The Top 10: George Michael songs

In commemoration of Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, better known as George Michael, who died last Christmas 

John Rentoul
Saturday 16 December 2017 06:26 EST
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A still from the Careless Whisper video, 1984
A still from the Careless Whisper video, 1984

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I finally yielded to entreaties to enter into the spirit of the season with this list in honour of “the greatest vocalist of his generation” (according to Sergeant, who nominated no 10). Thanks to Anna Rhodes and Yas Necati. One hears that fans are trying to get “Last Christmas” as this year’s Christmas No 1, so best of luck to them.

1. “Freedom! ’90” My favourite, nominated by Tim Carrington and Jon-gle Bells. But I have never understood how or why you should take lies and make them true.

2. “Careless Whisper” Suggested by Lynne S and Simon Wilder (who asked for “the one with ‘Guilty feet have got no rhythm’”).

3. “Outside” Adrian Hopkins‏ said: “A fabulous send-up of his troubles with Beverly Hills police dept and a public toilet.” John Meredith added: “Not just a great song but had a great video with more chutzpah than one man is entitled to.”

4. “Faith” Nominated by John Peters.

5. “Last Christmas” Wham! From Anna Rhodes. Baffling storyline coming soon to a TOTP2 compilation near you.

6. “Everything She Wants.” Thanks to Charlotte.

7. “Jesus to a Child” Nominated by Aman Anand. Tribute to his lover Anselmo Feleppa, who died of an Aids-related brain haemorrhage.

8. “Fastlove, Pt 1” Suggested by Chris Watts.

9. “I Can’t Make You Love Me” From Ritula Shah. “I like all the really miserable ones.”

10. “Club Tropicana” Hymn to freshly squeezed orange juice, nominated by Sergeant.

George Michael was in James Corden's first ever carpool karaoke

Honourable mentions: “The Last Kiss”, by David Cassidy. “George sang backing vocals and David died this year too – so this is what is known in America as a ’twofer’,” said Jim Kelleher. “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.” Duet with Elton John, insisted on by Yas Necati.

Also nominated but didn’t make it: “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” (Tim Carrington); “Mother’s Pride” (“very moving song”: David Bertram); “Something to Save” (Kikeypikey); “Praying for Time” (Al); and “Young Guns” (Grumpy Reindeer: “That lyric is one to live by: ‘Wise guys realise there’s danger in emotional ties.../ Death by matrimony.’”)

Next week: More Twitter Jokes

Coming soon: Top 10 Top 10s of 2017

Your suggestions please, and ideas for future Top 10s, to me on Twitter, or by email to top10@independent.co.uk

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