed by Andy Morahan. The video was released in 1987, the same year as the song. Morahan is known for directing many music videos, including "West End Girls" and "November Rain".

In the video, Michael sports a new rugged image with several days' worth of stubble and wears a black leather jacket with the "Rockers Revenge" and BSA logo, Ray-Ban Aviator sunglasses, and a pair of Levi's blue jeans with cowboy boots. He plays a guitar near a classic-design Wurlitzer jukebox, and a woman's bare legs are also featured. According to writers Bob Batchelor and Scott Stoddart, the video positions Michael as a "masculine sex object", focusing on individual parts of his body.

The jukebox in the video initially plays another of Michael's songs, "I Want Your Sex", before being interrupted by the start of "Faith", which begins with a pipe organ version of Wham!'s "Freedom" played on a keyboard by Chris Cameron.

The "Faith" video was part of a broader image change for Michael, who was seeking to appeal to a more adult audience and be taken seriously as an artist following his time in the pop group Wham! The song and video introduced a more mature style, with Michael's leather jacket and stubble contributing to a rugged aesthetic.

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