George Michael, “One More Try” | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

On the 19^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2021), we recollect and reflect on “One More Try” performed by late pop icon, George Michael. 

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he vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! On the 19^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2021), we recollect and reflect on 🎵 “One More Try”, performed by late pop icon, 🎙 George Michael.

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Theme & Lyrics ✍

“‘Cause teacher / There are things that I don’t want to learn / And the last one I had / Made me cry.” The timeless 🎵 “One More Try” was a no. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 from 💿 Faith.  Faith marked the biggest album of 🎙 George Michael’s career, ultimately winning the 🏆 Grammy for Album of the Year.  If Mr. Michael had never released another album, Faith was enough to secure his legacy – that iconic status.

“Now I think it’s time
That you let me know
So, if you love me
Say you love me
But if you don’t
Just let me go.”

“One More Try,” an utterly sublime ballad, plays to Michael’s strengths, allowing him to flaunt his gorgeous tone.  Running nearly six minutes in duration, Michael milks this gem for what its worth, and who can blame him! George was an incredibly handsome fella but even better than his ravishing looks was that marvelous instrument – what a voice, what a voice, what a voice!  Regarding production, “One More Try” is firmly planted in the 1980s. The backdrop, fueled by electric keyboard (the patch, pads, and synths) sounds little like the music of the aughts and beyond.  Despite lacking flashiness or pizzazz, the sound feels right.  Yes, such a canvas is ‘dated’ by today’s advanced production standards, yet, you can’t help but heart the sounds of old – the vintage aesthetic.

As previously highlighted, the vocals are the crème de la crème.  Additionally, shout out Michaels’ songwriting skills as the sole writer. The result is a personal, authentic song that shines thanks to the simplicity and sheer artistry.  The chorus is the centerpiece, thriving off love and heartbreak:

“And teacher
There are things that I still have to learn
But the one thing I have is my pride
Oh, so I don’t want to learn to
Hold you, touch you
Think that you’re mine
Because there ain’t no joy
For an uptown boy
Who just isn’t willin’ to try.” 

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Final Thoughts 💭

Worth noting, 🎙 Mariah Carey does a nice job of covering “One More Try” on her 2014 album, 💿 Me. I Am Mariah… The Elusive Chanteuse.  I compared the original and her cover on  George Michael vs. Mariah Carey: Head 2 Head 🗣️ No. 5.  Ultimately, the definitive version is and will always belong to George Michael – NO CAP.  His voice sounds incredible, and the simplicity of the production is sufficient. “One More Try” is a throwback vibe that requires no tweaks or alterations.

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🎙 George Michael • 💿 Faith • 🏷 Sony • 📅 1987
George Michael, “One More Try”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 19 [📷: Brent Faulkner, cotton bro,  The Musical Hype, Sony]

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