George Michael’s “Careless Whisper” returns to the top 10 on two U.K.-based charts, as vinyl … More
George Michael remains one of the most successful names in the history of the U.K. music industry. He first broke out in the early 1980s as one half of Wham!, scoring hit after hit with the pop duo before transitioning into an even more successful solo career. Decades later, Michael’s music continues to chart, as some of his tunes are regarded as classics, especially in his home country.
Even before launching his solo career officially, Michael found ways to distinguish himself from the duo that brought him superstardom. While still a member of Wham!, he released a solo single that was featured on the group’s second album, which was an unusual move at the time (and would still be considered one today). That song, “Careless Whisper,” became an instant smash, and now, it’s back.
“Careless Whisper” Returns to the Top 10
“Careless Whisper” bolts back into the top 10 on a pair of Official Charts Company rankings – the United Kingdom’s version of Billboard. The track jumps from No. 22 to No. 9 on the Official Vinyl Singles list and simultaneously climbs from No. 19 to No. 10 on the Official Physical Singles ranking.
George Michael’s Chart-Topper – Again and Again
While “Careless Whisper” is once again a bestseller this frame, this isn’t the first time it has risen toward the top of the physical-focused tallies. The song has previously hit No. 1 on both the Official Vinyl Singles and Official Physical Singles charts, and it’s still selling very well to this day.
“Careless Whisper” Debuted Only a Few Months Ago
“Careless Whisper” first reached the aforementioned charts in October 2024 when it was issued on vinyl. Since then, it hasn’t dropped out of the top 20 on the Official Physical Singles list, which is certainly a remarkable feat for a track originally released four decades ago. It even spent two frames atop the Official Physical Singles tally and has continued to rank as one of the top-performing vinyl cuts in the country ever since the fall of 2024.
Approaching 40 Years of “Careless Whisper”
Originally released in July 1984, “Careless Whisper” recently passed its fortieth anniversary. The ballad was included on Make It Big, Wham!’s second album, though it’s credited solely to Michael as the performer — though both Michael and Andrew Ridgeley co-wrote the tune. That album also produced other massive hits like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Freedom,” and “Everything She Wants.”
George Michael’s Album is Also Performing Well
“Careless Whisper” stands as Michael’s lone hit on the singles charts this week, but it’s not his only placement on the U.K. rankings. The late icon also appears on the Official Albums roster, thanks to his Twenty Five compilation. That greatest hits set lifts from No. 51 to No. 48, scoring its milestone four-hundredth week on the tally. Over on the Official Albums Streaming list, it lands even higher, at No. 43, though it slips two spaces.
