Faith (George Michael song)

"Faith"
Single by George Michael from the album Faith
Released	1987
Format	CD Single
Recorded	1987
Genre	Pop
Length	3:16
Label	Columbia Records
Writer	George Michael
Producer	George Michael
Certification	Gold (RIAA)
George Michael singles chronology
"Hard Day" (1987) "Faith" (1987) "Father Figure" (1988) Faith track listing "Faith" (1) "Father Figure" (2) Twenty Five track listing "Freedom" (3) "Faith" (4) "Too Funky" (5)

"Faith" is a song written and performed by George Michael and released on Columbia Records from his album of the same title in 1987. According to Billboard magazine, it was the top-selling single of the year in the US in 1988.

Contents 1 History 2 Chart Performance 3 Peak positions 4 Music Video 5 Track listing 6 Covers 7 Personel 8 External

History

Having disbanded Wham! the previous year, there was a keen expectation for Michael's solo career and "Faith" would go on to become one of his most popular and enduring songs, as well as being the most simplistic in its production. It was the second of six singles released from the well-received album. "Faith" is just over three minutes long, the first 37 seconds of which is taken up by a straightforward, fade-up organ introduction (based on the Wham! song "Freedom"). Eventually, a two-chord guitar progression takes up the song with Michael singing a basic but meaningful lyric about not being tempted away from his relationship by a nonetheless attractive third party. The song was featured at the opening of the Scrubs episodes "My American Girl" being sung by the main character JD.

Chart Performance

The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the USA and reached number two in the UK singles chart. According to Billboard magazine, it was the top-selling single of the year in the US. On the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, "Faith" rocketed from #54-#37 the week of October 31, 1987, reaching #1 by December 12, and remaining there for four consecutive weeks, easily becoming the longest running chart-topper of 1987. Altogether, "Faith" lingered in the Top 10 for 9 weeks, the Top 20 for 11 weeks, and the Top 40 for 15 weeks.

Peak positions

Chart (1987)	Peak position
Australian Single Charts ARIA	1
United States Hot 100	1
United States Hot Dance Club Play	17
United States Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs	-
United States Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks	5
UK Single Charts	2
United World Chart	1

Music Video

A famous video was made which provided some definitive images of the 1980s music industry in the process - Michael in shades, leather jacket and a particularly memorable pair of tight Levis jeans and cowboy boots, playing a guitar near a classic-design jukebox.

Track listing

7": UK / Epic EMU 2

1. "Faith" (7" Single Mix) – 3:16
2. "Faith" (Dance Remix Radio Edit) – 5:24

12": UK / Epic EMU T2

1. "Faith" (Dance Extended Mix) – 4:06
2. "Faith" (Org. Version) – – 3:16
3. "Hand to Mouth" – 5:49

U.S. CD single

1. "Faith" (7" Single Mix) – 4:06
2. "Faith" (Dance Remix Radio Edit) – 4:54
3. "Faith" (Album Version) - – 3:16
4. "Hand to Mouth" – 5:49

Covers

American nu metal band Limp Bizkit made a cover of "Faith", which is on the tracklist of their debut album Three Dollar Bill, Yall$ (1997). At the 2003 BRIT Awards, a re-worded version of the song was performed by Ms. Dynamite in order to show opposition to the war in Iraq. George, himself a vocal campaigner against the war, did not appear at the ceremony but duetted on the song via a pre-recorded video.

Personel

Vocals: George Michael Bass: Deon Estus Guitars: Hugh Burns Cathedral Organ: Chris Cameron

Preceded by "Heaven is a Place on Earth" by Belinda Carlisle	Billboard Hot 100 number one single December 12 1987- January 2 1988	Succeeded by "So Emotional" by Whitney Houston
Preceded by "Walk Like An Egyptian" by The Bangles	Billboard Hot 100 Number one single of the year 1988	Succeeded by "Look Away" by Chicago
Preceded by "Never Gonna Give You Up" by Rick Astley	ARIA number one single January 25 1988	Succeeded by "Got My Mind Set on You" by George Harrison
Preceded by "Bad" by Michael Jackson	United World Chart number one single November 21 1987 – January 2 1987	Succeeded by "The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson

External

• Watch the music video for "Faith"