Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 cover art

  Studio Album · No. 2

Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 Songwriting Credits by George Michael

1990 Columbia Records 10 tracks 48 min

Produced by George Michael  ·  Engineered by Chris Porter

Columbia Records PopR&BRock
90%
Authorship
Artist

Holds writing credit on 9 of 10 tracks

Authorship Breakdown 9 / 10 documented

Who wrote the songs?

Scored across the 10 tracks with documented writers, by whether George Michael carries a lyricist or composer credit.

90%
9 trackswritten by George Michael 1 trackoutside writers
George Michael's roles on this album

Share of the 10 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.

Lyricist90%
Composer90%
Producer100%
Performer100%

By the Numbers

10
Tracks
5
Lyricists
1
Producers
1
No.1 Single
8 million
Worldwide Copies Sold
1990
Released

Awards & Recognition 1

Best British Album (1991)
Data Insight

Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 was George Michael's deliberate retreat from the pop-star imagery of Faith, and he again wrote and produced the album almost entirely on his own. Every track is his own composition, and the record's introspective tone reflects his decision to foreground the songwriting rather than his image. 'Praying for Time' and 'Freedom! 90' are self-written and self-produced statements about fame and authenticity. The album confirmed him as a writer-producer in full command of his own catalog.

Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 is George Michael's second solo studio album, released September 3, 1990 on Columbia Records. Self-produced in its entirety, the album showcases Michael's songwriting maturity. It includes one cover ('They Won't Go When I Go' by Stevie Wonder) and one track sampling the Rolling Stones ('Waiting for That Day').

Track Listing & Credits 10 tracks

Written by the artist Written by outside writers
#TitleLyricist(s)Composer(s)Producer(s)Performers
1
Praying for Time #1
George Michael George Michael George Michael George Michael (Vocals)
2
Freedom! '90 #8
George Michael George Michael George Michael George Michael (Vocals)
3
They Won't Go When I Go
Stevie WonderYvonne Wright Stevie WonderYvonne Wright George Michael George Michael (Vocals)
4
Something to Save
George Michael George Michael George Michael George Michael (Vocals)
5
Cowboys and Angels
George Michael George Michael George Michael George Michael (Vocals)
6
Waiting for That Day #27
George MichaelMick JaggerKeith Richards George MichaelMick JaggerKeith Richards George Michael George Michael (Vocals)
7
Mother's Pride
George Michael George Michael George Michael George Michael (Vocals)
8
Heal the Pain
George Michael George Michael George Michael George Michael (Vocals)
9
Soul Free
George Michael George Michael George Michael George Michael (Vocals)
10
Waiting (Reprise)
George Michael George Michael George Michael George Michael (Vocals)

Songwriter & Credit Spotlight 5 contributors

More from George Michael

Frequently Asked Questions Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1

Did George Michael write Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 himself?
Yes. George Michael wrote every track and produced the album almost entirely himself. The record was a deliberate move to emphasize his songwriting over the pop-star image of Faith. It is one of his purest statements as a self-contained writer-producer.
What is Praying for Time by George Michael about?
'Praying for Time' is a somber, socially conscious song George Michael wrote and produced about inequality and human compassion. It reached number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, his last solo single to top that chart. He chose it as the album's lead single instead of a more conventional pop track.
How high did Freedom! '90 chart for George Michael?
'Freedom! 90' peaked at number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song, written and produced by George Michael, addressed his discomfort with celebrity and is widely regarded as a career highlight. Its video, featuring supermodels rather than Michael himself, reinforced the album's anti-image stance.
Why did George Michael make Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1?
George Michael made the album to step away from the pop-idol image that Faith had built. He declined to appear in most of its videos and pushed the focus toward his writing. The approach led to a public dispute with his label over promotion.
What genre is Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1?
The album blends pop with R&B and rock. Its tone is more restrained and introspective than Faith, with acoustic-leaning arrangements on several tracks. The sound reflected Michael's intent to be taken seriously as a songwriter.
Did Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 win any awards?
Yes. It won Best British Album at the 1991 Brit Awards. The album was certified 2x Platinum in the US and 4x Platinum in the UK. It sold approximately eight million copies worldwide.

Sources