George Michael Named Smooth Radio's Biggest Icon – But What Are His 10 Greatest Songs?
George Michael has once again been crowned the greatest artist of all time by Smooth Radio listeners. But with an extraordinary catalogue spanning Wham!, solo hits and unforgettable collaborations, which 10 songs stand above the rest?
George Michael has once again proved his enduring popularity, after being voted Smooth Radio's greatest artist of all time in the 2026 Smooth Icons countdown.
The result marks the fifth time Michael has taken the overall title and his fourth consecutive victory, underlining the lasting impact of one of Britain's most successful and influential pop stars. Michael Jackson finished second in this year's Smooth Icons countdown, with Queen taking third place. SSmooth
It is another remarkable achievement for an artist whose career produced hits across several decades, first as one half of Wham! before establishing himself as a hugely successful solo performer.
But while Smooth Radio listeners have settled the question of who is the greatest artist, another debate remains open:
What are George Michael's 10 greatest songs of all time?
With everything from Careless Whisper and Faith to Freedom! '90 and Fastlove in his catalogue, narrowing the list down to just 10 is no easy task.
Here is our ranking.
1. Careless Whisper
It is almost impossible to put anything else at number one.
Originally released by Wham! but written by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, Careless Whisper has become one of the most recognisable songs in pop history.
The instantly recognisable saxophone introduction, emotional lyrics and Michael's unmistakable vocal performance have made the song a permanent fixture on radio playlists.
Its popularity remains enormous. In Smooth's 2026 All Time Top 500, Careless Whisper once again took the number-one position after listeners voted for their favourite songs. Michael's A Different Corner finished second, while Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody was third. SSmooth
For sheer longevity, emotional impact and recognisability, Careless Whisper is difficult to beat.
2. A Different Corner
If Careless Whisper represents George Michael at his most instantly recognisable, A Different Corner represents him at his most vulnerable.
Released in 1986, the song showcased Michael's ability to strip things back and let the emotion of his voice carry the performance.
It has remained one of his most beloved songs and has consistently performed strongly in Smooth's listener votes.
Indeed, its number-two position in the 2026 All Time Top 500 demonstrates just how highly listeners continue to regard it. SSmooth
3. Freedom! '90
With its infectious groove and instantly memorable chorus, Freedom! '90 became one of George Michael's defining solo moments.
The song arrived during a period when Michael was distancing himself from the image associated with his earlier career.
Its message of independence and self-determination gave it a significance beyond simply being another pop hit.
It also became closely associated with the famous 1990 music video featuring a group of major fashion models rather than Michael himself.
Decades later, Freedom! '90 still sounds remarkably contemporary.
4. Faith
There is perhaps no better demonstration of Michael's ability to reinvent himself than Faith.
The title track from his hugely successful 1987 solo album presented a very different image from the sensitive balladeer associated with Careless Whisper.
With its acoustic guitar, handclaps and rockabilly-inspired rhythm, Faith became one of the signature songs of the late 1980s.
It also helped establish Michael as a solo superstar capable of succeeding completely outside Wham!.
5. Father Figure
Dark, atmospheric and sensual, Father Figure showed another side of Michael's artistry.
Released from the Faith album, the song became a major international hit and remains one of his most distinctive recordings.
The production is understated compared with some of his biggest pop singles, allowing his vocals and the song's atmosphere to take centre stage.
It is also an excellent example of why Michael's catalogue cannot simply be reduced to upbeat pop hits.
6. Fastlove
By the mid-1990s, Michael had moved into a more mature phase of his career.
Fastlove, released in 1996, combined a sophisticated R&B-influenced production with an infectious chorus and a confident vocal performance.
The song demonstrated that Michael could adapt to changing musical tastes without losing his identity.
It remains one of the standout tracks from Older and a favourite among fans of his later work.
7. Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me – with Elton John
George Michael's ability to collaborate with other major artists produced some memorable moments, but his performance of Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me with Elton John stands apart.
The pair's live recording became a huge success, turning a classic Elton John and Bernie Taupin song into a defining George Michael moment as well.
Michael's vocal performance showed the power and control that had made him one of the leading singers of his generation.
The song also remained part of his legacy long after its original release, including his memorable 2009 performance with X Factor winner Joe McElderry. SSmooth
8. Jesus to a Child
Jesus to a Child marked a striking change in tone for Michael.
Released in 1996, the deeply personal ballad became one of his most emotional recordings.
Its stripped-back, melancholic atmosphere allowed Michael to demonstrate his songwriting abilities as well as his voice.
The song has also become an important part of his legacy, with Michael later donating its royalties to ChildLine. SSmooth
9. Praying for Time
Released in 1990, Praying for Time was a serious and reflective song that demonstrated Michael's willingness to move away from straightforward pop songwriting.
Its lyrics addressed inequality, suffering and the state of society, giving the track a weight that distinguished it from many of his earlier singles.
It became the opening single from Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1, an album that represented a significant artistic shift for Michael.
The result was a song that felt both personal and universal.
10. Kissing a Fool
Rounding out our top 10 is Kissing a Fool, one of Michael's most sophisticated ballads.
The jazz-influenced arrangement gave him the opportunity to showcase a different vocal style, while the lyrics explored insecurity and heartbreak.
It may not have the instant recognition of Careless Whisper or Faith, but it demonstrates the breadth of Michael's musicianship.
It is also one of the tracks that helps explain why his catalogue has remained so highly regarded among fans and critics.
Honourable mentions
Of course, choosing only 10 George Michael songs means leaving out some major contenders.
Fantasy, Amazing, I Can't Make You Love Me, Waiting for That Day, Heal the Pain, Outside, Older and As with Mary J. Blige could all make a convincing case.
Smooth Radio's own George Michael catalogue highlights many of these songs among his biggest recordings, alongside Careless Whisper, A Different Corner, Faith, Father Figure, Kissing a Fool, Freedom! '90, Praying for Time, Fastlove and Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me. SSmooth
Smooth Radio has also previously published its own ranking of Michael's 20 greatest songs, although its list takes a different approach, putting tracks including True Faith, Fantasy and Amazing at the top. SSmooth
A legacy that refuses to fade
George Michael died in 2016, but a decade later his music remains as popular as ever.
His latest Smooth Icons victory is perhaps the clearest evidence of that enduring connection. Being named the station's greatest artist for a fifth time places him ahead of a remarkable field of musicians, while his continued dominance of Smooth's song countdowns shows that listeners are not simply remembering his music — they are still actively choosing it.
From the heartbreak of Careless Whisper to the independence of Freedom! '90, the intimacy of A Different Corner and the ambition of Praying for Time, Michael's catalogue covered an extraordinary range of emotions.
And perhaps that is why the debate over his greatest song is so difficult.
The artist may have been crowned, but the argument over his greatest song is likely to continue for generations.
Suggested headline alternative: George Michael Is Officially Smooth Radio's Biggest Icon – But Which 10 Songs Are His Greatest Ever?