The year that I graduated from high school, George Michael graduated from the school that educated the likes of Paul Simon, Daryl Hall, Keanu Reeves, and Lenny from Laverne and Shirley. The "where's your sidekick now" school of thought. I'm still not sure what "the other guy" did in Wham, but it couldn't have been much, GM pretty much brought it all to his first solo album. I don't remember if he was out of the closet or not yet, but I do recall how an 18 yr old Midwestern kid raised on Zeppelin and VH rejected this album at first. That is, until I listened, and then it was hard to deny how good the album was. Or at least, that's how I remember it. Let's try it again eh?
Faith- the second and best selling single of the album. Built on the spine of a Bo Diddley beat, it's got dynamics, great tight harmonies, and it's a more stubborn man than I am who could hear this three minute song and not admit he wants more. Recognize the church organ intro?
Father Figure- the third single released from the album, actually started out as an uptempo dance song, but during mixing, Michael removed the snare drum and liked it better this way. The churchy choir sounding backing vocals add to the religious album pseudo-theme.
I Want Your Sex- It's really hard to imagine a time that this record breaking single was so controversial, that it was banned from airplay, but then again I suppose Footloose the movie was based on a real place. I love the 2nd part that rarely gets airplay complete with horns, funky bass, and piano break down. The 3rd part of it "sexy baby", I'll admit that pushes the envelope a little far, and feels a little forced.
One More Try- Another churchy or almost gospel sounding single. Faith again is ambiguously weaved between the fabric of love and religion.
Hard Day- funk inspired, but a little busy to my taste. Lot of drum programming going on. Dare I say this is the filler of the album? His sped up vocals at the end is very much like Prince. This song is probably better known for the Shep Pettibone remix of it.
Hand To Mouth- While I have a hard time hearing past all the drum sequencing again, I do for the first time hear the book to this song. "I believe in the gods of America...but no one told me that the gods believe in nothing, so with empty hands I pray." A little criticism of the Reagan-era American Dream that had become harder and harder to achieve.
Look At Your Hands- A carry over song written back in the Wham days. Honestly I had forgotten about this song; I probably would have bet the farm that this was in fact on a Wham album and not on Faith. I'm glad to be reacquainted with this strong addition, but it feels slightly out of place with the album.
Monkey- This song sounds as fresh today as it did almost 25 yrs ago. The strict rhythm reminds me of Nine Inch Nails (can you hear it?) It was his fourth consecutive #1 single from the album. I better start working on the NIN/Monkey mashup before someone beats me to it. Maybe "I want to fuck you like an animal, a monkey?"
Kissing a Fool- Easily my favorite song on the album (I'm a sappy piano player-what did you expect). It was his fifth released single and the first not to hit #1. GM recorded the vocals A Capella in one take and the loungey jazz music was added afterwards. I'm not sure if there was a video to this, but the way my ear "sees" it is in 1940's black and white. Ugh, I'm the fool.. here it is. Thanks Youtube.
Faith was one of those ridiculously popular albums in the late 80's that you couldn't hide from, and really, why would you want to? George Michael who wrote, produced, and played many of the instruments on the album deserved the diamond status (25 million copies sold). As a well adjusted adult male, I can profess my love for this album with little hesitation. But the true mark of the album's power, was that even as a slightly homophobic teenager in 1987, I did as well.
Next Up- #479 Richard and Linda Thompson- I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight (1974)
