“Freedom! ’90” is a song by British singer George Michael, released in 1990 as the third single from his second solo album, Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1. The song became one of Michael’s most iconic tracks and is celebrated for both its message and its innovative music video.
“Freedom! ’90” is a pop-funk anthem with a lively, upbeat sound. It features a driving piano riff, prominent bass, and funky guitar work, giving it a more danceable feel than some of his earlier solo work. Michael’s powerful vocals and the catchy chorus make it an energetic, radio-friendly hit. The song’s production showcases a mix of pop, rock, and R&B elements, adding to its broad appeal.
“Freedom! ’90” was a commercial success reaching No.1 on the Canada Top Singles chart, and No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. In the UK, the song reached No. 28 on the UK Singles Chart, but it gained immense popularity over time and is considered one of Michael’s most enduring hits.
The music video for “Freedom! ’90,” directed by David Fincher, is iconic and innovative. It famously does not feature George Michael himself. Instead, five of the world’s top supermodels of the time—Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, and Tatjana Patitz—lip-synched to the song.
English singer-songwriter Robbie Williams covered “Freedom” and released it as his debut solo single in July 1996