Michael George – Faith (2xLP, Coloured vinyl)

Few records have shaped pop music as profoundly as George Michael’s Faith. Written, arranged, produced and largely performed by Michael, the album announced a striking new voice able to fuse soul, R&B and rock into something sleek, personal and unmistakably his own. Its run of singles — ‘Faith’, ‘Father Figure’, ‘One More Try’ and ‘Monkey’ — turned a 24-year-old into a global star and secured a rare stretch of four US number ones from one album.

Faith sold more than 25 million copies and topped charts in over ten countries, while its title track, leather-jacket video and razor-sharp riff became defining symbols of late-’80s pop culture. Yet its legacy rests as much on its craft: Michael’s vocal control, emotional detail and precise production give each song a clarity and lift that still resonates.

As listeners continue to rediscover his work, Faith stands as a testament to George Michael’s ambition and individuality — a record that reshaped the boundaries of mainstream pop and continues to echo through contemporary music.