George Michael – Faith
A swaggering solo anthem in shades and leather
When George Michael released “Faith” in October 1987, it was more than just a killer pop single—it was a full-blown reset. Leaving behind the glossy charm of Wham!, he stepped into solo stardom with this slick, rockabilly-meets-pop gem that was equal parts catchy, confident, and cool as hell.
Gospel intro, jukebox explosion
The song kicks off with a church organ riff lifted from Wham!’s “Freedom”—almost like a farewell before shifting gears into that iconic rockabilly guitar groove. From there, it’s all handclaps, slapback rhythm, and Hugh Burns’s legendary guitar lick driving things forward.
Michael sings about resisting temptation, trying to keep his heart guarded, and telling himself he needs to hold the line—even when desire says otherwise. It’s emotional push-pull wrapped in a strut. “I know not everybody has got a body like you…” …and suddenly everyone wanted a Levi’s jacket and a jukebox.
Chart domination
“Faith” didn’t just chart—it owned 1988. It spent 4 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the biggest U.S. single of the year. It also hit #1 in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Netherlands, and peaked at #2 in the UK.
The Faith album itself would go on to sell over 25 million copies worldwide, net George a Grammy for Album of the Year, and prove he could more than handle the spotlight on his own.
That video and the birth of the icon
Directed by Andy Morahan, the music video became the blueprint for George Michael’s solo image: leather jacket, jeans, sunglasses, stubble, and a guitar he didn’t even really play—it was just for the look. And it worked. The whole vibe was equal parts Elvis, rebel cool, and slick pop star.
The jukebox. The boots. The sway. It was everywhere on MTV, and suddenly, everyone knew what George Michael solo sounded—and looked—like.
Why it still matters
“Faith” holds up not just because of its hooks, but because it captured a shift. It’s about control, confidence, and carving your own lane. The sound is tight, punchy, a little retro, and completely timeless.
It’s not just one of George Michael’s biggest hits—it’s the one that made it clear he was going to be huge, with or without Wham!.