George Michael, Father Figure | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 98th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Father Figure” by the late, great Grammy-winning pop icon, George Michael.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 98^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Father Figure” performed by George Michael.

“Sometimes I think that you’ll never / Understand me (Understand me) / But somethin’ tells me together / We’d be happy.” Noted, George Michael! The late, great pop singer, songwriter, and producer concocted a gem for the ages with “Father Figure”. “Father Figure” is the second track from his 1987 diamond-certified, Grammy-winning pop masterpiece, Faith. Michael wrote and produced it. Unsurprisingly, “Father Figure” spent two weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100.  It was the only song from Faith nominated for a Grammy.  Ultimately, it lost Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male to 10-time Grammy winner Bobby McFerrin ( “Don’t Worry Be Happy”) at the 31^st Annual Grammy Awards.

“Father Figure” shines in every facet.  Instrumentally, it dons gorgeous keyboards, pads, and synths. The riffs are distinct and utterly sweet. The groove is a 10 out of 10, easily.  Of course, it’s the handsome and talented George Michael that everybody came for. He doesn’t disappoint, delivering terrific vocals.  His breathy tone, particularly in the first verse, is to die for. “That’s all I wanted, something special / Something sacred in your eyes,” he sings, continuing, “For just one moment to be bold and naked / At your side.” Oh, snap, George!  The melodies are tuneful throughout, with the centerpiece, the chorus, taking the cake. Following the first and second verses, there is a refrain that is varied, not to be confused with the chorus (excepted earlier). With the arrival of the chorus, George, the background vocalists (Chris Cameron and Shirley Lewis), and the musical backdrop, ‘kick things up a notch.’ Cameron and Lewis carry the melody, while Michael ad-libs and riffs. 

“I will be your father figure
Put your tiny hand in mine (My baby)
I will be your preacher, teacher
Anything you have in mind (Hee)
I will be your father figure
I have had enough of crime
I will be the one who loves you
‘Til the end of time.” 

The third verse is a vibe, like the first and second. Love (and sex) continues to be the modus operandi. Following the third refrain and second chorus, we get an extended bridge, another sweet section.  Bridges aren’t typically this long, but it works out well for GM. “Greet me with the eyes of a child / My love is always tellin’ me so,” he sings, continuing, “Heaven is a kiss and a smile /Just hold on, hold on, and I won’t let you go, my baby.” Although he was short-lived, dying at 53 years young, George Michael left an iconic musical catalog. “Father Figure” easily ranks near the top.