Faith

Faith is George Michael's debut solo studio album, released October 30, 1987 in the U.S. and November 2, 1987 in the U.K., blending pop with R&B and funk elements. It yielded four Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles—“Faith,” “Father Figure,” “One More Try,” and “Monkey”—and won Album of the Year at the 31st Grammy Awards. It has sold over 25 million copies worldwide and was certified Diamond by the RIAA. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faith_%28George_Michael_album%29))

Recording History

- Sessions began August 1986 at SARM Studio 2 in West London; February 1987 moved to PUK Studios in Aarhus, Denmark; the recordings were finished September 1987 back at SARM West’s Studio 2. ([hifinews.com](https://www.hifinews.com/content/george-michael-faith-production-notes))
- George Michael produced the album; engineer Chris Porter worked on the project, with extensive use of LinnDrums, a Yamaha DX7, a Roland Juno-106, and a Greengate DS3 sampler. Vocals were captured with a Neumann M49. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faith_%28George_Michael_album%29))
- The title tracks and many instrumental parts were developed in Denmark before finishing in London; PUK’s 56-channel SSL-based setup and Mitsubishi 32-track machines are noted in production notes. ([hifinews.com](https://www.hifinews.com/content/george-michael-faith-production-notes))

Chart Performance & Recognition

- Debuted at No. 1 on both the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200, spending 12 weeks at No. 1 in the U.S. and 51 non-consecutive weeks in the top 10. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faith_%28George_Michael_album%29))
- Four consecutive No. 1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100: “Faith,” “Father Figure,” “One More Try,” and “Monkey.” ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faith_%28George_Michael_album%29))
- Awards: Album of the Year at the 31st Grammy Awards; American Music Awards wins; MTV Video Vanguard Award. It was also a Best British Album nomination at the Brit Awards. Rolling Stone later placed Faith high on its all-time lists. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faith_%28George_Michael_album%29))

Cultural Impact & Legacy

- Faith solidified Michael as an international superstar and is frequently ranked among the era’s essential albums; it was the first white solo artist to top Billboard’s Top Black Albums chart. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faith_%28George_Michael_album%29))
- The album’s enduring influence is reflected in continued critical reassessment and a 2011 remaster reissue. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faith_%28George_Michael_album%29))