"Soul Free" is a song by English singer-songwriter George Michael, released in 1991 in various territories as the final single from his second solo studio album, Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 (1990).
Contents
Release
In April 1991, "Soul Free" was released as a cassette single in North America by Columbia Records under the catalogue number 38T 73799, featuring an edited version of "Cowboys and Angels" as the B-side. In Japan, the single was released in the mini CD format by Epic Records on 1 June. In Australia, "Soul Free" was issued as a CD and cassette single on 8 July, featuring "Praying for Time" and "Freedom! '90" as the B-sides.
"Soul Free" reached number 95 on the ARIA singles chart.
Critical reception
In a review for the Gavin Report, critic Dave Sholin wrote, "Whether it's stirring, introspective pieces or light hearted, upbeat creations such as this Reggae-tinged track, it's always a musical adventure when it comes to the genius of George Michael."
"Soul Free" received positive commentary in retrospective reviews. In its 2003 reappraisal of Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1, Slant Magazine noted the song as "the only bona fide uptempo tune besides 'Freedom! '90'," and praised its hip-hop rhythm, "reggae-inflected" melody and Michael's "signature bouncy keyboards and falsetto." In a 2020 review for BBC Online, Nick Levine wrote that "the house-flecked 'Soul Free' [...] shimmered with the possibility of a semi-illicit thrill as Michael sang in an ecstatic falsetto: 'When you touch me baby, I don't have no choice, oh that sweet temptation in your voice!'"
Personnel
Credits adapted from the Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 album liner notes.
George Michael – vocals, bass, keyboards
Tony Patler – keyboards
Danny Cummings – percussion