Faith (Remastered Edition)
George Michael brings fans back to the 80s with his newly remastered Faith reminding audiences exactly why his tracks dominated global pop charts and rendered him a pop superstar. Michael’s deluxe edition brings listeners six hit singles off of the original album and treats fans to new additions on the remastered bonus CD.
CD One, the remastered album, proves a great place to start for newer listeners. “Faith” is the feel-good song of the album, a classic and catchy tune even newer generations can appreciate. The track clearly demonstrates Michael’s prowess for songwriting, penning an iconic single that still plays on airwaves today. Now fans can double listening pleasure with a remastered instrumental version included on the Bonus CD, highlighting Michael’s melody beyond the lyrics.
Additional hits, “Father Figure” and “I Want Your Sex” make likely candidates for the repeat button, the two mega-hits possessing enough whimsy and rhythm to remain pop classics along with the best of Elton John, Michael Jackson, and Madonna. Ballad “One More Try” and slow-jam “Hand To Mouth” provide contrast to the upbeat likings of “Look At Your Hands” and “Monkey” but newer listeners may not find a kinship with the 80s power ballad as well as Michael’s built-in fanbase.
It’s clear Michael crafts the Bonus CD to longtime fans, treating them to alternate and remixed versions of popular singles. The “Hard Day (Shep Pettibone Mix)” loses the softer introduction of the original “Hard Day” track, and jumps into a hard-hitting beat and extended track length. “Monkey” receives the bulk of the attention, with three separate tracks devoted to the hit. Some listeners might find this too repetitive, but hardcore fans are likely to appreciate the “7” Edit Version”, “A Capella & Beats”, and the “Jam & Lewis Remix” of the song.
In a generation of artists relying on behind the scenes songwriters and revered producers to create a hit album, Faith reminds audiences the value of singer-songwriters. Written, produced, and arranged by Michael, Faith stands as a tribute to his epic contribution to the pop music scene. The original album launched the singer to international stardom and with the reissue of his debut solo album, Michael has the potential to reach an entire new generation of fans.