Remember the days when sexy looked effortless?
Naomi. Linda. Christy. Cindy. Tatjana.
"To win the race,
A prettier face!
A prettier face!
Brand new clothes and a big fat place
On your rock and roll TV.''
This was the image of success George Michael questioned when he released Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 in September 1990, exactly 21 years ago. The album was monumental for the English pop star because it suggested a deliberate shift in his reputation from a bad ass sex symbol to a conscious singer who wanted to be taken more seriously. Up until that point he existed in a perfectly packaged shiny box for mass consumption and saw much success thanks in large part to Sony with whom he hoped to sever ties. So if it wasn't broke then why fix it?? Perhaps the man behind the music was broken in the midst all his glory.''I think it's time I stopped the show.
There's something deep inside of me.
There's someone I forgot to be.''
The album explored topics like "identity, social ills such as poverty, hunger, homelessness, the callousness of the rich." George Michael didn't use his pretty face to sell the record --or MTV for that matter. "Freedom! 90" was the only music video released. Music critics called the album boring -- and you know what? It still sold MILLIONS!! Proving that the truth can be commercial and its ok for artists to evolve.
Imagine what was going on in the world at that time and place it against the current social, economic and political landscape. In the past decade a spirit of fear coaxed with illusion has blanketed this country in so many ways. With the increasing instability rising in this country, frantic folks are abandoning their American Dream, hopping on the nearest bandwagons heading nowhere fast. Fear kills countless dreams, halts progression, and ultimately stifles potential. To live a life in fear of your does not serve you or anyone else in the world. Don't be afraid to be uncomfortable, don't be afraid to use your voice or be something aside from what people call you. Design a beautiful life and live in the way you see fit. Liberate yourself from whatever personal or social trappings that are holding you back. Do not be afraid to ask for Freedom from whatever is keeping you from your best self. I just hope you understand that sometimes the clothes do not make the man... Sexiness lies in self assuredness and total liberation after all.
--Ebony Griffin
