As the history of popular music develops, one fact shines through: talent wins. You can't cheat and survive for any length of time. You can't hype and fool people more than once. You can't hide behind image makers, or alluring videos, or the cut of this season's clothes. Or you can - but then you die. To survive you must evolve, improve, have faith, still thrill. Longevity depends on making the best music.George Michael has never thought of popular music as a career: it's far more personal - more precious - than that. But he has always taken the long-term view, that ultimately an artist's achievement will not be judged in terms of number one singles, or magazine covers, or prestigious awards, but by a large body of work, a collection of albums over time, a lifetime's development in an artform that no longer depends on shock or rebellion or the quick burn-out to make a mark.
His growing maturity was further established with the release of 'A Different Corner', his second solo single, and another mature ballad of lasting worth. A few months later George and Andrew decided that Wham! should disband while still at the very peak of their success. This announcement was followed by a unique final concert at Wembley, an emotional farewell in front of 72,000.
The album, released in November 1987, showed George Michael to be one of the finest songwriters of the decade and guaranteed him a whole new audience. The album was a No.1 on both sides of the Atlantic, with worldwide sales approaching 16 million. 'Faith' received a Grammy for the Best Album of 1988, and won George two Ivor Novello Awards for 'Songwriter Of The Year' and 'International Hit Of The Year' ('Faith'). George also won American Music Awards for 'Favourite Male Vocalist' (pop/rock), 'Favourite Male Artist' (soul /R 'n' B) and 'Favourite Album' (soul / R 'n' B).In America, the outstanding success of 'Faith' was marked by six No.1 singles: I Want Your Sex', 'Faith', 'Father Figure', 'One More Try', 'Monkey' and 'Kissing A Fool'. The live 'Faith' tour followed in February 1988, taking the hits package to a momentous opening date at Tokyo's Budokan Stadium, and then on to ecstatic audiences in Australia, Europe hand North America. In June, George interrupted the tour to sing three songs at Wembley Stadium's Nelson Mandela Freedom Concert.
In February of 2004, with much anticipation from fans, George releases the first single to be released from his forthcoming album 'Patience'. After 8 years in the making, in March of 2004, George releases his fourth solo studio album in the form of 'Patience'. The much anticipated album instantly hitting the number one spot in the UK and various other countries in it's first week of release.June 2004 saw the release of the up tempo dance track 'Flawless'. Originally recorded by 'The Ones'. George decided to put his own feel on the track. Much of 'The Ones' version being instrumental, George reworked the track into a fully fledged song.In November of 2004, George releases the third single to be taken off the album, in the form of 'Round Here'. 'Round Here' depicting his life in song. Telling the story of his early days through to present day.
No comments:
Post a Comment