“Faith” is one of George Michael’s most iconic songs, released on October 12, 1987 as the lead single from his debut solo album of the same name, Faith. Written and produced by George Michael himself, the song became a defining track of the late 1980s, showcasing Michael’s ability to blend pop, rock, and R&B elements into a catchy, genre-defying hit. It achieved massive commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. and several other countries.
The lyrics of “Faith” explore themes of self-confidence, independence, and the struggle to move on from a past relationship. Despite its upbeat and catchy sound, the lyrics touch on emotional complexity, where the protagonist is torn between desire and the need to protect themselves from potential heartbreak. “Faith” features a distinctive musical style that blends rockabilly, pop, and R&B. The song opens with a short, recognizable church organ riff (a nod to Wham!’s earlier hit “Freedom”), before transitioning into a rockabilly-style guitar riff that drives the song. The acoustic guitar and handclaps create a lively rhythm, while Michael’s confident vocal delivery adds to the song’s infectious energy.
“Faith” was a major commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S., where it stayed for four weeks. It also topped the charts in countries like Canada and Australia, and reached the top 10 in several other countries, including the UK, where it peaked at No. 2.
The song played a key role in the massive success of the Faith album, which went on to sell over 25 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time. “Faith” helped establish George Michael as a global solo star, following his split from Wham!.
The music video for “Faith” became iconic and is often associated with George Michael’s solo persona. Directed by Andy Morahan, the video features Michael dressed in a classic leather jacket, blue jeans, and sunglasses, leaning against a jukebox—a look that became synonymous with the song. Throughout the video, Michael dances confidently while playing the guitar, reinforcing the song’s themes of self-assuredness and independence. The video was widely played on MTV, further boosting the song’s popularity.
“Faith” received widespread critical acclaim for its catchy sound, innovative fusion of genres, and George Michael’s vocal performance. It became one of his signature songs and a defining track of the 1980s. “Faith” earned George Michael several awards, including the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1989 for Faith, with the title track being a major contributor to the album’s success. The song’s influence and success helped make Michael one of the biggest stars of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
George Michael – Faith – Lyrics