And all this hatred may just make me strong enough To walk away...
...I think I’m through
I think I’m through
I think I’m, I know I’m...
— George Michael
AS the history of popular music rolls, one fact shines through: talent wins. You can plagiarize and survive for any length of time. You can hype and fool people more than once. You can even hide behind image-makers, or alluring videos, or the cut of this season’s clothes; but then you die. To survive you must evolve, improve and have ‘faith’. Longevity depends on making the best music.
George Michael never thought of popular music as a career: it’s far more personal — more precious — than that. But he has always taken the long-term view, that ultimately an artist’s achievement will not be judged in terms of number one singles, or magazine covers, or prestigious awards; but by a large body of work, a collection of albums over time, a lifetime’s development in an art form that no longer depends on shock or rebellion or the quick burn-out to make a mark.
In 19 years, and at 38 years of age, George Michael can already look back on more than 67 million record sales worldwide. He’s notched up six US No.1 singles from his debut album, eleven British No.1 singles and six No.1 albums to date. He has also played at some of the biggest and most important concerts in history. But that was the beginning, an early phase or two.
George Michael has since crossed many more milestones and won many more hearts, testimony of which is his official web site www.georgemichael.com. The first thing that will get you awestruck and charged are its hi-tech graphics that are sure to glue you to the Internet for hours, not to mention the gorgeous face of the ‘Guru of the Pop’ staring back at you.
On entering the site one is met by an array of links that take one into the realm of the musical world. The ‘News’ link lists the latest headlines and ongoings in the singer’s life which keeps a George Michael fan updated on the concerts being held and the different charities being launched. Just goes to show how the pop star does not only win hearts by his music, but also by his love for humanity and the society. And while we are here, we can of course delve into the upbeat music which can be done by either launching an audio player or clicking on the Multimedia link for all the audios, videos and the accompanying images.
For those in the mood for karaoke, there are complete lyrics of the songs which can be hummed along with the blaring audio player. One can even meet other George Michael fans from around the world at Interact which enables one to chat, join forums and make George Michael buddies. With reviews, online stores, MP3 downloads and much more, this site is highly recommended for all George Michael fans.
Talking about fan following, www.yogworld.com is a fan-created site that has more than 500 George Michael links, updated news, chat room, classified ads and more. On the site tour one can view the mini-discography, look at posters of the Pop King and even sign or view the guest book. The Yog fan number exceeds 7,68,980 since it was created on the 1st of June 1997, so what are you waiting for? Join the bandwagon, take a tour and explore ‘Yours Only George’.
With so many George Michael fans around, they have formed their very own planet. And for those who aspire to join this league of George admirers, then just click online to PlanetGeorge at www.PlanetGeorge.org. The site, which is also a fanclub, claims to be the place George Michael fans call home. It’s the largest private George Michael fanclub in the world and has an array of multilingual web sites. Its main features boast of news updates, updated discography, lyrics and tons of George Michael pictures for those who idolize the ‘Greek God’. The Planetarium link has the trivia and lyrics of the Guru’s songs. For those who want to catch up on his appearances on TV there is the interview section where his interviews with various channels can be viewed.
To voice one’s opinion on George Michael there is also a forum where one can chat with George fans and polls where one can cast his/her votes on a given topic. This site is a Bible for George Michael fans and best of all is just a click away.
Coming back to the karaoke lovers, it holds true that knowing the lyrics of your favourite song brings it much closer to the heart and makes you feel more for it. There is no ecstasy greater than that of a George Michael fan singing the songs along with his guru but to indulge in this delight you will have to log onto www.hem.passagen.se/eos/gm/lyrics/ where the lyrics of your favourite songs are just a click away. You can also search the section for the lyrics of the song of your choice by just entering the title or some keywords.
George Michael has been making waves since the time he stepped into the musical world. The newest and probably the biggest wave to hit the shores in recent times is his shunning the music industry but I don’t want to give out more of this sizzling gossip as, those interested, can read more on it at www.news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3499534.stm. Here is the complete story of George Michael’s decision with comments from the pop star himself and if that’s not enough, there are many more stories revolving around his life and works and most important of all they are authentic.
Controversies are part and parcel of stardom and fame and for George Michael this is no exception. However, what stands out is the ‘Patience’ and ‘Faith’ with which he ascended the pop ladder and managed to stay there, winning more hearts each day. He can win yours too...just‘’Listen without Prejudice’.
Is that enough?
