Revisiting George Michael’s ‘Careless Whisper’ 40 years later
It was more than a saxophone riff; it was the muse behind it.
For the past 25 years, I’ve had great music memories. One of them was hearing “Careless Whisper” for the first time. In honor of its 40th anniversary, I will rehash this memory and discuss the legacy of this 80s classic.
I had three chapters with George Michael. 2015 — when I discovered “Careless Whisper.” 2017 — when I heard the Faith album after his death. 2021 — when I listened to most of his discography.
My most significant was, of course, the first one.
I remember exactly where I was when I heard “Careless Whisper” for the first time. In the middle of a homework break on a random Saturday afternoon, I decided to go to YouTube to listen to a quick song.
It took weeks to click on the man with the Princess Diana bob and gray suit. His gaze stared at me for weeks until I dared to press play. “Careless Whisper? Such a unique title for a song.” I said.
I had no idea the saxophone would soar into my ear drums loudly as if I were in a soap opera. It made me feel luxurious, as if I were dining on a yacht in the late evening. Maybe George Michael didn’t intend for his song to give that elegance, but it did more than…
