George Michael’s Faith made the former Wham! star one the most innovative and daring artists of the 1980s. Packed with chart-topping hits, genre-bending production, and a fearless approach to songwriting, Faith was one of these records that no matter what style of music you liked – you had to admit that George was peerless. Here are 5 wild facts that will make you go back and listen without prejudice.
1. Faith Was a DIY Masterpiece
George Michael was the one and only mastermind behind Faith. He wrote, produced, and played most of the instruments on the album, crafting a sound that blurred the lines between pop, rock, funk, and R&B. Unlike his Wham! days, where he collaborated with producers, Michael was determined to control every aspect of the record. He even tinkered with drum machines, synthesizers, and bass parts himself, proving that his artistic vision extended far beyond the microphone. The result? A genre-defying album that still sounds fresh decades later.
2. “Father Figure” Was an Accident
“Father Figure” wasn’t originally meant to be a slow, atmospheric ballad. Michael had first envisioned it as an upbeat dance track. But during the mixing process, he spontaneously removed the snare drum from the arrangement, instantly transforming the song’s entire vibe. Instead of an energetic groove, the song became a brooding, intimate confession that oozed sensuality. That unexpected change made it one of the most unique tracks on Faith—and one of Michael’s most beloved songs.
3. It Broke Barriers on the Black Music Charts
In a groundbreaking achievement, Faith became the first album by a white solo artist to hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Black Albums chart. At the time, pop and R&B were still seen as largely separate worlds, but Michael’s deep love for soul music—combined with the undeniable groove of songs like “Monkey” and “I Want Your Sex”—made Faith a success across genres. His ability to blend pop, funk, and R&B so seamlessly proved that great music transcends boundaries.
4. “Monkey” Almost Didn’t Make the Album
“Monkey” went through a complete transformation before becoming one of Faith’s four No. 1 hits. Initially recorded as a standard funk-driven track, Michael wasn’t satisfied with its sound. Enter legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, who had just crafted hits for Janet Jackson. They gave “Monkey” a new jack swing makeover, infusing it with hard-hitting beats and fresh energy. The remix became the official single version and helped Michael conquer the clubs as well as the charts.
5. The Jukebox in the “Faith” Video Was More Than a Prop
The iconic Faith music video—with Michael leaning against a jukebox in a leather jacket, Ray-Ban aviators, and blue jeans—is one of the most recognizable visuals in pop history. But that jukebox wasn’t just for show. It actually played Wham!’s “Freedom” at the beginning of the song—serving as a symbolic nod to Michael’s past before launching into his bold, independent future. It was his way of saying goodbye to his boy-band image and fully stepping into his own artistic identity.
Faith. Good Lord, what a record, shattering history, defied genres, and announced George Michael as a once-in-a-generation artist. Whether it was his fearless songwriting, innovative production, or undeniable star power, Faith remains a high-water mark in pop history. Over 35 years later, its influence can still be heard in pop, R&B, and dance music, proving that when you make music with faith in yourself, the world will listen.
