Think he was alright. Always assuned i hated him based on his mid - late 90s stuff but having listened more to his earlier work i enjoyed quite a few songs. Faith is an obvious banger but also love this song…
Nice story about him goving someone off Deal or No Deal some money or something once too
One of the best voices of all time, and following his death the stories that came out about him indicated he was a genuinely good fella. Never listened to an album but plenty of bangers. It’s a 5 for me
Nailed on 5. Absolutely gifted singer and songwriter. At least 2 classic records, unbelievable run of singles of which the cream are peerless. Probably danced to freedom ‘90 more than any other song, the chorus after the breakdown in the middle on the album version is the most euphoric moment in music I can think of.
Always thought he took himself too seriously but he was actually massively capable of taking the absolute piss out of himself. So many stories about how privately generous he was. Tragic that he couldn’t find happiness, we always listen to him on Christmas Day and it still makes me sad to think about what happened.
Some cracking pop singles, especially with Wham! but pretty much everything after the early 90s is turgid Serious Recording Artiste bollocks. He does seem to have been a very good person though, although at the same time I’m not sure he was very happy, which is a shame.
Have never really liked any of his tracks but watched him live on TV once and was taken aback at how good a singer he was, clearly a very talented bloke.
Well. He made some absolute tosh in his time. But the good stuff is as good as anyone’s good stuff ever.
Really admired the way he was able to laugh at himself, despite the way it all turned out for him.
I was at the Freddie Mercury tribute concert (sorry @anon19035908) at Wembley in 1992 and remember the tutting and derision that went on when he walked on stage to sing Somebody To Love (what’s this pop star doing here!). Within half a verse he had the crowd in palm of his hand. The best performance of the day, by far.
And Everything She Wants by Wham! is one of the best songs ever made.
Do find it amusing (in a completely non-judgmental way you understand) when people say “I just had no idea how good a singer he was” when this had been a radio staple for I dunno 30 years
Turns out the guy who went toe to toe with Aretha that time can really sing. Who knew.
Just looked up the album of covers and the track listing is so genuinely bizarre I kind of want to give it a listen. 90% fits the title and then random songs by U2 and The Police.
Anyway think he had a great distinctive voice and style, Wham & early singles great pop moments.