"Freedom! '90" is a iconic song by the British pop singer George Michael, released in 1990 as a single from his album "Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1." Here are some interesting facts about the song and George Michael:
Video without George Michael: The music video for "Freedom! '90" is one of the most famous in music history. It features several famous supermodels of the time, including Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, and Tatjana Patitz. George Michael himself did not appear in the video, as he wanted the models to represent the song's message of breaking free from his image as a teen idol.
Versatility of the Song: "Freedom! '90" was a significant departure from George Michael's earlier music. It was more mature and marked his transition from a teen heartthrob to a respected artist with deeper themes in his music.
Lyric Meaning: The lyrics of the song reflect George Michael's desire for artistic freedom and his struggle with the image created by his earlier pop music. He wanted to shed his "Wham!" and "Faith" image and be taken more seriously as a musician.
Sampling from Past Hits: The song cleverly samples and references some of George Michael's earlier hits, including "Faith" and "I Want Your Sex." This was a way for him to symbolically break free from his past work.
Commercial Success: "Freedom! '90" was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.
Cover Versions: Over the years, "Freedom! '90" has been covered and sampled by numerous artists, further cementing its status as a classic in the pop music world.
Legacy: The song remains one of George Michael's most iconic and enduring hits. Its message of personal and artistic freedom continues to resonate with audiences.
"Freedom! '90" is not just a memorable song but also a reflection of George Michael's evolution as an artist and his desire to break free from the constraints of his earlier image. The music video's use of supermodels and its unique concept contributed to its lasting impact on popular culture.