This is one of my all-time favorite songs. I love George Michael and love every single thing about this song and how it speaks to his experience over time. Also love the video. Reflecting on the video in 2015, [Cindy] Crawford stated that, at the time, they thought they were simply making "a really cool video," but that in retrospect, the video exhibits a dark humor: As MTV had altered the music industry so that physical beauty was now necessary to sell music, the video used five beautiful faces instead of the song's vocalist to mock this.
Like Cindy, I also just thought it was the coolest video when I saw it on MTV as a kid. I know now that I loved it, in part, because of my wild attraction to Linda Evangelista. I had to find a way to include a picture of her in the article, lol.
Very moving and heartfelt, Jami! Coming out is hard for anyone. Imagine adding a worldwide recording contract, fans' expectations, the hounding press ready to pounce on a superstar at every turn (and for any reason), and the world's prejudice now threatening your livelihood "if they find out"! No wonder he looked up to Freddie as a hero. So much of this I didn't know, especially post-CBS years (except for the screaming, non-musical headlines). Thanks again, Jami!
A wonderfully written and very touching piece. I really enjoy how much behind-the-lyrics meaning you draw out of these songs and how you illuminate stuff about these songs and singers that I didn’t know.
Another beautiful, enlightening piece. I would only add. That the MUSIC of "Freedom '90" is the GREATEST expression of George's joy, and yes, freedom. It is like Elton John, Earth, Wind and Fire and... George Michael in an explosive, soaring, inspiring celebration of all that music can be. I'm glad you chose it as your exemplar.
This is one of my all-time favorite songs. I love George Michael and love every single thing about this song and how it speaks to his experience over time. Also love the video. Reflecting on the video in 2015, [Cindy] Crawford stated that, at the time, they thought they were simply making "a really cool video," but that in retrospect, the video exhibits a dark humor: As MTV had altered the music industry so that physical beauty was now necessary to sell music, the video used five beautiful faces instead of the song's vocalist to mock this.
Like Cindy, I also just thought it was the coolest video when I saw it on MTV as a kid. I know now that I loved it, in part, because of my wild attraction to Linda Evangelista. I had to find a way to include a picture of her in the article, lol.
Very moving and heartfelt, Jami! Coming out is hard for anyone. Imagine adding a worldwide recording contract, fans' expectations, the hounding press ready to pounce on a superstar at every turn (and for any reason), and the world's prejudice now threatening your livelihood "if they find out"! No wonder he looked up to Freddie as a hero. So much of this I didn't know, especially post-CBS years (except for the screaming, non-musical headlines). Thanks again, Jami!
A wonderfully written and very touching piece. I really enjoy how much behind-the-lyrics meaning you draw out of these songs and how you illuminate stuff about these songs and singers that I didn’t know.
Another beautiful, enlightening piece. I would only add. That the MUSIC of "Freedom '90" is the GREATEST expression of George's joy, and yes, freedom. It is like Elton John, Earth, Wind and Fire and... George Michael in an explosive, soaring, inspiring celebration of all that music can be. I'm glad you chose it as your exemplar.
Well said David and thank you so much. “Freedom 90” still gives me goosebumps every single time I hear it for this exact reason.