Burning The Ground Exclusive
“I think there’s something you should know… I think it’s time I told you so…”
We’re taking Pride Month to the next level today with one of the most powerful anthems of self-liberation ever recorded—George Michael’s “Freedom ’90” (also known simply as “Freedom”) A bold declaration, a pop rebellion, and a deeply personal statement wrapped in a slammin’ groove, this track marked a turning point in George’s career and personal evolution.
Following the overwhelming fame of Faith, George Michael was ready to shed the image that had defined him. He famously refused to appear in the music video for Freedom! ’90—instead, letting a lineup of supermodels lip-sync the lyrics in a beautifully stylized, iconic clip. The burning jukebox, the exploding leather jacket, the shattered guitar—all symbols of a past he was torching on his own terms.
More than a personal manifesto, the song resonated with countless fans who felt the pressure to perform identities that weren’t truly theirs. “Freedom! ’90” became—and remains—a defiant celebration of choosing authenticity over expectation.
For the LGBTQ+ community, especially in the 90s, this track hit hard. George Michael would later come out publicly, but even before then, this song felt like a coded cry of self-emancipation. It still gives chills, pumps fists, and fills dance floors.
From its gospel-tinged backing vocals to its laid-back funk groove and emotional punch, Freedom! ’90 is a timeless Pride anthem for anyone who’s ever had to break free just to be who they are.
SIDE A:
Freedom (Back To Reality Mix) 6:14
SIDE B:
Fantasy 5:02
Freedom (Album Version) 6:25
VINYL GRADE:
Vinyl: Near Mint
Sleeve: Near Mint
U.S. CHART HISTORY:
| Year | Single | Chart | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Freedom | U.S. Billboard Hot 100 | #8 |
| 1990 | Freedom | U.S. Billboard Adult Contemporary | #27 |
| 1990 | Freedom | U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play | #16 |
RELEASE INFORMATION:
Label: Columbia – 44 73584, Columbia – 44-73584
Format: Vinyl, 12″, 33 ⅓ RPM
Country: US
Released: 1990
Genre: Electronic
Style: Synth-pop, Dance-pop
CREDITS:
- Arranged By, Design [Sleeve], Producer – George Michael
- Design [Sleeve] – Simon Halfon
- Engineer – Chris Porter
- Lacquer Cut By – Vlado*
- Management – Kahane Entertainment
- Photography By – Russel Young*
- Written-By – B. Romeo* (tracks: A), C. Wheeler* (tracks: A), G. Michael*, N. Hooper* (tracks: A), S. Law* (tracks: A)
NOTES:
“Freedom” taken from the Columbia release LISTEN WITHOUT PREJUDICE 46898
Buy the 12″ at DISCOGS
VINYL TRANSFER & AUDIO RESTORATION:
-DjPaulT
for burningtheground.net
THE GEAR:
Turntable: Technics SL-1200MK7
Cartridge/Stylus: Ortofon Concorde Music Black
Turntable Isolation Platform: ISO-Tone™ Turntable Isolation Platform
Platter: Pro Spin Acrylic Mat
Stabilizer: Pro-Ject Record Puck
Phono Pre-amp: Pro-Jec Tube Box DS2
Tubes: Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7 ECC83/B759 Gold Pins Vacuum Tube – Matched Pair
DAC: Alpha Design Labs GT40a USB DAC
Record Cleaning: VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Artwork Scans: Epson Workforce WF-7610 Professional Printer/Scanner
SOFTWARE:
Recording/Editing: Adobe Audition 25 (Recording)
Down Sampling/Dither: iZotope RX Advanced 2
Artwork Editor: Adobe Photoshop CS5
Click Removal: Manual
FLAC/MP3 Conversion: dBpoweramp
M3U Playlist: Playlist Creator
RESTORATION NOTES:
All vinyl rips are recorded @ 32bit/float
FLAC (Level Eight)
Artwork scanned at 600dpi
**24bit FLAC Only Available For Seven Days!
Password: burningtheground
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Paul, a slight correction to your description. The jacket burned, the jukebox exploded. Thanks for sharing all of the music with us!
Oh man! One of my favorite artists, and I love-love-love this song and its album. Thank you very much for this share !
I remember when this came out, he was doing the cover II cover tour and there was a report on MTV that George Michael had recorded Back II Life, Fame and other covers for a follow up: Listen Without Prejudice Vol. II, I was looking forward to that and thought this was a taste of things to come… I guess that was just a fantasy. It’s a shame the record label didn’t just let George do his thing… This song did seem to be a veiled coming out, the video was an effective critique of the industry, enrolling supermodels, creating… Read more »
Yes, Joey—what a memory! I totally remember those Listen Without Prejudice Vol. II rumors too. Back then, hearing about him recording Back II Life, Fame, and other covers had me buzzing with anticipation. It really felt like Freedom! ’90 was giving us a glimpse of where he was headed creatively—and emotionally. You’re spot on about the video too: those supermodels mouthing his lyrics while he stayed out of frame was such a brilliant subversion. It said everything without him needing to spell it out. The industry may have tried to hold him back, but George found a way to express… Read more »
I didn’t know about the “Back To Reality” mix, but of course its a line from a Soul II Soul track. The music video to Freedom 90 is such an iconic masterpiece, then and now.
I still have the Listen Without Prejudice album on various formats.
Thanks Paul.
You’re very welcome, Mark.
So iconic!! I’m actually surprised this didn’t reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. You would have thought so given this song was EVERYWHERE at the time. Boy do I miss him. I think of him as his generation’s Elton John. So talented and gone much too soon. For a man to weave his personal expressions into such a joyous, catchy and moving 6+ minutes of pure bliss… Now that’s a real artist. Thank you so much Paul!!
I couldn’t agree more—it felt like a No. 1 in every way! Freedom! ’90 was absolutely everywhere and still holds up as one of George’s most defining moments. I love what you said about him being his generation’s Elton John—such a great comparison. He had that same ability to blend personal storytelling with unforgettable melodies and soul. And yes, the fact that he could channel all that emotion, rebellion, and joy into a six-minute pop masterpiece? That’s the mark of a true artist. We really did lose him far too soon. Thank you so much for the kind words—I’m honored… Read more »
When I listen to the Back to Reality mix on the single, I keep half expecting Neneh Cherry to finish the line, “Yeah Timmy, check out this dj…”
Haha yes, Mike! That’s exactly the vibe! The Back to Reality Mix really leans into that Soul II Soul / Neneh Cherry energy—it’s got that smoky, streetwise groove that feels like a mashup waiting to happen. Every time that line hits, I brace for Neneh to drop in with some fierce attitude! Love that you caught that too—such a fun, unexpected flavor in George’s catalog.
Wow thanks for this one Paul! Excellent sound quality!!!
Thank you, Nubben. I have done some tinkering with the load capacitance on my pre-amp, and I think I have it pretty much dialed in, in part thanks to you sending me some info. The stylus is also starting to settle in. Thanks for everything 🙂
Thank you very much, Paul. Freedom is part of my permanent playlist. Freedom really hits the spot, especially this week which hasn’t been my best.
You’re so welcome, Muff Diver. I’m really glad Freedom could bring some light your way—especially during a rough week. It’s one of those rare songs that lifts you up while still feeling deeply personal. George really knew how to tap into something universal. Hang in there, and I hope the music keeps giving you strength. ❤️
For me, the parent album is quintessential George Michael. I don’t think he ever sounded so passionate, so real, so vocally and musically talented as he did on this album. This song is forever a groove for me including the absolutely amazing live performance of it on the MTV10 Special! That should’ve been included on the reissue box set!
The fact that the follow up vol. 2 dance album never saw the light of day is a crime. Hello Estate, can you compile it from his notes somewhere??? Is the completed album languishing in a vault somewhere?
Thanks Paul!
Yes! You nailed it—Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 is truly George at his most authentic, raw, and musically brilliant. There’s just so much heart and honesty in every note. That MTV10 performance? Chills. He absolutely tore the roof off with that one—it’s criminal that it wasn’t included in the reissue box. And don’t get me started on Vol. 2… the thought that it might be sitting unheard in a vault somewhere is almost too much to take. The world deserves that record. Fingers crossed the estate takes note! Thanks so much for sharing your passion, ING—it’s always a joy to… Read more »
Chills is right, it was without a doubt the highlight of the entire special! So glad I captured it on VHS 📼 when it aired…although I’m betting someone has uploaded it to YouTube… loved it so much I once dubbed the audio onto a mixtape!
This is a great song and was quite popular on the radio. His Listen Without Prejudice album was very somber and mostly ballad tracks. Freedom is very different than every other song on that album. I was quite disappointed with the album since he had such amazing tracks with Wham! and the Faith album was 100% gold. Thanks for the rip!
Thanks, Fred! Totally get where you’re coming from—Freedom! ’90 really does stand apart on Listen Without Prejudice. It’s got that bold, infectious energy that harkens back to his Wham! and Faith days, while the rest of the album leans into a more introspective, subdued space. I think that shift caught a lot of people off guard at the time. Still, it shows how fearless George was in evolving as an artist. I’m glad you’re enjoying the rip—and thank you for sharing your thoughts!
SWEET!! Paul, this is the jam!! I’ve always loved dancing and singing along to this track. Out on the floor, it would take me away! For me, it’s the album version. The “Back to Reality Mix” has that cool Soul II Soul vibe, but doesn’t have the energy like the album version. My friend, who really was into Metallica at the time, loved this record. He even requested me to record the album for him on cassette. Such wonderful memories come with this record! And the flipside was most excellent, too! Those horns and jazziness made it equally irresistible! Thank… Read more »
2 of the Writers on Freedom were from Soul II Soul. 🙂 Some great sampling of Sinead O’Connor and Neneh Cherry! I wish they had released more mixes such as a dub or bonus beats or something else.
I did not remember this! How cool 😎
Agree whole heartedly! It’s his artistic peak!
Love this, Jeff!! You always bring such joy and great memories with your comments—thank you! I totally get what you mean: the album version just soars with that anthemic energy, it’s pure lift-off on the dance floor. And how cool that even your Metallica-loving friend felt the magic enough to want it on cassette! That just shows how universal George’s appeal really was. And YES to the flipside—those horns are everything. I’m so glad this one brought back such good vibes. You’re the best, Jeff—thank you for being here and dancing along with me! 🕺✨🎶