Soul Free

"Soul Free"
Single by George Michael
from the album Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1
Written	June 1990
Released	1991 (1991)
Genre	Pop funk blue-eyed soul
Length	5:30
Label	Epic Columbia
Songwriter(s)	George Michael
Producer(s)	George Michael
George Michael singles chronology
"Cowboys and Angels" (1991) "Soul Free" (1991) "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" (1991)
Licensed audio
"Soul Free" on YouTube

"Soul Free" is a song by English singer-songwriter George Michael, released in 1991 as the sixth and final single from his 1990 album Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1. The track was distributed as a promotional single in select markets including Australia, the United States, Japan, and Mexico, but was not commercially released in the United Kingdom.

Background

"Soul Free" is the final track on Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1, standing out from the album's mostly introspective tone with its upbeat and groove-oriented arrangement. Written and produced by George Michael, the song blends elements of funk, soul, and hip-hop-inspired beats, reflecting his desire to experiment stylistically while shifting away from the polished pop of his previous album, Faith.

Lyrically, the song expresses themes of emotional independence and spiritual liberation, with lines that challenge social and religious conventions. It was one of the few tracks on the album to feature dense production and a danceable rhythm, balancing the reflective content with a more rhythmic style.

Release

While not issued as a full commercial single in most territories, "Soul Free" received several promotional releases:

• In the United States, Columbia Records issued two promotional CDs:
  • CSK 4059 – featuring a special radio edit of "Soul Free" and "Cowboys and Angels".
  • CSK 73799 – a single-track version containing the album cut.
• Australia was the only country to receive a commercial CD single release. It reached number 95 on the ARIA Singles Chart.
• In Japan, a 12" promotional vinyl single was issued by Epic Records.
• In Mexico, a 7" promo single titled "Alma Libre" was released by CBS Records.

Critical reception

"Soul Free" received positive commentary in retrospective reviews. In its 2017 reappraisal of the album, Slant Magazine noted the song as "the only bona fide uptempo tune besides 'Freedom! '90'," and praised its fusion of hip-hop rhythms and sophisticated vocal layering.

The Guardian, in a 2020 list of George Michael's greatest songs, described it as "a silky, stylish closer to an album that proved George Michael could transcend pop superstardom with substance".

Live performances

George Michael included "Soul Free" in his setlist during the 2011 Symphonica Tour. The track was performed with orchestral backing and appeared during his concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London, where critics noted it as a highlight in an otherwise ballad-heavy show. Renowned for Sound described it as a "welcome jolt of vitality".

Track listings

Australia CD single (Epic 657295 2)

1. "Soul Free" – 5:30
2. "Freedom! '90" – 6:30
3. "Praying for Time" – 4:40

Japan 12" promo (Epic QY.3P-90137)

1. "Soul Free" – 5:30
2. "Praying for Time" – 4:40
3. "Freedom! '90" – 6:30

Mexico 7" promo (CBS PR-95433)

1. "Alma Libre (Soul Free)" – 5:30

US Promo CD (CSK 4059)

1. "Soul Free" (Special Radio Edit) – 4:19
2. "Cowboys and Angels" (Radio Edit) – 4:34

US Promo CD (CSK 73799)

1. "Soul Free" – 5:30

Charts

Weekly chart performance

Chart (1991)	Peak position
Australia (ARIA)	95

External links

• "Soul Free" at Discogs (list of releases)