Top 10 George Michael and Wham Songs

Many artists have covered this Christmas classic, but none has been able to top Wham’s sweetly sad original version. Over a bed of synthesizers, George Michael sings about how much his romantic fortunes have changed from last Christmas to this. Having your heart broken during the holidays is no fun, but this pop track lets us wallow in the eggnog together thanks to Michael’s understated, intimate vocals.

This dance-pop single was the biggest hit off the Red Hot Organization’s 1992 charity album, which featured three Michael originals. It’s a song that certainly lives up to its title with its irresistible groove and swirling strings. There’s even a sample of the film classic “The Graduate” inserted throughout that spices things up a bit. Michael then brings the Billboard Hot 100 top 10 all together with his forceful performance.

Back in 1984, this song was pretty much everywhere when it came to the radio and music television. Hitting the UK’s top spot, it also topped the American charts, thereby serving as Wham’s breakthrough hit in the United States. While much attention was paid to the dayglo video, “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” succeeded in large part because of the Motown rhythms that Michael and Andrew Ridgeley so cleverly fashioned. Add in hooks at practically every turn and an unforgettable refrain and it’s no wonder this was such a worldwide smash.

Michael revisited a song title he used in his Wham! days for this solo single, but added the “’90” to avoid confusion. This time around, his freedom as a recording artist to make his own kind of music and control his own image was the focus of the lyrics. The autobiographical slant to the words hit home thanks to a hip-shaking rhythm and a gospel-like refrain, making Michael’s declaration of artistic independence one of his signature songs and a top 10 smash.

Michael couldn’t have made any bolder statement with this first single off Faith, his first solo album. Gone was the pop sweetness of Wham’s hits, and in its place was a stuttering rhythm and Michael’s grunts and groans of passion. The lyrics of this funky synthpop number are both a frank depiction of sexual desire and Michael’s way of distancing himself from his former persona. Candid, controversial, and compelling, “I Want Your Sex” went to number 2 on the Hot 100 and still smokes the speakers today.

It’s a testament to just how much momentum Michael had in the late ‘80s that this challenging, somewhat mysterious track soared to #1 on the charts in the U.S. That it still endures as one of his most popular songs is due to that intoxicating mystery. While the relationship that Michael describes seems to be almost self-destructively intense, the exotic music suggests an irresistibly alluring affair. Both interpretations are probably correct, making “Father Figure” a profound pop and R&B wonder.

While he may have been Older, as this song’s album’s title suggests, “Fastlove” proves that Michael hadn’t lost any of his singular talent over the years. This sleek, danceable tune covers the same ground as Michael’s earlier hit “I Want Your Sex.” But the singer seems much more at ease and in charge of his desire this time around. Even while he lists the benefits of one-night stands and sings the praises of a tryst in a BMW, the vibe here is still suave and gave him a top 10 hit.

Wham’s first few radio hits were either frothy pop or silk ballads. This huge single showed another facet of the band and their lead singer. Singing over a fierce synthesizer and drum machine rhythm, Michael tells a candid tale about a young husband whose dream life is crumbling before his eyes. His new wife seems to care far more for material things than for a happy home. Michael alternates between falsetto cries and thunderous roars as he nails every last emotion, so it’s no wonder “Everything She Wants” was another chart-topper for the duo.

In the video for this classic track, Michael’s stubble and leather jacket were a far cry from the image he struck as the leader of Wham. Despite using an organ intro that borrows from his band’s former hit song “Freedom,” he was clearly making a conscious effort to get away from his former self. This catchy rockabilly number proved that he was able to do just that without sacrificing his ability to craft killer singles – as evidenced by “Faith”’s number one placement on the Hot 100 and several other charts around the world.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- “Monkey”
Faith (1987)
- “Outside”
Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael (1998)
- “Jesus to a Child”
Older (1996)
- “One More Try”
Faith (1987)
- “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)” with Aretha Franklin
Aretha (1986)

Andrew Ridgeley, Michael’s collaborator in Wham!, received a co-writing credit on this huge smash, even if Michael’s memorable performance is the thing that sticks with you most. Riding over an unforgettable saxophone riff, “Careless Whisper” is like the slow dance you have before you say goodbye to your partner forever. The “guilty feet” are the telltale sign that this relationship is about to end, but not before Michael sends it on its way in heartbreaking fashion. With its poppy flavors, smooth jazz sound and blue-eyed soul; it topped multiple charts and remains inextricable from the singer to this day.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite song by Wham or George Michael? For more hit-filled Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.