Faith

I could be misunderstanding but i do believe this gentleman wants to have sex with me

Homophobic not to like this.

Oof. This is peak 80s and not in a good way. Michael Jackson did it better. And he was way less sleezy. Which is saying something because Jackson? Eesh. But ol' Georgie boy here takes the sleeze cake. The whole album is just so slimy. Every single track feels gross. And that's even if you leave out "I Want Your Sex" which ... what the actual hell. I'm pretty sure this album gave my ears an STD.

Was basically tantamount to committing cool-kid suicide by admitting to liking George Michael when I was younger. However, now I'm ready to come out of the closet. This album is pretty great. Wall to wall.

Honestly, there isn't a song on this album that isn't a highlight. This album is certainly George Michael's strongest of his discography, and each track is built well enough that it can be retooled into a club banger (because this happened already)..and the under-appreciated Part 2 of I Want Your Sex legitimately slaps, with its big horns. Monkey was a powerhouse sleeper hit followed by Kissing a Fool, with its sexy-suave swing beat.

This is not George Michael Bluth

George Michael, what is/was wrong with you, dude? There is so much to unpack in the transition from "Father Figure" to "I Want Your Sex." Come again, George? You talkin' to me? You can't have my sex. Especially with those awful lyrics. For 9 minutes and 17 seconds!? "I will be your father figure... I will be your preacher teacher," into "I'm not your father/ I'm not your brother." And who or what is "One More Try" about? Hoping the teacher referenced there is an older partner, and not an actual school teacher. Though considering the preceding songs, all bets are off. "Faith" stands the test of time, and holds up very well, but I feel bad for it. Even after you get through the weird stuff, there's a string of less offensive songs that really wear out their welcome with 4-5 minute lengths. "Faith" was completely forgotten about after what followed, unfortunately.

The more I listened to this the more I liked it. I thought the production was excellent and that George Michael is a strong singer with a powerful presence. I also felt like I was learning about him as I listened. Great pop.

When I was a kid I was obsessed with this album. It's been a running joke for years in my family. All joking aside after listening to this from top to bottom (LOL) for the first time since I was probably 5 I can safely say it's a classic. Almost every damn song is good. Younger me had great taste!

Loving the second track father figure! Such a jam.

Great album, bop after bop

I am not familiar with GEORGE MICHAEL’s FAITH. I have only really been exposed to the WHAM!’s songs: "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go", which I liked, and "Careless Whisper", which did not make a favorable impression on me at the time. At the time, I generally, dismissed WHAM! and therefore GEORGE MICHAEL as pop music. After listening to FAITH, I still liked the album, there are some great songs, especially the instrumentals. The “Faith” Instrumental reminds me of THE CURE. I was very pleasantly surprised how good GEORGE MICHAEL’s voice is and the music is pretty good, too. I’m glad my ears are now “open” In 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, GEORGE MICHAEL - FAITH Is joined by his next album: LISTEN WITHOUT PREJUDICE: VOL 1 (1990) Rate Artist: GEORGE MICHAEL (4.5) Rate Album (Year): FAITH (UK 1986 Original) (5.0) Rate Album (Year): FAITH (UK 2011 Box Set) (4.5) Ranking of GEORGE MICHAEL - FAITH songs No. Title Length Ranking 1-1 Faith 3:13 10.0/10 1-2 Father Figure 5:36 10.0/10 1-3 I Want Your Sex (Pt 1 & 2) 9:17 08.0/10 1-4 One More Try 5:50 07.0/10 1-5 Hard Day 4:48 08.0/10 1-6 Hand To Mouth 4:36 08.0/10 1-7 Look At Your Hands 4:37 09.0/10 1-8 Monkey 5:06 08.0/10 1-9 Kissing A Fool 4:40 10.0/10 UK 1986 Original Release 86.0/90 = 9.56 / 2 = 4.78 Bonus Tracks 1-10 A Last Request (I Want Your Sex Pt 3) 3:47 08.0/10 2-1 Faith (Instrumental) 3:07 10.0/10 2-2 Fantasy 5:02 08.0/10 2-3 Hard Day (Shep Pettibone Mix) 9:05 09.0/10 2-4 I Believe When I Fall In Love 7:05 08.0/10 2-5 Kissing A Fool (Instrumental) 4:37 10.0/10 2-6 Love's In Need Of Love Today (Live) 4:46 08.0/10 2-7 Monkey (7" Edit Version) 4:52 08.0/10 2-8 Monkey (A Capella & Beats) 7:30 07.0/10 2-9 Monkey (Jam & Lewis Remix) 8:06 08.0/10 UK 2011 Box Set (10 Bonus) Release 170.0/190 = 8.94 / 2 = 4.47

Unforgettable pop album. The one in which GM combines the commercial touch of Wham! with his artistic aspirations, which will be further developed in his later works. The mixture in here originates the almost perfect pop meets r&b album

I did not expect to enjoy George Michael as much as I did.

Always has been one of my favorite albums of all time. I absconded with my sister’s copy when she got it for Christmas. It is his best albums and one of the best pop albums of the 80’s. I could listen to it on a loop.

The front half of this one is great. I remember when the single for Faith was released and it was a massive hit. You can hear the strong Prince influence on the front half, which is probably why I like it. Then, the back half hits. Seems like they lost steam and ideas. Also, essentially 14 minutes of this thing is devoted to \"I Want Your Sex\". Catchy tune, but c'mon.

"Why do I have to share my baby with a monkey?" Was George ever spotted at Neverland Ranch?

Only got through this once due to being Ill as heck, but this cyberpop was edging into the top tier for a while until a late record slump into jazz pulled it down; even then, Michael’s vocal charisma carries it. Will return to.

Another one assimilated into my chromosomes (local boy done good!). A quotidian delight throughout 1987-1988, which still slaps today. I retain my pre-teen discomfort with "I Want Your Sex", and it's obvious now how much he wanted to become Prince (and more than succeeded). Lots of bangers, although a bit more of-its-time than other favorites from the era, with some lyrics well over the "creepy" borderline; also, why is he smelling his armpit on the cover? However, I'll always have a soft spot for George, and for this - subject of the peak of my (very limited) TV career.

George should have just called this album Songs About Fuckin' A very appropriate album to get on Valentine's Day

Oh fuck yes!! This was such a sensation when it came out. So many good pop songs. Everyone my age knows every word to Faith. Still holds up. This bitch could sing. Father Figure is still weird. Once watched a carny play it for a 13yr old girl. She loved it. Following that track with I Want Your Sex was a choice. I miss this golden-voiced weirdo. Forgot how much of this record was played on the radio. It was everywhere. The whole sound is emphatically 1987. Hard to hate. His stuff was always fun to sing along with. Wish he was still making records.

Huge start to his post-Wham era, great songwriting that still holds up today.

Diverse sound with a distinctive glamour. Music from a man who has faith in himself.

Ahhh, George Michael.... I've heard that there's no such thing as bad publicity, however with songs titled 'Look at Your Hands', 'Hand to Mouth' and 'Hard Day', it's difficult to listen to this album without thinking about GM getting arrested for jerking off in that Beverly Hills park. Regardless, this is a great album and I think it's one of those that has only gotten better with time... and a little exposure. ;)

En ce mois de pride, notre generateur se met a la page en nous proposant ce bel album du très efféminé George Michael

Actually very good album which has plenty of great songs. At first glance I knew that Faith was good and expected other songs to be OK at best. But it was actually very good.

I hadn't really listened to much George Michael music before this album. I like it. Upbeat, Smooth voice and suggestive lyrics are a winning combination.

I've always loved "Faith", the song, but two listens deep, I can't say I care for Faith, the album. The production is dated, and the themes range from sleazy to disturbing (what are these teachers and father figures up to?) The music often reminded me of what 90's boy bands would have produced had they hit the scene a decade earlier. It's just not for me. Still though, 3 stars for the title track alone!

Sympa mais ltrapeze est totalement à la traîne.

Opløftende upbeat, britisk pop, catchy, kærlighed

Music to leave the movie theater to

A little too dramatic, over-sexed, and not super intriguing album. I do have to say that George Michael’s “Careless Whisper” from later on in his career is an absolutely smashing song. Two stars for this album.

Super echo-y Great lyrics “Sex! Hu-ahh!”

commercial pop shit next

George Michael is ok in small doses but this was way too much weird sexy 80s music.

Couldn't finish it. I tried

Next please

Very '80s, very culturally important, but again not for me.

I feel like I'm listening to a 90's boy band. Respect where respect is due, clearly George Michael's music influenced those acts, and I can objectively recognize this is good pop music, but I am in no way feeling this. It's not my music.

While the title track is undeniably dope, nothing else on here really held my attention. Sleazy style over content.

George has got a nice voice, and there are some good arrangements here, especially in the back half. Overall, though, it's an unengaging experience. Thankfully, not in a boring way: Even after almost an hour I wasn't checking to see how much was left. But after the opening tracks, which come across as nothing more than a very lame attempt to shock the audience, I couldn't stop noticing the unimpressive writing. I don't think there's a case for this being offensively bad pop music, but it loses me on every other level.

[interior: The 23rd Annual Lizard Person Convention. New Port Richey, Florida, USA 1986] Supreme Leader of the Lizard People: “Greetings and welcome to the 23rd annual Lizard Person convention. It’s wonderful to be here in New Port Richey…how about that humidity? Hot enough out there for ya?” [audience groans] “Hehe…of course not…we’re all cold blooded here…Well, we’ve got a lot of activities planned for this weekend, including some stand-up comedy, featuring yours truly, tomorrow night at the lounge, but before the fun and games can begin we have some very important business to discuss… [the supreme leader’s voice takes on a more ominous tone] Our efforts to assimilate humanity, of late, have not gone well. An abject failure, if I am being honest. We need to do a better job. We need fresh ideas…We need to entice them, distract them so we can strike when it’s least expected. In that spirit, I’ve asked my advisors to devise plans to help us better influence the average, unsuspecting human and distract them from our plans. Let’s see… [The Supreme Leader scans the table where his advisors sit, eventually zeroing in one] You! What is your plan?” [one of his advisors, The Minister of Lizard Person Arts stands up and walks towards a microphone at the center of the convention hall] The Minister of Lizard Person Arts: “Greetings, Sir. As you know, we achieved moderate assimilation success a few years ago in the realm of human music with the hit song “The Safety Dance”. I suggest that we once again attempt to assimilate humanity through one of their most beloved art forms…music!” Supreme Leader of the Lizard People: “Ah yes, “The Safety Dance”! What a wonderful song! It was quite a success wasn’t it?” The Minister of Lizard Person Arts: “Verily, sir and I am happy to report that our songwriting technology, though still somewhat rudimentary, has improved tenfold in the intervening years. We may even be able to craft an entire album with multiple hits to assist in our conquest!” Supreme Leader of the Lizard People: “Wonderful news! However, I am concerned about the lyrical content of any future attempts. ‘The Safety Dance’ was a bit…obtuse. We need lyrics that are a bit more relatable to the humans, so I’d like to turn to our attendees for suggestions. After all, you are the ones down in the trenches, interacting with the humans on a daily basis. What should these songs be about? What do the humans talk about, what do they like?” Lizard Person # 1 [shouting from the crowd]: “Sex! It’s all they talk about!” Supreme Leader of the Lizard People: “Excellent! We will appeal to their carnal desires. What else do they like?” Lizard Person # 2 [also shouting from the crowd]: “Religion! My neighbor, every weekend, it’s all he talks about…’Jesus this and Jesus that’…I get it already.” Supreme Leader of the Lizard People: “Wonderfully insidious! We will taint their beloved religion with overt sexuality. We will create an album’s worth of highly sexual music and infuse it religious overtones. Then, using a shell corporation, we will pay our contacts in the recording industry to have a human sing these songs, so as to give them appearance of genuine humanity! This will surely cause controversy and distraction among the humans! What say you, fellow Lizard People? Is it decided?” The entire audience, in unison: “IT IS DECIDED” [end scene] (This might be the dumbest thing I ever wrote.)

Well I guess it's at least better than showing your pecker to an undercover cop in a public washroom.

80’s music is literally the worst. I hate it. I hate George Michael, I hate Prince, I hate New Order, I hate Talking Heads, I hate Tears for Fears. For fucks sake! Please dear god give me something from any other decade! I was born in 1980. Thank god I wasn’t aware of popular music until about 1992. I got to hear Nirvana, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, Tool, Stone Temple Pilots, R.E.M. And do you know what? None of them wrote and performed fucking Father Figure!!!! This album is diarrhea for the ears. It’s so bad I am going to file a grievance against Carrie Underwood and the rock and roll hall of fame for including this abortion. I cannot stress to you enough how much I hate this self important, mewling, techno, whiny, grandiose, bullshit drivel. It is the antithesis of good music. Everyone who claims George Michael was some kind of musical genius and an influential artist should stop right now and listen to Monkey. Fuck you.

1 Late review because I definitely wasn't listening to this at the office and... wtf. I've never been much of George Michael fan, but goddamn this album is CREE-PY. I felt uncomfortable for the entire listening of Father Figure, and then if that wasn't bad enough, he decided to double down on the following track subtly titled I Want Your Sex. I probably shouldn't over-analyze something that's intended to be a serviceably danceable slice of '80s pop music, but goddamn this whole song is Michael trying to convince someone to have sex with him who clearly doesn't want to. "I'm not your brother I'm not your father Oh will you ever change your mind I'm a gentle lover with a heart of gold But baby you've been so unkind Come on I want your sex" And this isn't even the only questionable lyric... this about how every verse goes. When I wasn't completely unsettled, I was bored out of my skull listening to substance-devoid lyrics and unoriginal 80's pop beats. It sounds like he's trying to do a Michael Jackson thing on quite a few of these songs, but while equally as creepy, I'd take a Jackson album over this any day. Once you've had a chance to slog through the boring back half of this album, guess how Michael decided to close it out? Yep, that's right, with a reprise of I Want Your Sex. Ultimately, I just don't think this album has aged well at all. Make the argument all you want that I "had to be there" - you all should have realized this album was bad then, and I'm holding everyone alive in 1987 accountable.

I was already going to give this a 1 because I hated it so much, but the last song really put it over the top. Both “I want your sex” songs were so creepy.

A bit gay.. Not that there's anything wrong with that

He seems “horny on the main” and it’s not a good look. Absolutely horrific.

I guess I'm not the right audience? I don't know, I feel like the songs just blended together to form an amalgamation of the want/need of love described in a way I didn't like. Don't get me wrong, I love "Careless Whisper" (who doesn't?) but this just felt flat to me. I can get past lyrics, but the song structures felt similar and uninspiring. "Kissing a Fool" was my favorite, it felt the most refreshing and fun out of the bunch, but my favorite list stops there. Other than one specific setting that we all know this would work well for, I don't know why you would listen to this doing anything else but that. Not my thing, but don't let me dissuade you from returning to this to help stoke a fire burning between you and someone you love.

I can see why this was a huge thing.

This album was hard to get to the end of, I can’t find a single redeeming quality here.

this album is not good. well, it's well produced, but the songs just suck. they're all products of their time, with little to no heart. so many songs are just "please have sex with me i want sex so bad please it's good please i'm a gentleman but i want sex" stupid dumb idiot album

So many amazing songs and that voice!!!

Favorite!

Oh how techno and dance music can make the mighty fall. Madonna and George Michael to name a few. If only he had stuck with this formula, he would have stayed relevant for so much longer. Well and maybe if he didn’t get caught trying to play footsie with that cop…. Anyways.. I want your sex, I remember lip syncing that song in my room, pretending I’m singing to a girl and dry humping the air and specific times. This album is a sex filled journey that doesn’t disappoint. I know enough about George Michael to know that this album was the cream of the crop for him and what a way to start and leave a mark with. There really isn’t much to not like on this album. The drums are a little too electronic but that was ok at the time. There are plenty of radio hits. This isn’t perfect but it’s timeless. You could play it to have sex and you could play it at a house party with drugs for free in the kitchen. Choice cut: Father Figure

A pure classic, and a highlight in the career of George Michael's. This is a true must listen for anybody who loves the 80's

I remember when songs from this album were released. Funny how every woman had a crush on George Michael. 5/5

Favorite George Michael CD!

ate left no crumbs

I know it's pure 80's schlock. I know the songs are all vaguely creepy. But I can't help but love this album. For pure nostalgia purposes if anything. This was EVERYWHERE when it came out. I was only 8 at the time but some of these songs are still blazed into my brain...

classic album, hard to top! Didn't age as well as I expected, but good!

Ahhhhhh I loved this album back in the day. George Michael was everyone’s crush. Men. Women. Didn’t matter. His sound was soooo good. RIP.

I got giddy as a Swiftie at a Taylor concert when this popped up! I adore this album; so I’m just saying, it’s gonna get a five before I even sit and relisten to it. For simple reasons too: it’s an all-time classic, filled start to finish with iconic songs that absolutely hold up, performed by a once-in-a generation level artist. To this day it still blows my mind that he wrote “Careless Whisper” when he was freaking 17 years old… seventeen!!! Mind blown… I’ve always felt that one of the defining musical trends and strengths of the 80s was it was the era of ICONIC albums… there were many reasons for this; not a minor one being the global reach and power of MTV, but George proved with this one release he was playing on the same level as Bruce, Michael, Prince and Madonna when he dropped it. It was playing everywhere, including in the hood and on R&B stations, where some (older folks) lost their minds when they realized it was the effeminate (and White 😱😱😱!!!) lead singer from WHAM that created this masterpiece, and not some new R&B singer. Amazing such racially motivated gatekeeping was still common in the culture at the time. Times indeed were changing; we all knew that he brought the goods with this one, no matter where he came from. R.I.P. George…gone way too soon.

Wham! was college for George Michael. Faith was his mission statement.

Faith is one of those amazing Thriller like albums where most of it got released as a single, so all these songs were hard to avoid in their day. Thank God every song is amazing! This is another 5 star album for me. Everything about it is perfect. And not just for its day - and in its day, it was already hailed as a masterpiece - but because it has aged so very well. The songwriting has a maturity to it and songs that could easily have become saccharine and stupid are injected with heart and soul by both the arrangements and OF COURSE the flawless vocal performances. That’s the biggest thing I get every time I listen to George Michael. I just cannot believe that the vocal is this pristine. Everything about it - the pitch, the tone, the inflection, the dynamics, the girth and power, the delicate nuances of expression - everything about it is exactly what it needs to be. I’ve read from the engineer on this album that when George was recording vocals he always wanted the vocal effects dialed into his headphones the way they would sound on the album and that he would use the sound of the compressor or the reverb or the delay to influence the way he sang in response to it. Now that’s a level of vocal mastery I can’t help but look at with awe and wonder. And all of this before any of the pitch correction tools everyone can reach for these days. This isn’t my favorite George Michael album - that honor goes to the follow-up, Listen Without Prejudice - but it is a masterpiece and now I miss George more than ever.

Stone. Cold. Classic.

YESSSS

This is top-tier pop, wow - love the funky sound, melodies and longer song length. Some of the lyrics feel overtly sexy but sonically this is a great listen

A nearly flawless classic.

The voice on this guy.

This album ages like the finest wine. Every song hits that perfectly produced 80’s sweet spot by avoiding drum machine/keyboard cliches that were oh so popular at the time in favor of a timeless bass/keyboard urban production that feels organic. While listening to this recently I realized that it just might be a concept album which starts with having faith that the right person will maybe eventually show up, to going through the beginning, middle and end phases of a toxic relationship. George: Thank you for creating a perfect pop album that still sounds relevant and modern nearly 40 years later. My opinion states that this album and Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” are the two best records of the 80’s.

The music gods have smiled on me this week. Love this album, such an 80s throwback and so many classics that are still as great today as they were then.

Late 80s extravaganza!

What a voice this man had

Wait? What? He was gay? 5.0

I vividly remember this being a big deal in the fall of 1987 when it came out. Videos with such memorable butts! It was one that I listened to quite a bit at the time, even if I didn't own it. I quite enjoyed it still today!

I could hear almost every minute of this album in my head from memory. Lots of fun!

An old friend. A favorite of favorites.

This was an album that I became very familiar with back when it was released. I snapped it up the moment it was available from Columbia House Records and Tapes. I found the listen today wonderful, familiar, and welcoming. Beautiful album.

We need more men in pop. Bangerz all around

This was a formative album for young 10- year old me in 1987. My family still teases me about singing along while walking around the house with my Walkman…his voice is awesome, the beats slap in that seriously 80’s synth way, and I think he intentionally pushed the envelope of what’s commercially acceptable/appropriate as it relates to sexual content in pop music.

Possibly the best 80s album, GM was untouchable here.

Amazing singer! I know every word, ihad this album on dubbed cassette, bought cassette, CD, minidisk. The opening of Faith gives me the shivers every time. Have spent hours and hours listening to this; it always takes me back to the hot summer days doing chores & dreaming of growing up.

A great album, my mom used to play this a lot so brought back some ace memories <3

AWESOME ALBUM I LOVE IT SO MUCH

Nice, great energy

horny guy huh

Legendary album from an absolute legend. Gone too soon.

Lifetime achievement for this man! Easy 5 stars

In 1987 it was fun to see how long I Want Your Sex could play on the radio in the family car before your mom lost her shit over the smut and changed the station. George went from day-glo shorts to international sex symbol with this album. So much that it almost overshadowed his immense talent. The passion and sincerity in his soulful voice, the honest vulnerability in his writing, his masterful production skills, exceptional musicianship…this album showcases it all. George Michael was leading the charge for equality by singing about communication, sexuality, abuse, recovery, and change.

Not a big George Michael fan when he began his solo career but listenjng to this album really shows him at the height of his powers. His voice is amazing and I forgot about One More Try which is one of the best ballads of all time imho.

Incredibly catchy and danceable pop with funk/disco stylings. The title track and Father Figure are absolute peak 80s pop, while the closer Kissing a Fool is beautifully sung and has a thoughtfully-arranged, melancholy swing feel that just works perfectly. I could absolutely see myself putting this record on when I need a shot of energy in my day.

I spent a lot of time with this among many 80's albums and there is nothing aesthetically quite like the pop tone of George Michael. He deftly switches between styles as easily as 80's Queen or Prince, but creating this elevated, refined, grown up departure from his identity in WHAM! These acoustic to electronic genre hopping provides a bedrock for his particular brand of sexuality-- and no I'm not talking about his queerness. I'm talking about his brand of sex positivity. The thirsty themes on the album are impossible to ignore-- I mean looking at the album cover, the sexuality so visceral you can practically smell the combination of male pheromones, leather, and armpit. Despite not being able to be out as gay for his career, however, he became an advocate for openness to everyone else, suggesting a positive frankness about what can be a difficult and shameful topic. Terms are come to, however, with his closeted lifestyle and you hear it across the album as the genres flip. From the synth-driven minimalist belter-ballad "One More Try" to the heavily-lyrically-coded "Father Figure", using the Jewish 'Ahava Rabbah’ scale on the lead synth line (also used in traditional Jewish song "Hava Nagila".) It's not hard to see that he couldn't help but hint to his true identity, but did so in the most diverse & musically-informed way possible. Ultimately whether you're into him or not, this album is impossible to ignore, which made him a superstar. It's the enduring musical brilliance and complicated sensual depth, however, that make this album last forever.

Sublime.

Zoinks! I can only see supermodels. I wonder how many people had this on cassette? One of the better albums on this entire list.

Very easy to listen to. I didn't know all the songs but I knew most of them.

Bangers from front to back!

Fantastic and fantastically horny (in both senses of the word)

Day13 - maybe it’s not perfect but it’s close six great songs on one album and it’s not even a greatest hits album

After conquering the world with Wham!, George Michael wanted to prove that he could conquer the world on his world and, on Faith, he basically did just that. What most fail to take into account is that George was a student of music and that kind of level of attention in regards to how a song should work was what enabled him to not stick out like a sore thumb across various genres and styles, bringing his own brand of rock and roll on the title track, blending with the dance sojourn on I Want Your Sex and Monkey and perfecting the R&B ballad on Father Figure and One More Try. Faith is as perfect of a mission statement as one can make and George Michael had to be the one to take it to the top.