Why ‘Fastlove’ by George Michael deserves it’s roses
Thirty years on, George Michael’s 'Fastlove' is still just as exciting and as smooth as it was in 1996.
ENTERTAINMENT
Cadellin Thomas
7/7/20263 min read
Older, 30 years on [Image: Albumism]
George Michael’s second single for his third studio album, Older, was nothing short of groundbreaking. ‘Fastlove’ was released following an astounding return to form with the heavy-hearted single ‘Jesus to a Child’, dedicated to his former lover Anselmo Feleppa who had died from AIDS-related brain haemorrhage.
Fastlove is a passionate ode to a gay man’s desire for fulfillment and gratification. This comes out vividly in its lyrics, in a masterful way that won’t make you think twice, as the groove carries you in its rhythm.
George Michael's Fastlove [video: youtube.com]
Michael leans into a dance-pop style, although Fastlove is vastly different from other dance releases in the 1990s. It retains a distinctive weave into R&B and hip-hop styles, which is stunningly underlined by Michael’s rich vocals. The original release, titled Fastlove Pt. 1, has a video, album and radio version around 5 minutes long. Nevertheless, their qualities are not just upheld, but strengthened in the alternative release of Fastlove Pt. 2. Released on the deluxe version of Older, this addition gives an (underrated, and) incredibly catchy prequel of its predecessor.
The track is also co-written by the legendary multi-instrumentalist Patrice Rushen, and features an interpolation of her 1982 single Forget Me Nots, which Michael has added as a shrill, yet luscious, whisper-style vocal around the chorus.
Ahead of its time in many ways, one being the electronic production bringing a great justice to Michael’s vocals and other instruments of the song, including an enriching saxophone that gives a cherry-on-top, classic effect to the song’s discussion of passion.
It’s no wonder critics and fans alike have praised Michael for his bravery in releasing a sleek tribute to hookups, one that became simultaneously a classic and so obviously about gay romance after his 1998 coming out, note to the lyric “Stupid Cupid keeps on calling me, but I see nothing in his eyes”.
One of the greatest releases of the 1990's [Image: Getty Images]
Fastlove holds up not only as a gem within Michael’s discography of diamonds, but as one of the greatest releases of the 1990’s. 30 years on, it’s still highly regarded by Michael’s broad fanbase. It’s a shame that in the decades since its release, where popularity has been dominated by radio - and now streaming and online virality - Fastlove hasn’t been able to slip through the cracks due to its adult nature and devotion to sustained listening. Tracks from decades ago that are over the 4 and a half minute mark have greatly struggled to be able to maintain or regain without the help from streaming giants or major media releases - for example, Running Up That Hill with Stranger Things.
It also slips to the back of the stage in Michael’s discography too, where the public seem to look past it to enjoy his bubbly Wham! releases or focus on his Faith era, or even to the also ahead-of-time Listen Without Prejudice. Fastlove (and arguably Older, too) are still incredible and beloved works, but still unjustly overlooked. Fastlove is only Michael’s 7th most streamed song on Spotify, a dull feat considering it’s hundreds of millions behind the likes of classics that have seeped into younger generations minds and algorithms such as Careless Whisper, Father Figure and Freedom ‘90.
Go on, give it a listen. If you haven’t heard it, you’re missing out. If you have, and it’s been a while, I bet. Give yourself a little throwback, maybe even listen to Pt. 2 if you’ve not heard it. I’m confident you won’t be let down.