spotify playlist
17 ballots, 73 tracks voted for, one awesome countdown
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 18:42 (seven years ago) link
http://i63.tinypic.com/29lgupj.jpg
40. I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)61 points, three votessingle with Aretha Franklin, 1987
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 18:46 (seven years ago) link
Well, that's a start.
― The burrito of ennui (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 20 September 2016 18:59 (seven years ago) link
I'm...surprised she let him touch her.
http://s19.postimg.org/g76p6fk9v/39_People.jpg
39. Star People61 points, three votesfrom Older, 1996
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 19:04 (seven years ago) link
did you count "star people 97" as a separate vote or group em together
― who is extremely unqualified to review this pop album (BradNelson), Tuesday, 20 September 2016 19:05 (seven years ago) link
Grouped together. There was actually a three-way tie for no.38, but there's no room for ties in this poll (except at joint no.21).
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 19:06 (seven years ago) link
http://s19.postimg.org/46l95pcv7/38_Older.jpg
38. Older61 points, three votesfrom Older, 1996
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 19:08 (seven years ago) link
I'm going to aim for 20 tonight and 20 tomorrow, and see how we get on. I was initially going to limit it to a top thirty, but 31-40 seemed pretty interesting to me - lots of tracks that haven't had much attention, other than the Aretha number.
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 19:15 (seven years ago) link
Voted for both 39 and 38. I wonder if the other two voters were also the same people :)
I didn't specify on my ballot, but I was probably voting for Star People '97 too.
― Jeff W, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 19:16 (seven years ago) link
No overlap between the voters, the poll's integrity remains intact.
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 19:45 (seven years ago) link
http://s19.postimg.org/qjszsidsz/37_Flawless.jpg
37. Flawless (Go To The City)68 points, three votesfrom Patience, 2005
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 19:47 (seven years ago) link
Damn, George looked his best between 1990-1993.
― The burrito of ennui (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 20 September 2016 19:50 (seven years ago) link
http://s19.postimg.org/gb540ff4z/36_Mouth.jpg
36. Hand to Mouth73 points, three votesfrom Faith, 1987
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 19:54 (seven years ago) link
cover his chin and that could be Bono there
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 19:55 (seven years ago) link
Kudos for the manipulated Fairlight breaths in "Hand to Mouth." He does sultry well.
― The burrito of ennui (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 20 September 2016 19:56 (seven years ago) link
http://s19.postimg.org/502gc289v/35_Want.jpg35. I Want Your Sex77 points, three votes, one number one votefrom Faith, 1987
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 20:06 (seven years ago) link
three votes!!!
― droit au butt (Euler), Tuesday, 20 September 2016 20:10 (seven years ago) link
That seems right to me, I never liked it much. I like it a lot better now but I still wouldn't call it a GM Classic.
Somebody asked in the voting thread why he hit a (relative) trough in the UK through Faith and LWP. This was the lead single from Faith, which might explain it to some extent - it was definitely frowned upon here. I don't know whether it was the same in other countries, or that was just us being uptight?
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 20:14 (seven years ago) link
What!! There goes my #1 lol
― LeRooLeRoo, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 20:16 (seven years ago) link
I don't know whether it was the same in other countries, or that was just us being uptight?
there's things that you get and things that you don't
― The burrito of ennui (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 20 September 2016 20:20 (seven years ago) link
http://s19.postimg.org/3z27mxrab/34_Save.jpg
34. Something to Save85 points, four votesfrom Listen Without Prejudice, vol.1, 1990
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 20:23 (seven years ago) link
unexpected!
― The burrito of ennui (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Tuesday, 20 September 2016 20:24 (seven years ago) link
ha wow everyone hates I Want Your Sex. well played ilx, didn't make my 20.
― piscesx, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 20:30 (seven years ago) link
surprised Something to Save is this low.. oh well :D
― video2000, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 20:34 (seven years ago) link
http://s19.postimg.org/g27jai2cj/33_Dog.jpg
33. Shoot The Dog88 points, four votesfrom Patience, 2005
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 20:39 (seven years ago) link
It's one of my favourites, this. I find it super-infectious and bubbly. The production all over Patience is pretty cool.
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 20:40 (seven years ago) link
http://s19.postimg.org/4edhfyd7n/32_Strangest.jpg
32. The Strangest Thing89 points, six votesfrom Older, 1996
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 20:52 (seven years ago) link
So many great sounds on Shoot The Dog.. Love his voice in the verses and the chorus is very charming
― video2000, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 20:53 (seven years ago) link
A very curious voting pattern for The Strangest Thing - it finished last or just-about-last in five of those six ballots.
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 20:54 (seven years ago) link
also, block out the eyes and there's something Cobain-y about that pic
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 20:58 (seven years ago) link
I'm a fan of ILM but it has disgraced itself on this next one...
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 21:08 (seven years ago) link
http://s19.postimg.org/rh40f4eoz/31_Rap.jpg
31. Wham Rap! (Enjoy What You Do)97 points, four votesfrom Fantastic, 1983
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 21:09 (seven years ago) link
You mean it's too high?
― LeRooLeRoo, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 21:28 (seven years ago) link
Certainly not. That said I could only find room for it at the foot of my own ballot.
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 21:30 (seven years ago) link
http://s19.postimg.org/e5at5xboj/29_Heaven.jpg
29=. The Edge of Heaven99 points, five votessingle, 1986
I've never been sure if this was a stand-alone single or an album track, or a track that was lobbed onto a post-facto album, or what. Anyway, it's also too low.
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 21:31 (seven years ago) link
Here in North America it was released as a single from their 3rd album Music From the Edge of Heaven. I think in the rest of the world it was part of a singles compilation called The Final.
― LeRooLeRoo, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 21:38 (seven years ago) link
http://s19.postimg.org/lgawvshgj/29_Trains.jpg
29=. Cars and Trains99 points, five votesfrom Patience, 2005
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 21:43 (seven years ago) link
I had no idea this was going to place, but it picked up a lot of votes on the last day. I'm not hearing the special appeal of it tbh.
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 21:44 (seven years ago) link
I checked to see whether it had even been mentioned on ILM before this poll, and suspecting that it hadn't, but I was pleased to see Josh In Chicago putting up a strong defence of it back in 2005.
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 21:51 (seven years ago) link
http://s19.postimg.org/k2ja0hi77/28_Sunshine.jpg
28. A Ray Of Sunshine101 points, four votes, one number one votefrom Fantastic, 1983
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 21:58 (seven years ago) link
I'm shocked to see Hand to Mouth so low. That's always been my favourite song on Faith.
Something to Save is just lovely. Probably my favourite vocal of his.
Happy and surprised to see Cars & Trains this high. Love the production and his delivery of some of the lyrics are so classic. "Johnny's gone and got himself a new man, he gets laid, every day". Brilliant stuff.
― Kitchen Person, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 22:02 (seven years ago) link
I don't remember anything about Ray of Sunshine. I don't know the Wham albums well apart from the singles.
― Kitchen Person, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 22:07 (seven years ago) link
It's fabulous. Whenever it comes on my headphones, I just can't keep from strutting.
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 22:11 (seven years ago) link
I'm getting into Cars & Trains a bit more now. It's really nice actually - very slinky. I think it's the answerphone message at the beginning that put me off.
You're right anyway, the vocal is terrific. I love the "Oh, Johnny" at 1:56 - it's quite unGeorge. It reminds me of some other singer, but I can't quite my finger on who it is.
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 22:14 (seven years ago) link
It's R Kelly! At 3:02 in Three-Way Phone Call. They're not actually particularly similar, but that little phrase led me into mind-mashing the two.
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 22:19 (seven years ago) link
Slinky is definitely the word I'd use to describe Cars & Trains. If he ever bothers to make another album, I hope it's a whole album of songs like Cars & Trains and Precious Box. Those styles really suit him.
I'll have to re-listen to the Wham albums. Ray of Sunshine is indeed fantastic. That bass line is so good.
― Kitchen Person, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 22:21 (seven years ago) link
http://s19.postimg.org/tocugs9cz/27_Fool.jpg
27. Kissing A Fool102 points, five votesfrom Faith, 1987
― Ismael Klata, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 22:23 (seven years ago) link
Tasty Avalanches remix of Ray Of Sunshine
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=63SkCbwp1os
― piscesx, Tuesday, 20 September 2016 22:24 (seven years ago) link
The Ben Folds and Rufus Wainwright cover of this is one of my favourite covers ever https://youtu.be/Q01WCVrgQaU
― Kitchen Person, Thursday, 22 September 2016 23:15 (seven years ago) link
"Careless Whispers" is the only George Michael song I think is genuinely great, surprised it didn't hit #1 (I did not vote in this poll)
― Οὖτις, Thursday, 22 September 2016 23:19 (seven years ago) link
I'm not mad at any of the 3 remaining songs being #1.
― LeRooLeRoo, Thursday, 22 September 2016 23:22 (seven years ago) link
Careless Whisper, Wham Rap! and Club Tropicana are Andrew's three co-writes. He's got to be pretty happy with that.
― Ismael Klata, Thursday, 22 September 2016 23:25 (seven years ago) link
My top 3 might actually be in the top 3. This poll is amazing.
― Chantilly Bass, Thursday, 22 September 2016 23:27 (seven years ago) link
http://s19.postimg.org/6otmkjbdv/3_Figure.jpg
3. Father Figure338 points, twelve votes, three number one votesfrom Faith, 1987
― Ismael Klata, Thursday, 22 September 2016 23:27 (seven years ago) link
I didn't vote for this. I had no idea it would be this high.
― Kitchen Person, Thursday, 22 September 2016 23:31 (seven years ago) link
that's what the cops said in 1998
― The burrito of ennui (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Thursday, 22 September 2016 23:33 (seven years ago) link
The vocals with the choir on this record are just sumptuous. Had a hard time deciding between this and my pick for number 1 as the top spot. So happy to see it place so high.
― Chantilly Bass, Thursday, 22 September 2016 23:34 (seven years ago) link
Me too. I couldn't decide if I liked "One More Try" or this better. In the end I put OMT at 2 and this at 3.
― LeRooLeRoo, Thursday, 22 September 2016 23:37 (seven years ago) link
'Freedom '90' for the win!
― the hair - it's lost its energy (Turrican), Thursday, 22 September 2016 23:38 (seven years ago) link
Pretty sure it will.
― LeRooLeRoo, Thursday, 22 September 2016 23:41 (seven years ago) link
http://s19.postimg.org/az8ag4ggz/2_Wants.jpg
2. Everything She Wants403 points, thirteen votes, two number one votesfrom Make It Big, 1985
― Ismael Klata, Thursday, 22 September 2016 23:46 (seven years ago) link
Freedom's single mix is ever-so-slightly different from the Make It Big mix; the piano in the verses etc. it pops more than the album version. there's no mention that i can see anywhere of the mixes being different but you can really tell. this was just 'a thing' in the mid to late 80s it seems; giving the radio mixes a lick and polish.
― piscesx, Thursday, September 22, 2016 4:23 PM Bookmark Flag Post Permalink
y'know, I always thought when I bought Make It Big that the version didn't sound like the one I remembered, and now you've confirmed that. listening to the 12" now and this is what I remember from the radio!
― Neanderthal, Thursday, 22 September 2016 23:46 (seven years ago) link
YES EVERYTHING SHE WANTS!!!
http://s19.postimg.org/5p7x2kllv/1_Freedom_90.jpg
1. Freedom '90425 points, fifteen votes, one number one votefrom Listen Without Prejudice vol.1, 1990
― Ismael Klata, Thursday, 22 September 2016 23:50 (seven years ago) link
is there a better, subtler song about Thatcherism than "Everything She Wants"?
― The burrito of ennui (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Thursday, 22 September 2016 23:52 (seven years ago) link
xpost I want a mojito now
― Neanderthal, Thursday, 22 September 2016 23:52 (seven years ago) link
Both amazing songs. Still completely baffled that "Freedom '90" only made it to #28 in the UK. Even #8 in the US is low for such a monster hit.
― LeRooLeRoo, Thursday, 22 September 2016 23:58 (seven years ago) link
Pretty surprised Freedom only received one #1 vote in this poll
― Chantilly Bass, Thursday, 22 September 2016 23:58 (seven years ago) link
Freedom '90 that is
― Chantilly Bass, Thursday, 22 September 2016 23:59 (seven years ago) link
FULL RESULTS
425 Freedom ’90403 Everything She Wants
338 Father Figure333 Careless Whisper313 One More Try312 Fastlove
246 A Different Corner235 Faith232 Too Funky231 Last Christmas228 Waiting For That Day
189 Praying For Time185 Cowboys And Angels
164 Freedom163 Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go157 Heal The Pain157 Outside155 Precious Box150 Young Guns146 Jesus To A Child
122 Club Tropicana122 Monkey116 Amazing109 Hard Day106 I’m Your Man104 Killer/Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone102 Kissing A Fool101 A Ray Of Sunshine99 The Edge of Heaven99 Cars And Trains
97 Wham Rap!89 The Strangest Thing88 Shoot The Dog85 Something To Save77 I Want Your Sex73 Hand To Mouth68 Flawless61 Older61 Star People61 I Knew You Were Waiting
58 As52 December Song48 Mother’s Pride46 Freeek! 0444 Bad Boys42 I Can’t Make You Love Me42 Jive Talkin’40 Waiting (Reprise)38 Do You Really Want To Know37 Somebody To Love
36 You Have Been Loved34 Heartbeat30 Blue (Armed With Love)29 Nothing Looks The Same In The Light29 Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me26 Come On!26 Look At Your Hands26 To Be Forgiven24 My Mother Had A Brother22 Like A Baby
21 They Won’t Go When I Go20 White light20 Battlestations20 Soul Free19 It Doesn’t Really Matter19 Patience18 If You Were There18 Spinning The Wheel18 Heaven Help Me15 An Easier Affair15 Happy15 A Last Request14 Where Did Your Heart Go?
Thank you and goodnight!
― Ismael Klata, Friday, 23 September 2016 00:03 (seven years ago) link
Thanks for the great poll Ismael! I hadn't listened to Wham in a long time and had a lot of fun revisiting those records especially.
― LeRooLeRoo, Friday, 23 September 2016 00:05 (seven years ago) link
Such a great poll for one of my greatest musical influences. Thank you so much Ismael!
― Chantilly Bass, Friday, 23 September 2016 00:10 (seven years ago) link
xpost I believe you mean "Wham!"
― Neanderthal, Friday, 23 September 2016 00:12 (seven years ago) link
Yes!
― LeRooLeRoo, Friday, 23 September 2016 00:13 (seven years ago) link
my mom used to sing Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go to me. fond memories
― Neanderthal, Friday, 23 September 2016 00:16 (seven years ago) link
granted this was just a week ago
Great poll Ismael. Thanks a lot for running it. I didn't vote for Freedom 90 but it's still a worthy winner.
― Kitchen Person, Friday, 23 September 2016 00:26 (seven years ago) link
A marvelous poll. I discovered how much I've loved this man.
Inspired by it, I wrote this essay about growing up and ignoring and re-learning him.
― The burrito of ennui (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Friday, 23 September 2016 01:14 (seven years ago) link
this was so much fun. thank you ismael!! can we make a playlist of all the songs in order? (i guess i can when i get home)
also i honorable mentioned his covers of "what a fool believes" and "sign your name" because omg
i hope george is happy and resting and i hope he knows how much his music touched people
― maura, Friday, 23 September 2016 01:41 (seven years ago) link
Great poll, thanks IK.
"Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" was my #1. A bit shocked it didn't make the top 10 even. And a bit surprised I seem to have been the only voter for "Spinning the Wheel".
There's a few songs here I clearly need to get to know better. Have followed the playlist.
― Jeff W, Friday, 23 September 2016 11:55 (seven years ago) link
excellent poll, great piece up there too Alfred. he's brought out the best in ILX has old George.
― piscesx, Friday, 23 September 2016 12:30 (seven years ago) link
very good poll indeed, congratulations !this makes me want to revisit GM's oeuvre.I started by listening to "Freedom" earlier today. I had forgotten how massive and unstoppable the melody is. The whole thing is like a storm (until the brilliant final with the "Penny Lane" trumpet).a pure rush of joy !
― AlXTC from Paris, Friday, 23 September 2016 13:06 (seven years ago) link
my favourite part of the melody being the pre-chorus. this is what takes the song to another level, to me.
― AlXTC from Paris, Friday, 23 September 2016 13:09 (seven years ago) link
CAN WE TALK ABOUT "WAITING FOR THAT DAY," THOUGH????
― horseshoe, Friday, 23 September 2016 14:29 (seven years ago) link
My memory serves me far too well.
― The burrito of ennui (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Friday, 23 September 2016 14:40 (seven years ago) link
Thanks for a great poll IK. Lovely essay Alfred. It's been so refreshing to go back to old favourites and find new gems.
― For bodies we are ready to build pyramids (wtev), Friday, 23 September 2016 15:22 (seven years ago) link
it's hard to lovethere's so much to hatehanging on to hopewhen there is no hope to speak of
― who is extremely unqualified to review this pop album (BradNelson), Friday, 23 September 2016 16:23 (seven years ago) link
Just caught up with this. If I had voted, "Spinning The Wheel" and "Nothing Looks The Same In The Light" could well have charted.
― mike t-diva, Friday, 23 September 2016 16:38 (seven years ago) link
thanks ismael. father figure was my number one. those woozy synths are an instant trip back to childhood.
― a basset hound (strongo hulkington's ghost dad), Friday, 23 September 2016 16:49 (seven years ago) link
I would have also voted for 'Spinning That Wheel'
One thing this poll has made me realise is just how many classics this man has written. That he has a superb voice goes without saying, but as a songwriter I feel he should be held in higher regard than he is. I'm disappointed, in a way, that he hasn't written more of them over such a long career.
― the hair - it's lost its energy (Turrican), Friday, 23 September 2016 17:17 (seven years ago) link
"Father Figure" was my #1 too & if I could have given it all my points I would have. I mishear it systematically as "to be walking naked / in your sight" & even now that I know it's otherwise I continue to mishear it this way intentionally. I don't know what to make of my experience of a song by a gay man as the most sexually profound song I know, something of my own queerness within heterosexuality I suppose. and that I listened to it so much when age 13, coming into my sexuality. but I...identify with this song.
― droit au butt (Euler), Friday, 23 September 2016 17:21 (seven years ago) link
What do you think about George's political engagement? I was a little bit surprised, running through the catalogue, at how big-themey he is. Religion appears a lot, there's economic stuff, they did miners' benefits ... even Young Guns or Wham Rap do kids' politics in their way. It seems a bit unfair that they had the reputation as being the epitome of vacuity.
For some reason I think Andrew Ridgely wrote 'Wham Rap'. I can't remember why - presumably I read this in an interview 30 years ago.
― Ireland's Industry (that is what we are) (Nasty, Brutish & Short), Friday, 23 September 2016 17:53 (seven years ago) link
So surprised to see Everything She Wants at #2, didn't realize it was such a hit! Think it's the only song in the countdown that didn't have my vote. Great song though.
I Can't Make You Love Me wuz robbed...
Thanks for running a great poll Ismael Klata!
― niels, Saturday, 24 September 2016 10:50 (seven years ago) link
Missed the poll but will have fun listening, thanks!
― skip, Saturday, 24 September 2016 15:20 (seven years ago) link
I honor my big brother.
― Your sweetie-pie-coo-coo I love ya (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Monday, 17 December 2018 04:03 (five years ago) link
Happy birthday, bro.
― Malevolent Arugula (Alfred, Lord Sotosyn), Saturday, 25 June 2022 14:54 (one year ago) link
Happy 59th Birthday. In terms of his non-Faith tracks, "Jesus To A Child" is one of his best ballads, you can feel the loss and heartbreak in his voice, along with "Praying For Time" which is more relevant today. "Fastlove" is his best uptempo track, very addictive. "Outside" is great as well.
― Justin Rugnetta, Saturday, 25 June 2022 22:15 (one year ago) link
Damn we did this poll just before he died? Jeez i was sure it was after.
― piscesx, Sunday, 26 June 2022 23:49 (one year ago) link