George Michael, celebrated for his vocal prowess and innovative musical interpretations, was not just a singer; he was a genre unto himself, as Sam Smith aptly noted. His ability to transform any song into a “George song” is perhaps best exemplified in his 1999 album, Songs from the Last Century, a collection of personally cherished covers. Among these reimagined tracks is “Roxanne,” a song originally penned and performed by The Police.
Sam Smith on George Michael
George Michael’s “Songs from the Last Century”: A Personal Ode to Music
In a 1999 interview on Capital FM, George Michael offered insights into his album Songs from the Last Century. He described the project as a selection of songs he had always desired to sing, emphasizing it was a deeply personal collection rather than a definitive compilation of the century’s greatest hits. Michael aimed to showcase the diverse musical landscape of the 20th century beyond rock and roll, opting for songs that lent themselves to a “gentle delivery,” enhanced by strings and woodwind arrangements. This album was also a deliberate move for Michael to challenge himself vocally by performing with live musicians, creating a raw and authentic sound.
Why “Roxanne”? Choosing a Sting Song for a Unique Cover
When discussing his choice of “Roxanne,” George Michael admitted it wasn’t his top Sting song. However, his selection was rooted in deep respect for Sting and Bono, whom he considered two of the most influential British songwriters of his era. Michael’s criteria for cover songs leaned towards tracks he felt weren’t initially “perfect,” offering room for his own artistic enhancement. While acknowledging “Roxanne” as a “great song,” he expressed a lack of strong affinity for the original recording, setting the stage for his transformative cover.
A Jazzy Twist on The Police’s Hit Song
George Michael’s rendition of “Roxanne Song” departs significantly from The Police’s reggae-rock vibe, morphing into a smooth, jazzy ballad. This transformation was born from a spontaneous moment of inspiration at his computer. Michael sought a well-known song from a more recent era (post-70s/80s) that he could completely reinvent. The result is a sophisticated and mellow “Roxanne” that highlights Michael’s vocal agility and his flair for reinterpretation.
The Music Video: Reflecting “Roxanne”‘s Narrative in Amsterdam
Faithful to the narrative of Sting’s original “Roxanne,” which tells the story of a man’s love for a prostitute, George Michael’s music video ventured into Amsterdam’s red light district. The video, directed by Joanna Bailey, aimed for realism, featuring actual sex workers in their working environment. This bold approach, as reported by BBC News, meant the video was unlikely to be aired on daytime television due to its mature content. Michael’s spokesperson defended the artistic choice, emphasizing the singer’s commitment to creating a video that authentically reflected the song’s themes. The video notably features Franciska, a prostitute aspiring to become a model, adding a layer of narrative depth to the visuals.
See also George Michael’s Cover of Don McLean’s Song ‘The Grave’
George Michael’s “Roxanne” remains a testament to his artistry—his capacity to honor the essence of a song while imbuing it with his distinct musical identity. It’s a standout track in his covers album, showcasing his genre-bending talent and his courage to tackle even iconic songs with a fresh and innovative perspective.
Watch the original video for George Michael’s Roxanne:
George Michael – Roxanne from ASTRONAUT STATION on Vimeo.
Here’s George Michael performing Roxanne live
