Rob reflects on childhood songs, discusses a letter from Frank Sinatra to George Michael. They explore George Michael's impact on MTV, his song 'Freedom', his turning point and solo success, and his evolution as a musician
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Quick takeaways
George Michael desired to be taken seriously as an artist and struggled with the perception of being just a disposable pop star, particularly within the MTV realm.
The song 'Freedom 90' reflects George Michael's mission to distance himself from his pop star image while delivering a compelling piece of pop music.
George Michael challenges the central myth of pop music that the star belongs to the audience and vice versa, highlighting its falseness and leaving the question of whether his attempt to challenge the myth succeeded or failed.
Deep dives
George Michael's Complex Relationship with Fame
George Michael had a unique and uncomfortable relationship with fame. He desired to be taken seriously as an artist and hoped his album 'Faith' would accomplish that. However, he felt that fame could never fill the void within him. Despite his success, he continued to feel like an 'ugly little bastard' and believed that becoming famous would change that. He wanted his music to be seen as an art form, but struggled with the perception that he was just a disposable pop star, particularly within the MTV realm. Despite his desire for freedom, he still found it challenging to step away from the pop star image.
The Layers of Contradiction in 'Freedom 90'
George Michael's song 'Freedom 90' reflects complex layers of contradiction. The song, which declares his desire to move away from being a pop star, is full of infectious hooks and remains a quintessential piece of pop music. The lyrics express a renegotiation of his relationship with fame, while the music video features supermodels in his place. This juxtaposition showcases the complexity of George Michael's mission to both distance himself from his pop star image and deliver a compelling piece of pop music.
Challenging the Myth of Pop Music
George Michael's 'Freedom 90' challenges the central myth of pop music that the star belongs to the audience and vice versa. By stating 'I don't belong to you and you don't belong to me,' George deconstructs this myth and highlights its falseness. He engages with and critiques the idea simultaneously. While his intention may have been to distance himself from his fans, the song ultimately made his fans love him even more. The notion of separating from his pop stardom is explored, leaving the question of whether his attempt to challenge the myth of pop music succeeded or failed.
The Evolution of George Michael's Music
George Michael's journey from Wham to his solo career is showcased in his hit albums, including 'Faith' and 'Listen Without Prejudice'. While Wham had a Motown and R&B influence, George later collaborated with artists like Elton John and Stevie Wonder, seeking to be accepted by a more mature and credible music industry. George's love for R&B and soul music was genuine, although there was some backlash and controversy surrounding his recognition in these genres. While he may not have reached the same commercial consistency as artists like Michael Jackson and Madonna, George's songs like 'Father Figure' and 'Freedom 90' can stand up to any of the greats of the era.
The Personal Struggles and Exploration of Sexuality
Beyond his musical evolution, George Michael faced personal struggles and a journey of self-discovery. In the documentary 'Freedom Uncut', George reflects on feeling lonely, out of control, and the pressure of his celebrity status. He discusses how the turning point in his career had more to do with his realization of being gay, rather than the breakup of Wham. George's decision to open up about his sexuality was delayed until after the death of his mother, fearing her reaction. The loss of his boyfriend, Anselmo, added to his personal challenges, leading to a deeper emotional layer in his music, particularly in his album 'Older' and songs like 'Freedom 90'.
Rob looks back at the top five songs that make him still feel like a 6-year-old, before turning his attention to the great George Michael. Along the way, Rob highlights a letter written to Michael from Frank Sinatra with his best dramatic reading. Later, Rob is joined by Rob Tannenbaum to discuss whether George Michael is on the MTV Mount Rushmore, and much more.
